Never Give Up!!

[KarlChi]

I've been reading some of the posts. It makes me sad to see all the problems people are having with this condition. I guess condition is the right thing to call it. I don't think disease is quite correct. I had my first seizure in February of 2010. I had a funny feeling and then passed out. I was driving at the time but somehow managed to stop the car. I was out of it for about 12 hours afterwards. At the time didn't have idea what epilepsy was. Didn't have another seizure for six months at which time I had a series of seizures which landed me in the hospital for three days. I was then put on Keppra. Five months later I had a couple more very mild seizures. dosage of Keppra upped. Finally, taking maximum dose of Keppra 3,000MG a day. This past June suddenly had extremely serious seizures. even passed out while on my feet. Hit my face on something on the way down to the floor which resulted in my getting eight stitches in my lips. Remember none of it. Now they have me taking Trileptal too. So far so good...but it's only been three months. I saw somewhere on the internet that Keppra or the generic which is what I've been on, can cause worse seizures. Anyone out there know anything about that? My neurologist doesn't know anything about it! Finding understanding in other people is a hard thing to come by. Still able to work but because of my condition I find it uncomfortable doing certain things. Of course, my boss gives me a hard time about it. even my wife doesn't understand. Her attitude is blame the victim.....like I'm enjoying having a big part of my life stolen away from me....not being able to drive etc. So I feel as if I have to fight against everything and everybody. But there is no giving up!! We must never give up. Trying to stay positive cannot hurt. There has to be a way to get this under control. A lady I used to work with has had epilepsy since she was 14 years old, yet she has it under control and is able to live a normal life. Thanks! And hang in there!

 

[epileric]

Welcome KarlChi

Wow, I can't help but think how lucky you were to have had a seizure while driving and gotten out of it OK.

I was on Keppra myself for a while. The seizures I got were much milder but much more frequent. It does happen with some people but you have to remember that many AEDs can increase seizures. Also remember that quite often it's the people who are upset at having a negative experience that post. I'm sure many people haven't had seizures increased but it's just not something you'd post since that's what we expect. For that reason,don't be too scared by (yet don't ignore) a lot of the complaints. Be aware of how you feel & how/if you are being helped.

I've seen that attitude towards epilepsy that you describe. I know a lot people on this site do too. Here's a good example that was recently posted.

I do like your attitude though. I think I needed to hear someone say "don't give up". Thanks.

 

[Blue Cat]

I hope your current meds do the trick for you. I'm on 2000 generic Keppra which was put on top of Lamictal after my last seizure. My advise is find out where your generic is made. Is it an Indian or Chinese import or something made by a company like Mylan or Teva who actually gets proper oversight. My generic is Mylan, no problems. I had to back to brand Lamictal as the indian generic was causing massive swings in my blood plasma levels. Never give up, never surrender.

 

[survivor]

Hello karlchi! I have a habbit of reading all the posts of the foyers and see what they have to say. First of all let me congratulate u dear, u are the first newbie who talks about the positive attitude and not just the problem. So dear, u have already won half of the battle that way! Dont change the attitude and just see wonders happening to u. Everything will improve. Try and talk to ur wife in detail. Tell her all u feel. open up ur heart completely. Best of luck!