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Dalene

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Hi Everyone,
My name is Dalene and I am from South Africa. I have grand mal epilepsy since the age of 15. It was well under control for many years. I stopped my medication at the age of 42 and did not had a seizure for the following 14 years. It felt like getting a second breath. Suddenly out of the blue I got two grand mal seizures two weeks apart at 56. With this came partial seizures. The grand mal seizures are under control but we struggle to get the partial seizures under control. I am going to see the neurosurgeon on 22 August to see if I am a candidate for a brain op.
Must tell you guys one benefit was that I could stop coaching, Fitball, kickboxing, boxing, free weight lifting and Zumba at the company were I am the Wellness coordinator. The kids did not believe it was time for me to put on the breaks. I do miss the Gym a lot but at least I have some time now to give more attention to other areas of my work. Hope they will employ a nice young good looking new coach (LOL) Then I will join the Yoga classes.
 
Welcome!p.

Dalene,

So sorry to hear about your seizures returning. Hope you can find some help and support here. This is a great group.
 
Thanks for the welcome. I will need a lot of support as I am a little scared of what is waiting after August.
 
Hello and welcome to CWE! :D
It's normal to be scared, but try not to dwell on it too much... as they say, "Worrying solves nothing." :)
I recommend enjoying each day as they come, and not ruining the here-and-now with stress and worry over something that's months away. :)
 
Hi, Welcome to CWE. Stick your head into all the diff. forums there is LOTS of inform.
 
Hi Dalene, welcome to CWE!

It's great that you had a 14-year seizure free break! Is it possible that menopause may have played a role in your relapse? Often seizures can return then because of the drop in progesterone that occurs then. If this seems like a possibility, you may want to ask your docs about hormonal treatments (with progesterone), in addition to the surgical option.

Best,
Nakamova
 
I'm new to the "seizure" experience... so I guess after reading your post I'm a little confused. If you had good seizure control for so long, and now have good seizure t/c control, but poor partial control.... how does surgery become the option? In my limited opinion, that seems major. Is it because the partials are so debilitating? Or no meds can slow them down for you? I read some else's post who got surgery and they said it changed their life for the better. ???? It is scary stuff :)
 
Hi Dalene and welcome. We are similar in age--I am 59. I also experienced many seizure free years until I started perimenopause and then menopause. As Nakamova stated progesterone can help some women. Also, seizure patterns can change with advancing age. Try to keep a journal of your seizure activity and the possible triggers.
 
julie wishes said:
I'm new to the "seizure" experience... so I guess after reading your post I'm a little confused. If you had good seizure control for so long, and now have good seizure t/c control, but poor partial control.... how does surgery become the option? In my limited opinion, that seems major. Is it because the partials are so debilitating? Or no meds can slow them down for you? I read some else's post who got surgery and they said it changed their life for the better. ???? It is scary stuff :)
Click to expand...

Hi Julie,
Al the years I had such good seizure control with the Grand Mal seizures that I lived a full live and was independent. I also drive my own car. When the partial seizure start I had to stop driving and was depended on other people for transport. In South Africa we have a very poor public transport system and I stay quite a distance from my work. I also do not feel at ease when my grand children come to visit and I am alone with them.
For almost two years we have tried a variety of meds with the Tegretol and it just did not help for the PS. I also had some severe side effects with one of them.
If the Dr find me a suitable candidate for the op I will go trough with it although it sounds scary. I just want to be my own self again. I read a lot about this op and they say the success rate are very good. The Dr who I am going to see is also the best in South Africa and the head of the Epilepsy Clinic.
Al I am thinking now is that in a few months everything will be back to normal again
 
Welcome to CWE

Dalene,

Welcome to CWE. You will find this forum full of knowledgeable and helpful members. You are among a large group of understanding people who do not judge. Have no fear, you are among friends who understand your situation:e:!
 
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