New from Montana - need help/guidance

[sjconner]

On Thurs, I saw my neuro for the first time. He says that what I experience is not a migraine (even thought I have them), a stroke, or "crazy". I went in with an EEG & MRI completed. THE EEG was "normal" and my small town hospital did not do the MRI the way he wanted it. I get to redo both next week.

I have had 3 episodes, that I can identify, so far this year. They start with my field of vision starting to close down but I can still see what is going on around me. Then I see people who aren't there and can hear them talking to me but I have no idea what they are saying. I have an extremely heightened sense of smell. I am aware of my surroundings. Then I get pins and needles starting at the top of my head and moving down my body. I don't know if I can function during these as no one has witnessed them. I tried to mentally fight through the second one but didn't get anywhere.

He suggested I start on Topamax (to prevent my biweekly migraines and treat the seizures). I am hesitant to start Topamax based on three occurances (2 early spring 2012 and Oct 5, 2012). He also told me to quit driving. If I can't drive I might lose my job. Montana's driving laws concerning seizures are the loosest in the country - so I still have my license. I don't know what to do. I am going to talk with my Primary Care Physician on Monday. I see the neuro again on Jan 31.

This sucks ... especially since I was diagnosed and treated for colon cancer this summer! I am only 43 and feel like I am falling apart. The kids/school I teach at is extremely stressful. I teach at a paramilitary residential program for 16-19 year olds that no one wants to deal with.

Thanks for listening to me whine!
Susan

 

[jyearta]

Hi and welcome.

I have simple partials - complex partials seizures. Mine are diff. than what you describe.

I have Deja uv ( seems like everything around me - people, place, conservation have taken place before.
Then I stare straight ahead, smacking my lips, swallowing hard several times, and have lobster claw like movement with. my hands. I'm left with such a feeling of fear.

There are so many types of seizures. The term epilepsy just means you have had more than one seizure.

Keep asking questions until you get answers you are looking for.

 

[Shawnna]

My youngest son was misdiagnosed with atypical migraines until he started having tonic clonic seizures.

Don't be afraid to try AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs); your neurologist will start off with a low dose and gradually increase while monitoring for side affects.

And do be careful driving, especially when you don't have your epilepsy and/or migraines under control.

Blessings always,

 

[sjconner]

I am trying not to drive. My DH hasn't processed this yet. I see my Primary Care Doc tomorrow. He is also a family friend so maybe he can get Hubby to understand.

I teach "at-risk" teens. Most of them are drop outs, misfits, have mental health issues, drug issues, etc. I have to be on my toes and am afraid that the anti seizure med will make me dopey. Part of my job description is breaking up fights. I really love my job and am afraid of what the director will tell me when I tell her I can't drive.