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olivebudd

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Hi my name screen name is Olivebudd and my 69 yr old husband developed post stroke epilepsy. He had his first seizure in August 2012 & a second seizure in November. He was placed on Dilantin 260 mg which turned him into a zombie & now has just finished a 4 week titring onto gabapentin (Neurontin) 300 mg X 3 times daily. I am on pins & needles praying he wont have another seizure. He has hemiplegia (right side paralysis) and wheelchair dependent. I am his full-time Caregiver & we have no family to help me.
 
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Welcome Olivbudd!

Sorry to hear about your husband's setback. You are in a warm and friendly place with knowledgeable and caring members. I know how stressed you are. My daughter recently lost vision after a seizure. Please feel free to ask for help. There are people here who understand.

If I can help, IM me.


Tom
 
Hi olivebudd, welcome to CWE!

I hope you and your husband can get to a stable place with the seizures and the meds. It can sometimes take some trial and error to find the right medication at the right dose. If the Neurontin controls his seizures, but makes him too doped up, ask his neurologist about backing off the dose very slightly to see if that helps. In the elderly in particular, meds can often can be effective at lower doses.

Can you get any help with your husband's care from a visiting nurse/caregiver from time to time? You need to make sure you are taking care of yourself as well.

Best,
Nakamova
 
Nakamova I had a few neighbors & friends who offered help when Hubby first had his stroke in March 2011 but they have since drifted away... I only have my cleaning lady 2 hours twice a month & an older couple across the road who do my grocery shopping. I cannot drive & the angencies who provide transportation charge $18 an hour plus mileage. I am on a fixed income & also use a walker.

Olive
 
Hi and welcome Olivebudd,

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's debilitating stroke. I know it is very difficult for you being the caregiver. My father had a stroke 15 years ago and although he doesn't suffers seizures nor was he paralyzed, he suffers from kidney failure and has to do dialysis 3 days a week. He's 84 years old now. My mother is his full time caretaker. I see my parents every week so I know she is exhausted. As Nakamova suggested, ask the neuro about backing off the Neurontin if at all possible. And please don't be afraid to ask for some help for yourself as well, since you have no family nearby. Check out these websites if you haven't seen them yet for more info:
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=care
http://stroke.lotsahelpinghands.com/caregiving/home/
 
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