New to comples partial seizures.

[behlen]

Hello all I am a 37 yr old firefighter that has been recently diagnosed with complex partial seizures after a misdiagnosis of bradycardia that resulted in a pacemaker that I do not need. I have taken Kepra (no help) and am now on Lamictal. Seemed like it was going to work then after about a month seizures started back a again sometimes daily. Increase dose to 250mg and seemed ok for 2 or 3 weeks and recently started having seizures again. Sucks cause thought I would be back driving in April but now starting 6months all over again. They seemed to be under control with meds unless I have something that triggers them. Like a bad nights sleep or too much time on computer. I am really ignorant to the seizures and would like any input. I am very nervous right now about the possibilty of loosing my job especially since I can't drive right now.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Behlen, welcome to CWE!

It sounds like you've got the right idea, paying attention to what triggers your seizures. It's a good idea to keep a journal tracking your seizures, and also any potential physical or environmental stressors, like fatigue, or computer use, and also diet, hydration, metabolism, nutrition, activities, etc. Hopefully you can avoid the things that seem to cause trouble.

Definitely talk to your neurologist about the lack of control with the Lamictal, and find out what some other options might be. You might also want to look into special diets and/or neurofeedback. They have helped some people reduce their seizures, and you'll find more info by using the search tab at the top.

Is there someone at work you can ask about your options if your seizures continue? Can you take a medical leave of absence?

Best,
Nakamova

 

[occb]

Wow -- misdiagnoses run rampant with this illness. I'm flabberghasted.

Since the meds don't seem to work consistently for you, have you looked into alternatives, like changing your diet,, or neurofeedback? Some members have had great results from these.

Here's a link to an alternative treatment chart:
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/index.php?p=alternative-treatments

 

[Bernard]

Hi behlen, welcome to the forum. :hello:

... after a misdiagnosis of bradycardia that resulted in a pacemaker that I do not need.

... They seemed to be under control with meds unless I have something that triggers them. Like a bad nights sleep or too much time on computer.

It's really important for you to pay attention and listen to your body. You are in the best position to figure out what triggers are lowering your seizure threshold. My wife needs to consistently get 9 hours of sleep every night, or her risk for seizures increases dramatically.

... I am really ignorant to the seizures and would like any input.

I'd suggest reading these threads: epilepsy 101 threads

 

[dfwtexas]

It is so frustrating. I got diagnosed 2 years ago and am still learning. I saw my neuro yesterday and was discussing the inability to get seizures 100% under control. I can go 4-6 months seizure free and then out of the blue have one. I am on Keppra and started off at 500 mg twice a day and slowly my level has been increased to 1250 mg twice a day. My neuro said it is a process that can take years for some.
Prior to starting Keppra, I could have several simple, complex or both in a day and then sometimes I could go weeks without any. I do see improvement, but it is concerning to know will today be the day that I have one. I have been working to track what triggers a seizure and work to avoid those things in my life...but even at that, it's not guarantee.
I do have to thank Bernard and the Lord for bring this site and the wonderful people on here to help me with the struggle. Sometimes just knowing we are not alone in this journey is a lot of help to keep my head straight
jenn