Performance at work

[Andrewbanker]

I haven't been back to this community for a couple of years. My epilepsy has been reasonably well controlled.

Over the last few months I have been waking up many times during the night with what feels like the start of a grand mal. It starts, and then stops before it takes over. Naturally it has put me on edge, and my neurologist has made alterations to my medication. I am losing a lot of sleep.

At this level of medication, I know it is having an impact on my performance at work. I am in a very senior role, with significant travel and stress. I am regularly taking rest days to try to switch my brain off.

Has anyone been in this situation? At 48, I still have many work years ahead, but I am starting to think a change in responsibility may be needed.

 

[Porkette]

Hi Andrew.
You are correct it may be related to change but you may also be having seizures in your sleep. If I may ask have you had a sleep study done recently? I had one done along with an e.e.g. and e.k.g. and my neuro found I was having seizures in my sleep and they would happen about 2 hrs. before I woke up in the morning. If you feel tired in the morning after a good nights sleep this may be what's going on. My Dr. put me on vimpat and these seizures which are called myoclonic seizures stopped. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Andrew, sorry to hear that the seizures are messing with your sleep. It's a tough call to make decisions about your work like -- maybe wait and see until you and your neuro have tried a few med tweaks. Sometimes it can just be a matter of changing the dosing schedule. Maybe adding an extra dose at night or changing when you take your nighttime dose will help. Do you have an rx for a "rescue" seizure med such as ativan? Ask your neuro about taking a small dose at night right before you go to sleep to see if you can get a good night's rest. Or taking it the first time you wake up in the middle of the night. Good luck!