Thinking about MAD, questions, and some rambling...

[chop456]

After seeing the research on the Modified Atkins Diet and Juvenile Myoclonic Epilpesy, I am wondering if this is something to try with Paige. She takes 300mg of Lamictal and a year into the drug therapy we still deal with morning myoclonics 1-2 days per week. I struggle with what exactly can we expect from the drug therapy. It is realistic to think she will be fully controlled or will she need to "deal with" morning issues for the rest of her life??

I told her about MAD and what the research has shown for JME and asked if she'd like to talk to the neurologist about trying the diet. Paige said "let's just start it". Of course, I had to explain it is not that easy!

Since Paige is a vegetarian, how hard will the MAD be? I wonder if it is possible with a vegetarian diet. If you start MAD and see success, does your body reconfigure itself and you can eventually ween off of the diet or is it a lifelong commitment? Are there options for JME beyond the MAD diet? I am personally toying with a raw food diet. SO many benefits from raw food!!

Thanks for any advice and thoughts. I do not want to rush in to this without proper knowledge. Any great resources out there? I've been looking and reading!

 

[Nakamova]

The Modified Atkins Diet doesn't require restrictions on calories, fluids and protein, and it doesn't require a hospital admission and fast to begin. It also does not require the accurate weighing and measuring of foods. Still, I think it's a good idea to check in with her neurologist and get the green light. Since Paige is a vegetarian, it might be helpful to have a dietician/nutritionist on board to provide menus and advice. You might be able to find more info here:

http://epilepsymoms.com/blog/special-diets-nutrition/atkins-seizures-guide-parents-parents.html