Epilepsy

[sanitarium]

Thanks alot guys. The medication they stuck me on is called Epilim and i feel really light headed after taking it but I assume i'll get used to it. As for driving i am not gonna be driving coz i heard it's harder to get your licence back if you don't declare it, plus if i have a fit while driving i I could kill myself and possibly you coming the over way so it's just not worth it.
I've gotta cut back on drinking as well as this can cause chemical imbalance which can trigger it off.
I think the main thing that did it for me I think was stress. When this happened back in august I was quite happily working for Currys electrical store but was pursaded to go for an interview for an assistant manager at All: Sports by my mate who was the manager. Changing jobs was pretty stressfull then.
Even worse though was this time, I'd been with All: Sports 7 weeks when they came round and closed my shop, I lucky enough to be head hunted by JD Sports for the same roll. Or so I thought, I got into my shop only to find it was the managers last week, the staff were pure crap and it really wasn't me at all. On wednesday when I had my fit it was the managers last day and i didn't even know how the tills worked yet! As well as that I had some other personal issues stressing me out.
I have know got my job back at Currys (a differant store though coz they couldn't fit me in where I was) and I start on monday. I havn't got round to telling JD sports, i'll go in later today.
It's funny when something like this happens it makes you realise who your friends really are and i'm just lucky im still living at home. It may seem silly but we are making a few changes already, we are going to change my bed from a bunk bed with desk and chair underneath to a normal bed (well ok double bed ) incase I fit in bed coz it not as big a fall.
StoleN GuitaR I got got no signs it was coming at all, I was literally standing at the cash desk one minute and then half consous in an ambulance the next.

[the.godfather]

Sorry to hear about that Dave, I used to have a good friend that had fits quite often. We went away on a school trip once, and he was sharing with me and some other friends - and he had a fit then too. Luckily we all knew he was Epileptic, and he instructed us on what to do, and who to call if anything happened beforehand.

As you have said, its a good thing your still at home, you still have the support of you mum/dad, plus the fact that if anything does happen to you - they will be there!

Hope everything gets better.

[jim777]

Keep a good thought, we're all with you.

[AirGuitarHero]

Sorry to hear that, Dave.

I knew someone who used to get regular fits. As long as he was taking his meds and took care of himself, he was OK and could lead a normal life. However, he lacked the self-discipline to carry it out completely and the fits relapsed.

Things that I know triggered the fits: stress (as you say), booze, too much TV/computer, coca-cola (or excessive amounts of caffeine), flashing lights (e.g., at discos), or a combination of these.

As with any medical condition, prevention is your best weapon. Too often doctors don't educate patients on hprevention, so I would acively seek advice on lifestyle and habits that may help you.

I know you're not being flippant about not being able to drive. It is a huge disadvantage in modern life, but if you look after yourself the condition might improve just enough to get your licence back. Any medical condition will take an impact on one's quality of life, but that's something that has to be accepted. With self-discipline and information, we can have a certain degree of control over our health.

[VanWyck]

Dave,

I am truly sorry to hear about your situation. My sincerest sympaty goes out to anyone suffering from seizures. In our modern era of medicine it seems that the neurological disease processes are unfortunately the least understood- making therapy a difficult endeavor.

The medication that you are taking helps to 'stabilize' the brain's activity thereby lowering your seizure threshold. Be compliant with your medication - take the prescribed dose at the proper time, and follow up with your physician for blood levels and to discuss your progress.

The medication you are taking is also used as a mood stabilizer. The light-headed sensation you are experiencing sounds like a common side effect. Be sure to discuss the sensation as well as any others with your doctor.

Feel free to PM me any time. You need to quit drinking (sorry).

[7 Dying Trees]

Man, I am sorry to hear about that I have a friend who was attacked and put in a coma (almost died) from several blows to the head where his skull got caved in. He's slowly getting back but has epilepsy now.

Basically I'd lay off the drinking entirely. It might be hard, but it'll be for the best, and hopefully it'll just be something that will slowly get better. My friend is on epilem as well btw.

Good luck, it seems like you have supportive friends and family so it will all get better.

And yeah, if the car isn't brand new, sell it and get some nice guitars

[chef21]

hey Sanitarium, It's been a few weeks. Just wondering how you are feeling these days, have you found out anymore from the doctors. Hope all is well, please keep us posted. chef21