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Newly diagnosed with Epilepsy and anxiety is killing me.

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 05:58
Hey guys, as this title says I was just diagnosed with generalized epilepsy. Oddly my dad developed epilepsy due to a head injury in his teenage years and he certainly passed it on to me. My last seizure/fit was a mini seizure in which i just jerked my hands and blinked for literally 2 seconds, then i continued like nothing happened (Keep in mind I had literally 2 hours of sleep that day), that was just over 6 months ago and my diagnosis was about 1 month ago. I was prescribed Epilim (Sodium Valporate) 200g twice a day. No side effects everything is completely normal and life is good. My dad doesn't speak about his epilepsy which completely bugs me, but i accept it now. I just i have some questions which I hope will give me reassurance or relief, so I am begging the OG's of the epilepsy game to step up and help me through this period because I am going to crumble under anxiety and depression. Quick Background: According to my mum, my father has had 2 tonic-clonic (grand mals). His first one was his first ever seizure before diagnosis and the second one was because he stopped taking his medication on his own without any supervision and ended up with another tonic-clonic (He had it many years after he stopped his medication on his own), his last one was over 20 years. Since that time my mother said the only "seizures" he has are the mini ones (Which I described before that happened to me) and they happen when he doesn't take his medication. (My dad really loves not taking his medication). So his epilepsy is the type I developed, at least that's what my neurologist said. Also my dad has been driving for a very long time and when he does stop his medication he tends to not to drive at all, so he is a quite responsible person, other than that his epilepsy is controlled quite well. Question 1: So since I inherited his type of epilepsy, does that mean I inherit the same type of seizures and everything that comes with it? Or will I magically develop a new set of seizures? Question 2: So according to my mum, his type of epilepsy seems to be 'mild' I guess? Does that mean I inherit the exact same severity of epilepsy or will mine be worse? I am an extremely healthy person and exercise very frequently. My diet is very well balanced, will that help my epilepsy be 'mild' at least? Question 3: Is it possible for a healthy person like me (That LITERALLY avoids every single epileptic trigger) to just have this mini seizure, take his medication and live the rest of his life in remission, is that even possible with people who have mild epilepsy? I have been reading stories on the internet and have read nothing but absolute horror, people end up going 5 years seizure free then develop drug-resistant epilepsy that crumbles them FOREVER. I literally haven't seen anyone on the internet go for 2 decades seizure free other than my dad, THAT'S HOW MUCH HORROR EPILEPSY STORIES ARE OUT THERE. So is it possible for people to go past at least 10 years without a seizure or is that too much to ask for? Question 4: A big part of epilepsy is breakthrough seizures. The name BREAKTHROUGH SEIZURES make my heart fall into a million pieces. So am asking this in the most simple way, do some epileptics live their life without having another breakthrough seizure? So if anyone could help me with answering my question I forever will be grateful, also if you have POSITIVE seizure free stories or something along the lines please do share them, that will at least help my anxiety. Thank you very much, any advice would be most appreciated.

Comments

Hi, Thank you for posting. We

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2019-12-12 - 10:03
Hi, Thank you for posting. We understand that being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and we are here to help support you. One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concernsOur new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is great resource and starting point for learning about what epilepsy is, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures, seizure first aid & safety. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsyIt is common for those living with epilepsy to experience feelings of anxiety and depression.It’s important that you’re addressing those challenges questions you have with your healthcare team, as well as any changes in changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, sides effects & symptoms. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy  It is also important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, your overall well-being and emotional health is just as important:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health   The Wellness Institute:  epilepsy.com/wellness   ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips & resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family.  For practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being, learn more here:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools A key part of managing epilepsy is knowing how it can affect a person's independence and day-to-day needs. Visit our independent living pages here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living to learn more about resources that are available & when help is needed. There are many different devices that can help detect seizures and notify someone to help respond. Review our seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor to see if a seizure alert device is an option you: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf   Track your seizures, record your medical history, set reminders,manage medications, side effects, moods, triggers, behaviors or other personal experiences using a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary Create a seizure response or action plan, which is a helpful tool for those close to you understand what do if you have a seizure: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms  Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline 

I hope this doesn’t sound too

Submitted by KKd on Thu, 2019-12-12 - 11:54
I hope this doesn’t sound too awful of a comparison- this is not my intention. I have an almost two year old Chin/Chihuahua mix who has gone through a serious of tests (brain MRI, Spinal Tap, full blood work- all showing nothing abnormal) and diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. She started having uncontrollable fits about 3 months ago. They are really fits of rage. She growls, has mouth tremors, then barks in a rage at walls. She never attacks, but will bite if I reach for her during the fit. During the fit- she never looses her muscle control & does move around.  Prior to medication- Keppra (3x per day) & Zonisamide (2x per day), her fits lasted up to “5” (yes really!) hours. Now her fits have lessened to about 10x/day but usually only 1-3 minutes long. The goal is to reduce fits altogether with medication, but I’m not sure that we have found the right balance of medication as of yet. I also have her littermate sister and have had them since they were 8 weeks old. Her sister is not experiencing any of these symptoms. Has anyone experienced anything similar in their dog?

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