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New guy needs advice....

Tue, 03/08/2016 - 00:02
I guess I'll start off by saying how happy I am that there is a veterans group on here. Sometimes I think that nobody gets how hard it is to be a veteran, let alone with epilepsy. It wasn't until I was 7 years into my Coast Guard career did I have my first seizure. At first, my command was willing to let me stay in, but after 5 more seizures they weren't so hospitable. Therefore I was discharged (retired) in 2015 after 9 years of service, with a 40% disability rating. As far as my seizures are concerned, I'm stable. The docs have me on 1250mg of Keppra, and 150mg of Vimpat, both twice a day. I suppose this medication is working because I haven't had a seizure in 1 year. Of course, nothing is ever simple. I was also suffering from panic attacks after my discharge so now I'm on an anxiety medication as well. Additionally, I was given ambien for sleep and Adderal for my ADHD. Yes, I'm on a whole bunch of meds but for the most part I'm feeling fine. Now that I've briefed you all on my background, I want to get to the specifics. I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy after a series of EEG's. Also, lately I've been feeling like I'm losing some short term memory function. I understand there can be a relationship between the temporal lobe epilepsy and memory issues. I am also aware that Keppra can sometimes affect your memory. Questions: Does anybody have experience with Keppra and Vimpat? Does anyone feel loss of memory or general brain function? Does any one also have anxiety and sleep issues after their diagnoses? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to your response and if I can be of assistance to anyone don't hesitate to ask. Thanks, Andrew

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