Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group
Epilepsy (often referred to as a seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is commonly controlled with medication, although surgical methods are used as well. Seizures (or convulsions) are temporary abnormal electrophysiologic phenomena of the brain, resulting in abnormal synchronization of electrical neuronal...
So I had two seizures this week and one was at work. It was really embarrassing. So now I am home and anxious about my job. I had the seizure the ER doctor told me because I was running a temp, dehydrated, and stressed out. I have a lot going on right now to be stressed about. He really irked me though because even though I am diagnosed with tonic-clonic seizures he wanted me to describe my seizure to him and I had a really hard time of doing it and all it did was make me more upset. I remember passing out work for the kids going around the tables then I suddenly felt sick to my stomach and really warm and dizzy. I ran from the room to get to the bathroom but being a sub I didn't know where that was. I just wanted away from the dizzy feeling. The teacher followed me and I didn't get very far I had, had my hand on the wall and took coats with me and passed out and it was like seeing everything go white. weird. and I threw up on myself which was mortifying. just god awful. I don't remember a lot afterwards except that They called an ambulance and when they asked me those stupid questions I started crying because I didn't even know my own husbands phone number or my phone number. I knew what my house looked like but not the number. I knew the date so I got brownie points for that. but they took me to the hospital until my husband got there. He is a paramedic. He wasn't too happy with me. I haven't had a seizure in a year. Has anyone ever had a seizure like this? I feel alone. My dr gave me a name for it and I take medication so you would think that I would feel better but everytime I have one especially in public the other one thank god happened in my sleep. But I feel lonely and I cannot talk to anyone about this. My doctor when I first started seeing him would explain things but now its just like your their for refills and checkins that's it. Well I hope everyone has a better night.
My story is similar- I was seizure free for 2&1/2 years. My neuro quit the practice & left me with another who refused to prescribe one of my 2 stabilizing meds. My levels dropped too low & I had a Tonic/Clonic in my sleep & wound up breaking 4 bones in my spine.
I know exactly what you are describing when you were talking about knowing what your house looked like, but not the number. You were in what is called the "Post-ictal Stage". You're coming around, but not everything has come back into synchronization. Most people don't understand it takes us time to "come back around". It's not your fault that the post-ictal stage takes longer in some than others.
I've always felt that Paramedics & ER Doctors not specializing in Neurology could use some education in basic neurology & a general understanding of what happens to us Epileptics. Your husband should not be upset with you- he should be the most understanding of all folks around you assisting you, especially since he is a paramedic. I hope his displeasure that day was due only to a difficult day & nothing else caused by you. Did you cause your epilepsy?
Also, if you are not happy with your doctor, seek out another Neurologist, one that is an Epileptologist. Keep looking & DON'T EVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF until you find an epilepsy specialist that matches you. Ever since that neuro took away the second med, I looked around for another practice that would be willing to listen to me & treat my epilepsy according to what works for me as an individual.
I know what you mean about stress in the work environment as well as at home! I am under immense pressure dealing with my epilepsy. I have 4 broken bones in my spine from my last bunch of Tonic/Clonics; I am battling breast cancer (just had surgery yesterday 5/6); I see a counselor for PTSD; AND on top of this all, I am a full-time Caregiver to my husband who has a spine injury- he was hit by a semi truck.
I get it, meganK08!
Kindest of Hugs to you, MelodyJane