Hello Vanilla,

I've been gone for awhile from this Group, but, I am back & more than willing to Listen & Help any way I can. If you are still having seizures You should Not be Driving! Period! Definitely, file for Disability! You may be turned down the first time, but, it is recommended you seek a Lawyer to help w/ an appeal if need be. I wish I had Yrs ago! Now, I am re-married & do not qualify. :(

Do you keep a Daily Journal? A daily Journal should consist of all activities. Foods/bevs consumed (when, what, how much), sleep patterns, All activities & most important Your Mthly! (Ever hear of Catamenial Seizures? They are caused by fluctuations in your Hormones) Any medications, prescribed or over the counter. Include your Pressure Episodes, too. Plus, everything Hubby told you about any 'episodes'. This is a very Valuable tool for you & your DR. You can download a Seizure Tracker from epilepsy.com or WebMD. :)

12/hr seizure? Were the 'episodes' back to back or Non-stop? Non-stop are known as Status Seizures & you need to go to the ER for them. Normal Episodes only last 2-3 minutes Each!

Seizure control can be 'trial & error' & takes Time & Patience to find a med that Works for You! Keep in mind, Side effects are what we watch for, not what will necessarily Happen. If you take your meds On Time, Same Time every day & eat nutritious meals you will experience fewer to no side effects & it will ensure your med works properly. If you do not note an improvement in seizure control w/in 4-6 weeks or do experience side effects that affect your daily living then report to your Dr ASAP!

Stable EEG? Just means you did not experience any seizure activity at time of test. It doesn't mean all is OK! I would stick w/ your current nuero for now. But, if things don't get better than definitely seek an Epileptologist (seizure specialist)

Epilepsy is not a disease! It is a Disorder! And how do we balance our lives. By taking Life One Day at a Time. Do Not Let Epilepsy Rule!

Depression is a another Issue. You need to find ways to combat it. You can try Vitamin D3, start on 1000IU & increase each week if need be, up to 5000IU. Or for natural Vit D Seek the sun 10-15 min a day on face & arms. Do some 'homework' to find other ways to decrease your Depression. It's 'normal' to feel depressed after an Epilepsy Diagnosis. But, Epilepsy, itself can cause Deepression. So, it's best to get it under control.

Hope this helped. Please, keep talking w/ us & Keep Learning!

Hugs Love Candi

Thanks. I've done/do eveything you suggested. Except I don't track my food intake. I'm not sure if my grand mal was 30 minutes straight or several back to back, all I know is my husband tried waking me up several times, I didn't respond for a while and when I did I said "I'm not shaking" he said it lasted the whole time for quite awhile, but he didn't time it. He said like an hour, but he left the room so he doesn't know for sure. I did apply for disability, but yes, they said no and said I didn't qualify for any services. I am wondering if it's because my husband works. My EEG came up abnormal, it DID show seizures. My doc just writes down on my form that he gives me as an overview of my appointment that I am stable, but I'm not, so I'm also wondering if he's making it impossible to be on disability too. My pcp told me I shouldn't be driving, but my neuro says it's ok. So I don't know who to trust (a PA at my pcp or the neuro a brain specialist) I figured I would have to get a lawyer next time I try to apply for disability, but I don't know if that is right now. What if there is a time limit you have to meet before they even look at you, I was only diagnosed 6 months ago. I just feel lost right now with everything.

Tatty, I do believe it is Time for you to get another Opinion. Another Neuro or an Epileptologist (seizure Specialist)

Start tracking your foods. + Avoid Gluten, additives ie; Food coloring, artificial sugars. Limit salt & regular sugars. Caffeine should be avoided, but, may be consumed in small amounts 1-2 cups?? :)

Doesn't your Hubby know Anything about Proper Seizure Response??? He should Not try to awake you. He should Time you. He should Never leave you alone Unless he is sure the activity is over! He should make sure you are turned on your left side to avoid you suffocating/choking on fluids, bile/vomit or excessive fluids. :( And talk calmly to you till the seizure is over. Then, either write down everything he witnessed or tell you so you can write it down!

Yes, contact a Lawyer! Every State is Different as to Qualifying. Here in AZ you can only make $20,000 & only own 1 home & one car. :( That is just for Disability. For SS you have to have soo many yrs as an employee to qualify.

As for Driving. You Know you are having seizure activity. So, common sense: Do Not Drive! Your Neuro sounds like he don't know S***!

Tatty. You are a 'newbie' to seizures. But, you are Not Alone! Over 65 million people world wide have Epilepsy. I Promise you, the more you learn about Epilepsy & all it's aspects, the easier it gets! Especially when dealing w/ Dang DRS!

When you are ready, Join other Groups! Keep reading & Listening. If you have a Facebook Account, there are lots of Epilepsy Groups & pages. :) Try National Seizure Disorder Foundation Community. :) If you have problems let me know. :) For now, I am gonna recommend at least this ladies Site. You don't have to join to read the articles. Only to comment or Ask Questions. :) You can even use the Search tool for Subjects, such as Diets, disability, etc. Or just scroll thru Topics & open those that you want to read. :) http://www.epilepsytalk.com/

Love candi

Whoops 'brain Fart'! :( I just came back to chek for new messages & noted I used the Wrong Name. I wish this site had an 'edit' option w/ messages. :( I apologize Vanilla. I Do hope you had a good nite sleep & have a Great Day! HUGS!

Love Candi

oh it's fine. I have brain farts too! so update: my doc wanted to switch me to lamictal, so I've been on it just one at night for 5 days, I haven't slept since starting it, last night was the worst! Woke up with a huge migraine, then when it was time to get up and get my kids off to school I noticed the bones in my legs were killing me, then after my shower I noticed a rash on my arms, so I called the doc (they let me leave a message) I am so done!!! I've had a bad day ever since. My stomach has been sick, I'm dizzy, just don't feel good.

oh and as far as disibility, I live in AZ too. I don't work, but my husband dose and he makes more than that, we have 2 cars 1 house. And I haven't worked in years, so they said that I didn't rack up enough hours working, which is right. But I question if they take my husbands income into consideration. I don't know, my pa at my pcp said if they take my license then she would be willing to write disibilty a letter, but I don't know if that would even help if they are looking at my husbands info.

Unfortunately AZ does take Hubby's Income into consideration. :(

If he is making Under the Above posted amount, then have him sign the extra car over to a Friend or relative. You can still keep the car. It just won't be in His Name. :)

RASH??? Not Good! You need to Bug that Neuro till you get an appt & Get OFF Lamictal. ASAP! Considering the other side effects you are experiencing I would Think he would do so! :( If not, seek another Neuro! From what you have said about your Neuro, I think I would be Searching for a New Neuro, Period!

Keep us updated. Know I care! Hugs!

Love Candi

yeah I figured AZ was going to be dumb that way. My dad thinks I should get a lawyer anyway, but if that's the case, even a lawyer wouldn't help. I don't think they will budge on their policies just because I got a lawyer. So we'll have to wait. Thanks for listening to my rant. Like I said before, I might be going to a new neuro.