Epilepsy Community

Hello cmine,,

Fact: More than 2 seizures = Epilepsy! Did you read some of the replies under Popular Discussions: Marijuana & Epilepsy?

We are not Drs, so can't say What caused your episode. You will have to do some more tests & even then tests may show everything is alright. Confusing? Not when you consider 65% of people w/ seizures have ' no known cause '. There are Lots of possible reasons for seizures, too. Sooo.....while waiting for neuro visit: Educate Yourself & your family about All aspects of Epilepsy. Including medications & alternative treatments. Our Resources covers a lot of that. Also, Start a Daily Journal! More Info under Tips.

Personally, I smoke Now. Always Have! My meds keep My Seizure Activity Controlled.

Let us know what your DR has to say. Find ways to Relax. Epilepsy is Scary, but, we are still Normal People. Don't ever forget that! Or the Fact; You aren't Alone!

Love Candi

Thank you Candi. My wife is very scared for me, and I will educate myself more on this and keep posting up to date status reports. Im going to read a lot more on this.

I forgot to mention marijuana for medical use is legal where I live, Las Vegas. I do not have insurance at this moment in time, I will be in about 2 months, I just started a new job. I know you are not a Dr. and I am sure you know not having insurance and trying to see a neuro dr. is very expensive. Do you think it would be in my best interest to not completely stop smoking until I get to a dr.I haven't smoked but I feel a little jittery, and frankly not normal. I can sleep better at least thinking weed helps me with this problem until I get to a neuro.

I forgot to mention marijuana for medical use is legal where I live, Las Vegas. I do not have insurance at this moment in time, I will be in about 2 months, I just started a new job. I know you are not a Dr. and I am sure you know not having insurance and trying to see a neuro dr. is very expensive. Do you think it would be in my best interest to not completely stop smoking until I get to a dr.I haven't smoked but I feel a little jittery, and frankly not normal. I can sleep better at least thinking weed helps me with this problem until I get to a neuro.

So far your seizure activity is far & few between, so, If you think a little MJ will help you sleep, go ahead. It may not get rid of your jitters/abnormal feelings, though. You mite still be experiencing Recovery from the activity of the other nite. Yes, that is possible. Recovery time & symptoms can be different for each of us.

But, honey, you Do have a new job. Would you be putting that at risk by smoking? Do you have a Medical Card for MJ? Your seizure activity may be a drawback, also for work. Do you recall if all your previous episodes were Only at nite? Please do yourself, your wife & the public in general, a favor & find alternative ways to get to work till a neuro has seen you.

Yes, I know how it can be w/ no Insurance. When my seizures started I had none. I was fortunate there was a Teaching Hospital that took Charity cases. So, DRs & meds were free. Here is a list of a few more Free Clinics. May be one in your area. http://epilepsytalk.com/2010/03/05/free-u-s-medical-and-dental-clinics-2/
That site also has a list of books about Ep that you mite be interested in. You can chek the nearest Local Library for availability. Just ask the Research Librarian. Treating Epilepsy Naturally By Pat Murphy has been a long time recommended reading source & been beneficial to all who have read it. Also, Would you like to meet others' w/ Epilepsy & learn more? One of our members, Angie, (Saxofone) lives in Vegas & can tell you when & where to meet these people. I think this would be Very beneficial not only for you, but, for your wife, also. She is Scared & talking w/ others', Plus Caretakers, Can Help! If she needs us we will be here for her too. I'm Glad you are willing to learn more. It really helps when it comes down to dealing w/ DRs & the Epilepsy, itself.

BTW: We are Almost neighbors. I live on the other side of the River on the AZ/NV border. Across from Laughlin. Lots of Hugs for you & your Wife. Know I Care. Thank You for sharing! Thank You for being a Part of my Family here in Epland (WebMD Epilepsy Exchange. )

Love Candi

Thanks again. I can easily obtain a medical card, I already have a referral. For arthritis in my knees. (medically i am a mess LOL) I just have not taken advantage of it yet. I am not trying to look for an excuse to smoke, (nor do I think you do too) I am in a tough spot here. And yes every one of my episodes have been at night. Once I woke up to go the bathroom and I thought I just passed out, my dad found me on the floor. Another time I was at a concert I felt it coming so I was able to lay down and not hit my head. Until this episode I thought I just fainted do to tiredness or whatever. But it was confirmed by people who know what epilepsy is, I had a seizure. But yes everyone has been at night. Only this time I was sleeping and no idea. The other times I could feel something about to happen, not knowing what until recently.
On a side note. I have a niece that is severely epileptic. She is 9, and has had brain surgery at UCLA last year. The surgery did not help, so now they are going to be administering a unit inside of her that almost acts as a pace maker. (i am sure you probably know more about this than I do, I am hearing this through my parents so some info might be missing.) I am sad to say that I do not think my sister ever considered any support groups but I am willing to help her and myself by meeting with others.
I am going to let my wife know about this site and support groups and I know she will be getting involved more too.

Oh ya on another side note. My wife was also epileptic as a child and has grown out of them, she no longer takes any medications for it. Now she is scared for my son, and soon to be daughter. We are hoping this is not hereditary. I have found alternatives for rides to work but that is tough by itself. I think I until I see a neuro I am going to smoke a little before I go to bed, I am kinda scared to go to sleep now, for I might not wake up.
I am going to reach out to Angie for my niece and myself.
Thanks Again
(You might be hearing from my wife soon for some insight)

Waking up on the bathroom floor is what Convinced me to seek Help. I was in Denial for almost a yr. I did what the docs told me, but, I remained Ignorant about seizures & Epilepsy. Took me 10 yrs to get a comp & start connecting w/ others'.

You can't let seizures Rule! You have to accept, for now, until you are diagnosed & treated, that they will occur. If you continue to fear the next episode, you mite be awake for the next yr or more. I've been waking up for over 60 yrs. People w/ worse 'uncontrolled seizures' are Still waking up, after 30-40 yrs of Ep. So, Do you & your wife know proper seizure first aid/Response?

As for hereditary. That's a hard call. Epilepsy does run in my family. I suspected Hereditary B4 Researchers confirmed it was possible. But, as one DR explained & I agree, Each of us, even though related, May have a different 'cause'. Like Tumors, cysts, head blows, stress, etc. Or we could have Hereditary w/ different Triggers. Such as hormones or lights, even food allergies. You are on a Long Journey, but, there is light for us all. I truly believe that. Again, Education of you & those around you is Vital. BTW: My daughter is the Only one to be diagnosed w/ Hereditary. Once on Insurance ask the DR about blood tests for your kids to determine if they carry the EP gene. Even if they do, there is no guarantee they will or will not have seizures. But, you Could take preventive measures. Like Diet (More Info on Phylis's site. ) Avoid certain food groups such as gluten, large amounts of sugar or sodium. Make sure you get daily requirement of all supplements. Even lack of Magnesium can cause seizures. More 'homework'.

We will be glad to talk w/ your wife. Anytime she is ready. Caretakers are Very Welcome, here. Support & Education is just as important to them. The fact that she may want to get more involved is promising. We need people like her. Epilepsy is Still such a Misunderstood Disorder. You will find Lots of Ignorance. Just hold your chin up & keep moving forward. Stay Strong! Take care.

Love Candi