No you are not alone by a long shot. I have had epilepsy since childhood, was diagnosed at age 14, and like you found no help with the meds. Finally after 35 years of seizures and many good years wasted, I saw an Epileptologist. No doc had even so much as mentioned one before so I do blame the general neurologsts for not referring me on sooner when their meds did not stop my seizures. The first seizures I was aware of were sinilar to your strangefeelings I called them funny feelings. Those progresssed to Complex partials at age 14 when hormones and astress of highschool kicked in. Only when i was in my 40's did I get to an epileptologist and it was he whop mentioned sugery. Much of my younger years were not utilized to their fullest, but I did have surgery 10 years ao. I have no lost consciousness since and take one med daily. It made a huge difference in my life when I got to the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and the Epileptologist. Make sure there is a Certificate on the wall saying that the doc has completed a Fellowship in Neurophysiology, (possibly Electrophysiology)or in Epilepsy. Only then are they a real Epleptologist. Welcome to the club. You are not alone. More than 3 million Americans have epilepsy! It is the most common neurological condition next to headaches. Tattoo

Luna Marie, Welcome to the group with E, there are MANY of us. I recently asked a childhood GF some questions & she got me to realize I had E since I was very young....but I wasn't diagnosed till 12-13. My one med (lamictal) controlls my tonic clonics (grand mals/GMs) that I didn't find till I was 38. I have complex partials still. I took Topomax once too but had to stop due to side effects too (diplopia, dizzy & headache). Just like someone said, I also get "funny feelings" for awhile after I have a sz. Being forgetful of little things is normal for ANYONE. Yes, we with E forget a little more of the more 'complex things' such as, 'I keep forgetting if you turn right or left, at the gas station' (not imp. but it bugs you).

I'd like to thank all of you who have written me. You have helped me so much. My mood is better, the depression has passed and I'm back to work
with a better, more compassionate understanding of others.

It became very stressful this afternoon and I could feel that funny feeling starting in my stomach but I stopped what I was doing, took a break and went outside in the sunshine just to sit for a few moments. When my break was interrupted, I refused to let that bother me. I guess this will be my life from here on out- knowing the signs of a seizure and taking control. I've always let situations and other peoples' needs control me but I have come to realize if I don't take care of myself, I can't take care of anyone else.

I live in Florida. There is an Epilepsy Center at Sarasota Memorial Hospital which is not too far from where I live. I see my family doctor on Friday and plan to arrange for a referral to that Center and to an epileptologist.

Thank you all for your encouragement and support. I was really in a deep dark place when I signed onto this site. Love & Blessings, Luna Marie

The Cleveland Clinic also has a branch in Weston Fla. I am not if they have an Epilepsy Center there, but if they do, I would check it out too. Cleveland Clinic in Ohio has a great reputation in epilepsy care. This is the link to the Fla location and there is 800 number you can call and check to see if they have an Epilepsy Center and if the docs are bonafied Eileptologists with all the proper training an epileptologist has. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/florid...s/default.aspx

So glad we have helped you and you are feeling better. You are for sure not alone! Tattoo