[mojavi]

About six months ago I started having what I refered to up until last Wednesday as "episodes". I would be driving, or sitting at work and be overcome with the most odd feelings of weirdness. Of course, googling "I feel weird sometimes" lead me to believe I was bipolar, had heart disease, or was drinking too much coffee! I honestly thought that since these episodes sometimes corresponded with low carbohydrate intake I was just experiencing ketogensis!

Then last wednesday morning I had that same weird feeling, I got it a lot in the morning but this was unlike any other time, it was so intense I had to brace myself on the bathroom counter. Then I got tunnel vision, and then I woke up on the floor.

I slipped! So tired I fell asleep standing up! But why does my tongue hurt? Must have bit it on the way down, how silly of me.

I continued getting ready for work, got in my car, started driving. Got about half way to work, when I got the sudden realization. Something is not right about this.

Needless to say after spending all day in the local ER and being referred to a neurologist which i saw the next day:

Part of my brain is underdeveloped! And everyone is surprised I'm not an idiot!
Part of my brain is covered in scar tissue!
My "episodes" were simple partial seizures!
What I experienced on Wednesday was something with second generalization!
I can't drive for 6 months!
I am on some pretty hefty medication (generic dilantin 300mg/day for the next week and generic topamax 50mg/day) and I feel like a zombie (and I'm not even up to full dosage on the topamax!). How am I supposed to work like this? I am a knowledge worker. Thursday and Friday weren't great and now that I've had a few days to take this stuff I feel really spacey.

My neurologist seems like a genuinely kind person who wants to help but is obviously overworked. The only reason I saw her the day after was because shes associated with the hospital who's ER I went to and obligated to see ER patients, otherwise it was a three month wait. I got an hours notice of the appointment. I waited almost 45 minutes after the appointment was scheduled to see her and she had to leave in the middle for 5 minutes because she was the on call neurologist at the time.

Anyway, that's the whole tamale. Actually, my coworker went though something similar six or seven years ago and so understood a lot of what I was going though (and even suggested I see his neurologist, although how I do that I don't know) but I guess I am feeling really alone right now.

[Darlene]

mojavi,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us in touch with your condition. I myself have had epilepsy ever since I was 10. Sometimes a person can feel like you did after a seizure. Some people can end up biting their tongue, which I have done before. Avoid any contact with bright lights flashing in front of you because that is one thing that will trigger one. The following forum on epilepsy is located below. Just click on it for some assistance.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum11.html

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[MelodyL]

Hi there. Welcome.

Your co-worker experienced something similar? To me it sounds like the two of you have been exposed to SOMETHING that triggered seizures.

If you don't mind my asking, what type of work are you in?

Take care, Melody

[ginnie]

Welcome to Neuro Talk. Glad you found the site. There will be alot of support here for you. I am glad that at least you found out what was wrong. Since the initial scare is over, please seek another opinion. Not all neurologists are that busy, and you may need to find one willing to take a bit more time with you. In most circumstances that second opinion, confirmation, and additional information helps a person. I do wish you all the best, and of course with taking your medications. ginnie

[(Broken Wings)]

Bless your heart. So sorry you're having to deal with that.

No driving has got to be a bummer.

Praying things will clear up for you.