Hi, I am Elaine. For 56 years I had seizures but since January 2007 I am seizure free. I fell the pain and frustration of the person falling on Lamictal. I was on the same medication and diagnosed with postural hypotension. The neurologist did not recognize that I was having a reaction to the medication and kept increasing the dose when I passed out. I was getting out of control and knew that I needed to return to Massachusetts General Hospital for care but the HMO tried to refuse the referral. I am a Registered Nurse and was able to insist on the needed care. Once at MGH my medication was changed and seizures well controlled. My neurologist suggested testing and my first MRI showed the focus of the seizures. It was the same area known to be injured from the Pertussis vaccine and my first seizure was a 6 months after the vaccine. After an extensive testing period the Seizure Team at MGH decided that I was a candidate for surgery. It took a year being well controlled on medications to get the courage to have the surgery but it was the best decision I ever made. I am writing to encourage everyone to advocate for the BEST POSSIBLE MEDICAL CARE. I am seizure free and wish everyone the best care possible. Sincerely, Elaine

Welcome to NeuroTalk Elaine....I'm so happy to hear of your successful results. Your good news is a real positive for our forums.

So happy to meet you and I agree with you so very much

I'm 63 - Feb 2006 I had surgery to remove a tumor - oligodendroglioma grade 2 - that had started my epilepsy in 1990. In May of this year I had surgery again to remove a bit more tissue from the left temporal lobe and the hippocampus.

I haven't had a seizure since that second surgery !

I agree with you so very much. (have I said that before? ) Poor medical care made me a prisoner of many "bad" things for 15 years. The care and treatment I've received at a university hospital is incredible.

When I went to the university hospital they tested me from July 28, 2005 to Feb 14, 2006 for the surgery.

Could I ask you please to talk in the Epilepsy Forum on this page? Many people there would love to hear from you. Thank you.

Elaine,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

Nice to hear the good news on controlling your seizures.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

Hi, Elaine! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

I'm glad that you've found us. You will find many friendly and supportive folks here. Let us know if we can help you navigate the forums, see you out there!