Surgery for Epilepsy?

THE STUNNING

Hi Guys
I've read a few posts by people with epilepsy and I need some advice!
I've had since I was bout 11 (before it was diagnosed my best friend and I thought I was posessed:D). Its never been fully controlled and I get three different types of seizures. The complex partial seizures aren't peoples idea of epilepsy so some people who've witnessed them just think Im loopy:D Anyway I'm being admitted into Beaumont hosp for observation maybe to see if Im viable for surgery, the thing is the thoughts of brain surgery scares the life outta me:eek: My life isn't totally controlled by my epilepsy but I would like to be able to drive and have a bit more energy cos my meds make me sleepy.

Wat ye think? Would it be worth it?How do I get over this fear?

wicklowgal

Ok,firstly,have you had a an MRI scan ever?From this scan,they are usually able to tell if your epilepsy is caused by scar tissue on the brain or not(damage on the brain).

I got epilepsy wen i was 11 too but i was just experiencing grand mal seizures.I had an MRI to confirm that i didnt have scar tissue therefore, i didnt need brain surgery.Im seizure free a number of years now due to a fantastic,dedicated neurologist and persistence with various meds.Im still on medication(the 1 that finally worked for me!),but on a much lower dose nowadays.I know the meds can be totally draining,but persistence is the key to recovery.how many different types of meds have you tried?Maybe if they found the right med for u,u mightn't need to be hospitalised.

At any rate,discuss ur worries,concerns etc. with ur neurologist.And if they are no help,speak to ur g.p or another medical professional.Any sort of surgery,never mind brain surgery ( !! ) can be a very frightening thought so do speak to someone about ur insecurities.

Hope this has been of some use to u,take care of urself,sleep ur little heart out!

Lil' Smiler

Hey,

Just wondering, what they do in brain surgery for it? this is the first time I've heard of it.

wicklowgal

I'm nt entirely sure but im presuming they would remove scar tissue if this was the cause for the epilepsy.other than that i haven't a clue!

THE STUNNING

Hi Guys,

Yeah I've had cat scans and my medication has been changed many times! The scans didn't reveal any scar tissue, I always thought was the only way they could cure epilepsy was to remove it if there was any! Maybe Im confused but the nurse told me that they're doing surgery alot more now even if there wasn't any scar tissue! Im due to go in at the end of this week or start of next so I'll let ye know if I have it all wrong

wicklowgal

I wouldn't worry too much just yet anyway,it takes preparation for brain surgery.They will/should go thru everything with u thoroughly before any surgery takes place,and they will answer any concerns u have.When u go in this/next week,tell them your concerns,dont hold back.I think the reason they mite do brain surgery for epilepsy more these days is because they can and secondly,it is,to my understanding,that a lot more people are getting it these days for no reason(or so it would seem to doctors).

Juvenile myclonic epilepsy is what i was diagnosed with,which is actually quite common these days.It is called that when u get it going into puberty,I reckon anyway!

Best of luck with the apointment.

GuanYin

The main issue is hat you pass a wada test to ensure the surgery will not interfere with brain activity. Wada tests are scary, but you need to weight up the consequences of the standard of life surgery would offer.

The main thing is, ensure that you are 100% honest with your doctors and stop them and ask them to explain anything you don't understand until you are comfortable.

Good luck.

jiltloop

Brain surgery is a pretty scary prospect, no doubt about it. I'M SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE having just had a brain tumour removed on WEDNESDAY AND DISCHARGED FROM Beaumount yesterday. But i must say, they are a fantastic team over there and are very skilled at what they do so don't worry too muCH, obviously it's a difficult decision and there are risks with all surgeries but speaking from experience this is something that you can go through if yuo need to. I'm a terrible patient 9FEAR OF NEEDLES ETC MY HOLE LIFE) and i go through the experience and everything went well. THEY REALLY ARE FANTASTIC IN THAT hospital so don't let fear dictate your decision too much at the expense of your quality of life. for me it was either don't fight thi tumour and not be around for my family or face my fears and fight with everything i have for the people that love me. I'm so glad i chose to fight and so far everything has gone brilliantly.

i hope my sory might be of some help to you.

fritzelly

jiltloop wrote: »

I hope my sory might be of some help to you.

12 years later - the meds are far better now