Epilepsy

[Diane]

If you google epilepsy NSW you will find some organizations you could take a look at or your Doc or hospital would have contacts with local groups for help and support.

[goldelf]

ok will do-thanks for that- i really have been looking at American sites, but really they dont help too much if i want help in this country now...

[BluJay]

Wow, some answers would depend what class of epilepsy you have, grand mal, petit mal, etc. And it would be best for you to find information here, as some drugs used in America, are not available here. Lots of people there cannot get medication for it, because there is no public health system. Treatments can be very different one country to another, just as in birding.

[goldelf]

I got the big one-the grand mal one where i have a seizure and fit for a minute or 2 and go unconscious-its all new to me and actually to be honest i am not that happy with 2 neurologists that i have see plus my GP regarding any information about it-i mean really they just gave me drugs and told me not to drive-which sux cos i just bought my Audi Q7....actually they said dont drive for 6 months...but i must say i need to go back this week and i will be asking a whole lot of questions-i think the problem is i am out of it a lot-and the drugs they give you can make you drowsy and spaced out and thats happening to me already-although i would not like to be sick in America -i mean if you dont have health insurance you are #$^%&*!!

[jusdeb]

Its going to be a horrible few months of tests , doctors and medication changes but in the end things will settle and normality will return . Probably more a shock to you getting it as an adult and out of the blue than someone growing up with it ..

[Myzomela]

There's also a period of equilibration with some medications which means it can take some time before you get the balance between stopping the fits but not nodding off to sleep all the time. Your neurologist/GP should advise you a) about the condition itself and b) about the effects of the medications you have been prescribed- both desired and undesired!!
They should also explain how often you should have rechecks to see that a) the drugs have reached the desired levels in your body and b) that there are no effects on other organs, depending on the drugs dispensed.

Don't be afraid to ask your doctors all the questions you want answered & ask again if you're not happy with the answers you get- or seek a second opinion.

BBs suggestion about support groups is also an excellent idea.

You are not alone as there are thousands of sufferers Australia- wide.

Good luck with it all.

And as for the insomnia, there are always a few of us finch crazies online at odd hours to chat to!!

[finchbreeder]

Get a small note pad. When you think of a question write it down. Take it with you to your Doctors appointment. We all go blank when we acctually get there. This way you have your questions with you. Good luck for the future.
LML