Meds?

My husband has mild epilepsy. He has only had 3 Grand Mal seizures in his life. His first one was when he was 14. He has been on meds since then. Last year he decided since he hadn't had anymore maybe he didn't need to take meds anymore. SO he stopped. Well in the beginning of OCT last year we were driving  and he went into a Grand Mal. I have never been so scared in my life! The ambulance came and took him to the nearest hospital, since we were out of town. And he had another one at the hospital. He is now back on his meds, he has the hardest time remembering to take them though. when he misses even one he has Petty Mals. Does anyone have any secrets to getting him to remember his meds?? He is getting annoyed with me asking him everyday! My other problem is that I still have nightmares about that day... how can I forget?? And my 3rd Q, is Epilepsy genetic? Could our kids have it too??

[Sisteranita3]

I am not truly sure if Epilepsy is genetic.  I suffer yet none of  "immediate" family have this.  My first seizures were as an infant (in 1956) and had no other's until 1980's as an adult.  I only know of one cousin who suffers this ailment, so that I GUESS that is technically genetic.  I suppose the disease simply picks & chooses.

I am sure that there are others who are more knowledgeable than I on this site.  I simply take my meds and have had no further seizures since 2002 when I retired.

The way that I remember to take the meds is that I have them near me in the house where I am everyday.  For me that is in the dining room near the computer (under the dining room table).  Before I had to take so very many I used a container where you simply put your meds in for each day/time and if that slot was not empty, you had not taken the pills.  If your husband uses one of these you could perhaps simply check the container to see if the meds had been taken - thereby eliminating the need to ask him  (I know being continually asked would be irritating to me).

As for yourself, my only suggestion would be some type of counseling or support group.  I HAVE the seizures yet have never seen anyone go through one.  I can only imagine that it would be horrifying, especially while in a car.  (My Neurologist will not even allow me to drive anymore)

There are other sites where you can seek medical info on the subject, WebMD.com is a nice one I have found.  Also there are physicians on this site who may provide information/suggestions.

I can only say that this ailment can be very frightening but can also be controlled.  My best suggestion goes to your husband and should be followed without question.  "Do not EVER stop taking your meds without the approval of your physician."  Trust me, it is the best advice I can give.

Good luck and God Bless,

Anita

[brainpain]

hi blhaas, i have grandmal seizures to. i have asked 3 neuroligist if it is passed threw familys. the good news is all said no. i had a pituitary tumor and i asked my neuro surgen he said epilepsy isent passed on to your kids.  i know what you and your husband are going threw. i had a grandmal seizure on thanksgiving day while driving to my moms. my 2 girls were with me when i wreacked. my girls had never seen me have a seizure and was scared to death. my girls wwas so scared to ride with me . i supported my girls and helped them get over it by letting them see me take my meds. truthfully i had to get over it to. i have a way to rember my meds it has helped me so much. i have set a ringtone on my phone and when it goes off i take my meds. its not that we get mad that everyone keeps asking did we take or meds , it makes us feel as if we have lost control and adulthood when were questioned . i also got a weekly pill holder and my hubby and i check it every nite before i go to bed just to be safe. the pill holder would make it easier for you to track his meds, without him getting upset. i hope this helps you.

[blhaas]

thanks so much for your comments. this helps so much! Luckily I was the one driving when he had the seizure. Our daughter was also in the back seat. And thank goodness she is young enough she wont remember it.

[Sisteranita3]

Truly a good thing that you were the one driving.  It is good that your child is young enough not to remember the seizure in the car, but if your husband continues having the seizure activity, you will have to explain to her at some time what is going on.

Not being a parent I don't know how that goes, but I guess as you explain other things when asked, this would simply be included.

Glad that you were able to find help here.

Anita