DEALING With the STIGMA

[nananeedsthis]

Hi everyone...I have one more question...how do we deal with the stigma associated with epilepsy and seizures? I had to go to the ER last night because I had a series of "absence seizures". The attending physician asked me "so...what's going on at home, I've never seen this kind of seizure before." Then he asked me if I needed an Ativan. He told the nurse to bring it, after I had another seizure. I told him I didn't need it, and the nurse asked him if he wanted her to "waste it." I told them to go to he...*!!! When I was leaving I told the MD that he was archaic, and full of stigma...and the next time someone comes in having seizures, that he's never seen, to consult his desk reference or a neurologist. Oh yeah...I do have a UTI and bronchitis.

[nananeedsthis]

I live alone, but my sister works at that hospital, and was there. I understand about the use of ativan, but...I don't understand the manner in which he and the nurse acted. This is not the first time this has happened to me at this hospital, and unfortunaly, there is no other place to go. Once, a seizure left me too weak to walk unassisted, yet they sent me home in my stocking feet at 5 am., with a walker. I did not have any money on me and our cabs here will not take you unless they are paid up-front. So I had to walk the 3 miles home. These are the problems I am concerned about. And I believe they are from stigma and fear of the unknown. I'm sorry if I sound angry, but I'm tired. I don't know what else to do? Anyhow...thanks for "listening".

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. I sympathize with your condition but I don’t think the neurologist said anything that was insensitive and irrelevant. ativan or  lorazepam is a high potency benzodiazepine drug used an anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative and hypnotic, anticonvulsant or for seizure and a muscle relaxant. if he asked you whats happening at home, you must take it in the correct spirit, he wanted to know about the interpersonal relationships you have with other family members possible since you went to the emergency all alone despite the seizure. Take care.

[nananeedsthis]

It wasn't the suggestion of the use of the ativan for the seizure, but the attitude of the nurse about "wasting it" and his assumption that there were problems at home. Upon arrival, they were told I had a history of seizures...that should have been the biggest clue to them. After speaking to my neuro...the UTI probably brought on the seizures because I have been running a low-grade fever. They are going to check my med levels though...I have been on the same dosage for almost two years (migraines)...this is a new neurologist.

[caregiver222]

Both valium and ativan are used by some physicians as medications to reduce the probability of a seizure. In such a case the medication is not prescribed because the patient has psychiatric problems.