been told today that I have epilepsy

[pantaloons]

Was something of a surprise really.

Sorry it's a bit long.

I went to the GP's about a year ago with pins and needles in my right hand, tingling lips and a sort of blank feeling. She said I was having panic attacks and gave me citralopram. To be honest I didn't think it was, but took her advice, though stopped the meds a while ago as they made no difference.

Fast forward a few months, the funny episodes are stil there, Mum has witnessed them as had DH during the day and at night. They are as I described above along with me making a funny noise in my throat (so I'm told) and when I am back on the planet I get the feeling I should remember something, but can't, it's sort of like I was thinking about something when I was vacant and it's always the same, but I can't remember what. It takes me a little while to get with it again and freaks me out a bit. Also I don't always get the tingling now, I just tune out for about 30 seconds.

So after Mum saw one I was ordered back to the doctors, he was certain it was migriane related (I have hum dingers, but they are under control with meds) and he referred me to a neuro.

I went to the hospital today, the doc was very dismissive of the panic attack diagnosis and after hearing my symptoms said it is epilepsy and that I need a couple of scans to find out why. Then home we came.

I think I was in shock a bit, the advice he gave was "don't drive or swim at the deep end." I never thought to ask how long before the scan or what happens after the scan or how long I can't drive for or well anything really.

To be honest I'm a bit weepy tonight, I was really just expecting some migraine pills and have ended up with epilepsy! I suppose I'm a bit scared so if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.

Sounds like a shock, no wonder you're feeling a bit weepy. I don't have advice, but a) wanted to bump for you and b) wanted to tell you it sounds like what they call 'petit mal', which my uncle had for years. It started as an adult, and lasted a decade or so, then went away. He never had full blown fits, just as you describe - 'blank' moments, where he wasn't there and had similar neuro symptoms.

Forty years later, he's now in his 70s and absolutely fine - its a distant memory.

Also, I think, if I were you, I'd call on Monday and find out how long till the scan, and also go see the GP for some advice, tips on what to do/not do till you see the consultant again...you were left rather abruptly with no info after a big-deal diagnosis, IMO. Makes me quite on your behalf. Be kind to yourself this weekend, hope you have some support. xxx

You poor thing - what a shock for you. You can always phone the doctors back and find out more - it's always hard to remember to find these things out at the time.
I don't have much advice but wanted to send you hugs as my sister had epilepsy as a teenager so your thread struck a cord.

Make sure you talk to your mum/DH/someone you trust about how you are feeling. It's hard to imagine, but you will adjust and you will be fine. Good luck.

Thanks for that, I will have a good look at the epilepsy site. I never thought to google - Duh! Must be in shock, I normally live on there!

Thanks for the reassurance as well, it's nice to know other people have positive experiences. I know I will probably just have to take a pill or something to treat it eventually, it was just such a shock today. I'll give the doctors a ring on Monday and see if a doctor or nurse will have a chat.

Thanks again.