Living with Epilepsy/Seizures

I was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Nov 2005. I was at work (Hospital) and felt this strong, overwhelming feeling with disorientation that only kept getting stronger. I had been having these weird feelings for a week or so prior to my seizure I had brief moments (about 15-20sec)of feeling disconnected from what was happening around me.

I could see and hear everything but I was at a stand still like I couldn’t respond. I’d have this feeling of nausea and uneasiness. Needless to say, I just brushed it off as just one of those weird feelings that give u the shivers. Unfortunately, this episode occurred again while I was at work but it lasted longer than 20sec and was getting stronger.

I was working in Surgical Intensive Care (Resp Therapist) and one one of the Nurses noticed I was not acting appropriate and was walking leaning along a wall. She quickly called another nurse and the other therapist that I was working with. They escorted me to the elevator to take me to the ER…that was when I had my first seizure inside the elevator. Afterwards, I never recalled the incident and to this day I still do not remember any of it.

I had 2 CT Scan, 2 MRI, and an EEG done. All were normal. All my blood work was normal. I stayed in the hospital for 3days and was released to the care of Neurologist at the Epilepsy Center. I had a 2nd EEG done (sleep-deprived). I came back to confirm I had Temporal Lobe Epilepsy All known causes were ruled out so right now my etiology is unknown.

I’ve been on Lamictal since then and stopped taking in in Jan 2006 because I found out that I was pregnant. I subsequently had another seizure 9days later in Feb. I was once again started and informed not to stop medication. Fortunately, my pregnancy had no complications. My daughter was born healthy and normal in Sept 2006. I’ve continued on Lamicatal since then with no further seizures or even auras.

My only dilemma now is that my insurance will not pay for the Brand name medication anymore since there is now a generic form of Lamictal. My insurance will only pay for the generic form and although I had the prescription filled..I have yet to take it. I’ve read articles on how switching to generics can have a negative impact on seizure control. I’m in the process of finding a new neurologist since I’ve recently moved and I’m not able to see my old physician.