Ramadan

Hi everybody, our Islamic month off Ramadan starts one of these days and I’m still in two minds about keeping the fasts. I haven’t kept them for several years because of both my epilepsy and my diabetes. I’m considering fasting this year but my medication times will change so much. That’s what Is putting me off. I haven’t had a fit for several years. I’ll be fasting a very very long fast. So ill be taking my morning tablets at 4.00am. And my night time at 9.00pm 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈. Any opinion or advice or reply would b much appreciated

[GillyA]

One option I have known people use when daytime is very extended is to fast in line with the timing in Mecca, rather than use local time. This allows you to demonstrate your faith at an important time, but also to recognise that for extremely extended daylight (eg in the very far north or in the case of health issues) the length of daylight may make fasting impractical. Is it worth discussing with your Imman or a loved one?

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Dear SID123

I understand this is a very important time for you. It's good that you are looking into it to help you make an informed decision.

Research has shown that fasting can put people with epilepsy at risk of more seizures. So before you fast for any reason, it is important to get advice from your family doctor, epilepsy nurse or epilepsy specialist.

Some research was carried out on people with epilepsy who were fasting during Ramadan. The research showed that some of them had more seizures during this time. This increase was probably due to:

Changes in the way epilepsy medicines were taken

Sleep patterns being disturbed

Going for a long time without food

Emotional stress and tiredness

These are all things that are known to trigger seizures in some people with epilepsy.

It is important to get medical advice before deciding if you are going to fast.

Regards

Diane

Epilepsy Action

[Hidden in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Thanks for your reply. Do you think this could happen in people whose epilepsy isn’t very well controlled? I’ve not had a fit for over 10 years. Still on my medication of course.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action in reply to Hidden]

There is no way to tell. We have heard of people who haven't had seizures for many years have breakthrough seizures. Then there are people who it hasn't affected.

Regards

Diane

[Hidden]

Can epilepsy affect a person after a few days of medication times changing? Anybody understand my question. If for example one or days the tablets are taken at very different times to normal and things are ok, but then a few days after they could change or have the side effects. Although I know each person is different