Hello p

[SusieIM]

Hello everyone,

My daughter has had sezuires, does not have them as often as before. I do know she has been affected by her past sezuires. She gets frustrated because her memory is not as good as it used to be. Stress does seem to trigger her. When she gets stressed, sometimes it is hard for me to stop being stressed. Any suggestions on how a person who has a history of epilepsy, can control their stress more? I know this is a complicated question.

[elsieadams]

I started taking grand mal seizures when I was 14. It was very stressful for me and my family stop taking me to public outings . It was as though I was an embarrassment to the family and 48 years ago they used to do lobotomies on some with uncontrollable seizures. There have been a lot of improvements with very good meds over the years. I have been free of seizures for almost thirty years but every now and then if I feel tension in the back of my neck I do my best to relax. I stay away from stressful situations and people that cause me to be stressed out. Stress is a big factor for sure. Sometimes our brain tends to block out these episodes as there are very traumatic to our system as well as scary not having any control when they happen. I can tell you that most of my teenage years are blanked out. The best thing you can do for daughter is to see a dr about stress management. If that is not possible there are many books on this subject. Again find out what make your daughter the most happy and relaxed whatever makes her stressed out and that may help you as well. All the best. Happy to chat anytime.

[SusieIM in reply to elsieadams]

Thank you much for your feedback! Those are very good suggestions. Your suggestions mean alot. I am reaching out here since I know, feedback would come from someone who unfortunately has experience with sezuires. I am glad you do not sezuires now, that is wonderful. I am happy that my daughter does not have them as often, but I want to help her in practical ways. Because of her age (25), she pushes me away at times, hard for her to accept help when she needs it. She accepts help in some ways, not in others. Take care, may we all stay safe.

[elsieadams in reply to SusieIM]

AS you know we can be very independent at that age. Perhaps even a gentle suggestion from time to time she may start accepting advice. Another suggestion I have would involve diet. As seizures are mostly brought on by high levels of serotonin which travels from one side of the brain to the other. This chemical is at higher levels when one becomes very excited or very angry. These levels are also affected by certain food that we eat as well. I found that out when my son was born with Asperger's syndrome. I immediately removed any artificial additives , msg, color additives, processed meat, high sugar content and carbonated drinks. There are a few other foods such as those high in uric acid as lactose. This not only helped my son immensely but myself as well. He is now a chartered management accountant but because of this pandemic I have not seen him in over a year but he is doing well. Hope this info helps as well. Take care and stay safe.

[SusieIM in reply to elsieadams]

Very good advise! thank you. Yes diet does play a part for sure and if one gets enough sleep. I am working with her on diet, it is so true that at that age, no one likes to feel that they are being told what to do, etc. glad to hear that your son is doing well (smile). Take care..