Does it really take Epileptics longer to recover from being ill?

[KaiKai_B]

I have had a chest infection for at least a week now doesn't seem to be getting better. Its the first time i've been properly ill since my epilepsy diagnosis. Everytime I start to think I'm feeling better I suddenly start to feel worse again. I have read that it can take epileptics 4 times longer than 'normal' people to recover after being ill but I'm not sure how much truth there is to that.

Please share your experiences with me.

[Adlon57]

What sort of epilepsy do you have ? I am the "Survivor" had epilepsy since I was 14, now aged 67, and thankfully retired, had a regular medical dictionary of medical of health conditions, as soon as I 'recover' from one another comes round the corner, quite a cv? Very susceptible to all sorts of conditions, side effects, reactions, over the years, had over 400 seizures, but it has made myself harder mentally and physically against what comes up, surprised everybody I'm still here👍 An example the time of covid, I was given AZ vaccine but it was the vaccine and reaction to it that did most harm, I have had that much "stuff" pumped into me over my life time, I doubt if I needed that vaccine in the first place, but that's just my opinion there? I presume you mean because a person has epilepsy they are more prone to other conditions our systems that they might be weaker, in my case yes, but in my case, I'm a hard nut, "I'm a survivor!" surprising what the system can take👌

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi KaiKai-B

Thank you for your post. I’m sorry to hear you have been unwell with a chest infection. If you continue to feel unwell it would be best to talk to your family doctor again. nhs.uk/conditions/chest-inf...

Generally, people with epilepsy do not take longer to recover from an illness. We are not sure of an automatic reason why this would be the case.

All that comes to mind is some people with epilepsy may also have other health problems that may affect their autoimmune system and general health.

If you would like to share the information you are referring to with us. We would be happy to look into it further.

Take Care

Diane

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team

[Redarrow1204]

Hi,

I had a chest infection for nearly 3 months that only shifted once I had COVID 19, where as before i used to get over chest infections with in a week to 10 days.

So i would say that yes it does seem to take longer to get over illnesses than a 'normal person '

[car67]

hi , personally for me it does take a lot longer but I don’t think it’s because of the epilepsy it’s because of my immune system being weak . Unfortunately right now I too have a chest infection and am on steroids and antibiotics , I’ve been unwell for 11 days and am slowly recovering , it has completely drained me out. What it has done is make my seizures worse in having them more , but I was told that the tablets they put me on would cause this. Everybody different though , check with your neurologist or epilepsy nurse. I hope your feeling better soon 😊