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Hi @lmojackson
Welcome to our group!
I completely understand how overwhelming it can be to receive such a diagnosis later in life - it truly is life-changing. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 48 in 2019, though I'd been having seizures for much longer before they were properly recognized.
You mentioned that your seizures felt similar to panic attacks. Would you feel comfortable sharing a bit more about what you experienced during those episodes? Did you stay conscious throughout? Were there any physical symptoms - things like muscle tension or involuntary movements?
You also mentioned that the medication prescribed last year is controlling your seizures well. It's such encouraging news, as finding the right treatment can take time. What medication have you been taking, if you don't mind sharing?
Please know that you're not alone in this journey. Here in the Epilepsy & Seizures group, you'll find people who truly understand what you're going through.
Chris
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Hello @jafar,
Welcome to our group as well!
Getting an epilepsy diagnosis is never easy to process, especially when there's rapid progression like you're experiencing.
Your situation reminds me of my own journey - my epilepsy was misdiagnosed for decades, and all my EEGs came back normal until 2019. That's when I learned that many people with epilepsy have normal EEG results, simply because no seizure activity happens to occur during the test. Here's a helpful resource from the Epilepsy Foundation about normal EEG results:
What if my EEG was normal?
https://www.epilepsy.com/diagnosis/eeg/what-if-its-normal
I've been on Keppra since last December (after trying 5 other anti-epileptic drugs) and I've been seizure-free since then, thankfully. I experienced similar side effects initially; the fatigue and nausea you're describing are very common. It does take time for the body to adjust, and with careful dose adjustments from my doctor, those symptoms became much more manageable.
You might find this group discussion about Keppra experiences helpful:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-know-if-intense-keppra-side-effects-are-normal/
Regarding your question about seeking a second opinion. I had similar thoughts when I first started treatment in 2019 because of the side effects of the medication (Lamictal at that time). Finding the right medication and dosage can take time. The key questions might be: Does your doctor treat you with compassion and understanding? Is he or she addressing your side effects proactively and offering solutions? Does he or she take time to explain things clearly and address your concerns?
The beginning of treatment can be challenging for many of us. For me, support from family and friends, and sharing experiences with others who have epilepsy were essential for moving forward.
Chris
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