Hi @27angel
Since my epilepsy diagnosis in 2019, several things have really helped me manage my seizures and epilepsy symptoms:
1. Finding the right doctor has been the most important step. I needed someone who not only seeks seizure freedom but truly cares about their patients' overall well-being – a doctor who welcomes questions and encourages you to learn about your condition.
2. Learning my seizure triggers has been enormously helpful. With the guidance of Dr. Andrews and her book "Taking Control of Your Seizures," along with keeping a daily diary (whether I had seizures or not), I've identified my major triggers and even learned to recognize my prodromes – those warning signs that can appear hours or even days before a seizure. Here are some resources if you're interested:
- Andrews-Reiter Website and Approach to Epilepsy
https://www.andrewsreiter.com/newbook.html
- Taking Control of Your Seizures: Workbook
https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Control-Your-Seizures-Treatments/dp/019933501X/ref=sr_1_1
3. Support from my neuropsychologist has been invaluable, especially in those first years after diagnosis. She helped me tremendously with accepting my epilepsy, navigating its challenges, and adapting my lifestyle. Learning to live with epilepsy instead of fighting against it has also helped me control my seizures better.
I have epilepsy, but I don't let epilepsy have me. I continue living my life through adaptations.
Chris