Dear Debbie answers 5

Recent questions: 

• Does my friend have epilepsy? Kirsty
• Neurologist won't answer my questions? Skyla
• Is there a website for young teenagers with epilepsy? - Charlotte
• Does a person always become unconscious while having a seizures? - Trudi
• Message for Dawn in Minster - Debbie
• Message for Kim in Teddington - Debbie
• I don't want to be someone I'm not - Sarah
• Can I have extra time in exams? Are EEGs Scary? Holz
• will I finish my qualification? Kirstie
• Do I need to tell people about my seizures? Katlyn
• Are the doctors right? Angelliner
• Do I have to tell lecturers about my epilepsy? Kim
• what are the side affects of Lamotragine? Krisite
• How do i get hold of medi jewellary? Rebecca
• I think i've got epilepsy - Caroline
• why have seizures returned? Charlotte
• Message for Wendy in South Yorkshire - Debbie
• can you die from a seizure? Tiffany
• Can someone have e if they have bad migraines? Alex
• too much alcohol, not enough sleep? Stephanie
• my bf doesn't know I have e - Lucy
• Question for Debbie?

Dear Debbie

Hi I live in west yorkshire in a town called Pontefract, I am 15years old, and I suffer with epilepsy, I was wondering if there was a web site for young teenagers that I could talk to with the same condition that would become my friend and be able to go out and enjoy life to the full. At the moment I feel all alone, I know my family love me, but I have little friends and they dont understand what it is like to have epilepsy.
Please help me."

Charlotte

Hi Charlotte

As you have access to a computer, you could join forum4e as soon as you turn 16. This is an online community for people over the age of 16 who have epilepsy, from anywhere in the world.

Only people with epilepsy, or carers of people with epilepsy who can't use a computer
themselves, can join. This provides a safe and secure environment for people to discuss living with epilepsy.  Membership of the community is free.
 
Forum4e has a live chat facility, which would allow you to talk to other people anywhere in the world. You can also read and reply to messages posted by other people or start your own topic of conversation, for example asking teenagers who live in your area to get in touch with you.

I hope this helps.

Debbie

Dear Debbie

When I was about 7 I was diagnosed with epilepsy, then, I mainly had night time fits, as I got older, the night time seizures stopped, and my parents assumed I'd just grown out of it. The problem is I havent and no one knows, but I've had several fits in the day time - when I was drunk and around "that time of the month." I often feel ill and like i might have one at school, though it's yet 2 happen. I am really worried but don't know what to do. When I was younger I wasn't allowed on school trips, I dont want to get left out, I dont want my parents to be mad at me, and I'd dread telling my friends. Do I need to tell people? Or will keeping it a secret put me in danger?

I'd really appreciate some help.

Katlyn

Hi Katlyn,

As you have had several seizures that you haven't told anyone about, it really is advisable to tell your parents and speak to your GP who may decide to refer you to see an epilepsy specialist. This is so they can see if they can find any reason why you are still having seizures. They may prescribe anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to try and stop the seizures from happening or if you are already taking AEDs then the doctor may decide to alter the dosage or the drug itself.

Your parents may be more upset if you hide your seizures from them, than if you do tell them. By letting them know, they can look for ways to help you. Having epilepsy does not mean that you should miss out on activities such as school trips. Your parents may find it helpful to read the Parents Guide to Epilepsy and information about epilepsy and sport and leisure on our web site.

If someone sees a person having a seizure, it can be quite frightening if they don't know what's going on. If you decide to explain your seizures to your friends, it will make them feel more confident in knowing what to do, should you have a seizure, and it may even make them feel pleased that you have enough confidence and trust in them to explain what's happening to you. There's no denying that it can be tough telling people that you have seizures, but if you are relaxed and positive about it, most people are relieved to have the chance to help you, with the knowledge that they are doing the right thing.

You may be interested to know that alcohol and periods are very common triggers of seizures in people with epilepsy and there is information about this on the young people's section of our website.

Hope this helps!

Debbie

Dear Debbie

Dear Debbie

I have just found out i have epilepsy and was wondering if it would be likely i would be able to receive extra time in exams as this is so close to my exams and have some tests even in the middle of them? Also, i have to have an EEG and was wondering what they were like if they were scary etc?

Holz, Kingston

Hi Holz

In the UK, some people with epilepsy can have extra time in their exams. This might be if they have frequent seizures which could affect their performance during an exam. To find out if you might be able to have extra time, speak to the exams officer is at your school. They will need to know exactly how epilepsy affects you so they can decide if they can make any changes to help you.

There is more information about help that may be available for you during exams on our website.

EEG tests are painless and not at all scary. The person doing the test will ask you to sit or lie down on a couch and to relax. If you move during the test, it can make it difficult for a doctor to read the results, so it’s best to try and stay as still as possible.

The person doing the test will attach some little pads to your head, using a special kind of glue (which washes out easily afterwards). The pads have wires attached to them, which plug into the EEG machine. The person doing the test will then ask you to open and close your eyes, breathe deeply for a few minutes and then look at some flashing light. The whole test usually lasts between half an hour and an hour.

I hope that helps.

Debbie

Dear Debbie

I'm about 99 per cent certain that I've got epilepsy, but the problem is that I've got no idea about how to tell my mum or get it sorted out.  I've told my friends and they've tried to help me but they can't really do anything.  I've researched everything I can on epilepsy to help me to become so certain that i've got it.  Please help me!

Caroline, England

Hi Caroline,

Epilepsy can be a very difficult condition to diagnose, as its symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions. This is why it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. You could tell them what you have found out and ask if they feel it could be epilepsy. The doctor may send you for some tests to try and identify the cause of your symptoms. Once you have a diagnosis this could be the time to do some research.

If you do decide to tell your mum, tell her your symptoms, rather than what you think it might be. You may welcome her support when you go to the doctors.

Hope that helps