One of the biggest issues of trying to find a job while having active seizures on a regular basis is transportation. 

It limits which jobs you can apply for due to your transportation issues.

Working at home is great way for people with epilepsy to have flexibility with transportation , doctor visits, health issues and the decreasing STRESSSS!!!!!

You can find a job at home or you can find a business where you are the boss. 

Below is an ad for business with residual income and a low start up cost.

Come and be part of my positive, low stress work team!

More information is available on my website. Enjoy

www.cheerfulbiz.com

One of the biggest issues of trying to find a job while having active seizures on a regular basis is transportation. 

It limits which jobs you can apply for due to your transportation issues.

Working at home is great way for people with epilepsy to have flexibility with transportation , doctor visits, health issues and the decreasing STRESSSS!!!!!

You can find a job at home or you can find a business where you are the boss. 

Below is an ad for business with residual income and a low start up cost.

Come and be part of my positive, low stress work team!

Visit www.eveventures.com/successnowvb

you can email me Veronique at msvb19@yahoo.com  for  information

Marketing position:

Eveventures  is seeking motivated individuals to work PT/FT flexible schedules from home.  Activities include customer service, marketing and account set up.  No experience necessary, corporate training provided.

Requirements:
Excellent phone voice, computer & Internet, 3-way calling, unlimited long distance.
Must be 21 or older.

Here you'll find

• A business concept and system that will allow you to create true residual, executive income without the executive hours
• The freedom  to enjoy life on your own terms
• A Fortune 500 management team
• An excellent compensation plan
• Executive and Corporate income potential

Enjoy working with an established, reputable, BBB accredited company.
                  Be part of an organization with a winning attitude!
 

Visit www.eveventures.com/successnowvb

update on life and hormones!

Hello Bloggers. Welcome to the time of Summer!
sorry to have been gone for a while. It has been a rough time of seizures.  I have been learning a lot!

1. I had decreased the dose of progestrone to 100 mg. the blood test were fine but my body did not like it! The dose was increase to 150 and time released. I am sleeping much better now!~
2. I have also found out  the level of TSH or thyroid can be changed by taking Tegretol.  now my thyroid numbers are good but the body is not feeling great. I am taking extra thyroid with water and I am feeling much better. Thinking much better!~
easy to do the check book!

http://epilepsytalk.com/

here is a copy of Epilepsy Talk great article!   It is amazing what the thyroid does!~

Your Thyroid…What Everyone with Epilepsy Should Know | June 1, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 Votes

Touch your neck, right above your collar-bone, and you’ll find a little gland called your thyroid.  It only weighs an ounce, yet this thyroid’s hormones control your metabolism.

When those hormones are balanced, everything is fine.  But if your thyroid makes just a little less or more than you need…it could cause havoc, both with how you function and the effectiveness of your AEDs.

Hypothyroidism – or an underactive thyroid – is the real baddy.  It can result in fatigue, weight gain, constipation, fuzzy thinking, low blood pressure, fluid retention, depression, body pain, slow reflexes, and much more.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid — can result in a rapid metabolism and symptoms like: anxiety, insomnia, rapid weight loss, diarrhea, high heart rate, high blood pressure, eye sensitivity/bulging eyes, vision disturbances, and many other concerns.

Although any kind of hormone irregularity is cause for concern, endocrinologists, generally consider hypothyroidism the worse of the two.

Which leads us to the bad news…

In a new study, when researchers at the American Academy of Neurology called for hormone testing…

The team found that about 32% of epilepsy patients who were taking anti-epileptic drugs (both in mono or polytherapy) had thyroid hormone abnormalities.

The most relevant finding was in patients who were taking Depakote (Valproate) as a  monotherapy.

Previous studied had shown that Depakote increased the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones which, in turn, can lead to hyperthyroidism.

However, when recent research compared anti-epileptic drugs, they found that the following drugs actually encouraged hypothyroidism.  (The no-no.)  These drugs were:

Depakote — Valproate (61.5% greater incidence of hypothyroidism)

Tegretol — Carbamaepine (47.9% greater incidence of hypothyroidism)

Dilantin — Phenytoin (17% greater incidence of hypothyroidism)

Although both thyroid irregularities can be successfully treated, you have to know they exist, in order to alter the situation. 

If you have hypothyroidism, researchers suggest large doses of selenium — a common over-the-counter supplement — to bring your thyroid levels back up. You can probably get enough selenium by taking a good multi-vitamin and mineral product.  Just make sure you’re getting 200 mcg per day of selenium.

Hyperthyroidism is relatively rare and can be treated successfully with anti-thyroid drugs, prescribed by your doctor.

However, the bottom line is that thyroid illness is more common than you think. That’s why we need to be pro-active about thyroid testing. When you go to your internist, insist on running a full thyroid panel of T4, T3 and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).  Most docs will only test your TSH and tell you everything is ducky if you don’t spell out the full panel requested.

(Believe me, I speak from experience.)

Also, please take the initiative to ask for your results and check them against the norms, before you decide to take any action.  If you think you do have hypothyroidism, it’s as easy as taking selenium or a thyroid supplement.  And if your testing shows you to have hyperthyroidism, it’s just a matter of taking an anti-thyroid medication.  And in a little time, it will probably “fix” itself.  But make sure of your results first!

Your thyroid might be the last thing on your mind.  But please, if you’re on any kind of AED, ask your doctor to run a full thyroid test panel once a year.  It could make a world of difference in how you feel.

Epilepsy quotes

these quotes are wonderful! It is hard to pick a favorite!

Veronique

From Epilepsy Talk

Epilepsy quotes to inspire you… | December 7, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Votes

Here are some of my favorite quotes (along with a zillion others) that help me get through the day. What are yours?

“I want people with epilepsy to know that there are ways in which they can play a role in their own recovery. It’s all in how they approach what is happening and how they can use that as a catalyst for their own growth. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s that people are willing to embrace you if you share your story.”  Danny Glover

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”  Scott Hamilton

“I’m not disabled, I’m Differently Able!”  Montel Williams

“Motivation depends what you do… attitude determines how well you do it!”  Lesley Donnelly

“I certainly don’t regret my experiences because without them, I couldn’t imagine who or where I would be today. Life is an amazing gift to those who have overcome great obstacles, and attitude is everything! ”  Sasha Azevedo

“Support. Something that speaks volumes and shouldn’t cost a penny.”  Anonymous

“I feel so lucky that I met the love of my life. You know somebody’s in it to win it when…you’re having a seizure and they’re holding you…”  Kathleen Hanna

“Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.” Bill Watterson

“Having epilepsy does not mean you have to expect and cope with depression. You have as much right to help and support as anyone else.” Anonymous

“The ribbon is like a visual hug for someone with epilepsy”  Mary Loughling.

“We can fight seizures if we fight for our dreams everyday and appreciate the little things we accomplish”  Rachel Joy

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”  Christopher Robin to Pooh Bear

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.”  C.C. Scott

“I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street; I met a man who had no feet.”  Ancient Persian Saying

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice.”  Sally Komar

“No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.” Barbara de Angelis

To subscribe to Epilepsytalk.com and get the latest articles by email, simply go to the bottom box on the right, enter your email address and click on “Follow”.

Resources:

http://www.brainyquote.com

http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/depression#.VFE8_fnF-So

http://epilepsyrecovery.blogspot.com/p/inspirational-poetry.html

http://quotes.yourdictionary.com/epilepsy

http://www.quotesea.com/quotes/with/epilepsy

http://epilepsyfoundation.ning.com/group/affirmations-and-quotes

http://www.sullivanstriders.org/inspire.html

BookBub from The Huffington Post.

Turkey and Christmas fun

It is so much fun to not have to do HOMEWORK this weekend. I do remember having to write papers this weekend. So much more fun watching movies and writing Christmas cards.  Had a blast emailing cards and deciding who would get a hand written card. I love getting them!

Ideas to prevent Seizures at Holiday

Epilepsy Ireland News

19-12-2011 | Preventing Seizures over the Christmas Holidays : Brainwave’s 12 Top Tips

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Christmas can be a hectic, exciting and stressful time for everyone and people with epilepsy are no exception. Every year at the beginning of January Brainwave staff receive some calls from people who have had seizures over the Christmas period. For some it will have been the first ever episode and they will be concerned about whether they may go on to become diagnosed with epilepsy in the event of a subsequent seizure. For most though it will mean a recurrence of seizures within the context of diagnosed epilepsy. Often in discussing the events leading up to it can emerge that a range of trigger factors may have been at play to reduce the person's seizure threshold. With this in mind we are highlighting here some ways of reducing the risk of breakthrough seizures over Christmas and trying to address some of the questions people ask.

 1) Start early, Plan ahead - last minute rushing around in the run up to Christmas is the norm for many people but can be very stressful for someone with epilepsy. You can reduce the stress factor by being organized and breaking the tasks up into manageable pieces that can be spread out over time. Keep lists and try to focus on doing a certain amount each week, whatever is feasible. Shopping online is increasingly popular and can help reduce the need to rush around the shops. This should mean you don't have to overdo it at any point and give you free time to enjoy the atmosphere without the pressure. 

2) Transport and travel - if you are unable to drive currently this may affect how and where you shop. You may have been used to going about doing all the shopping for gifts and trimmings before. Now you may need to consider whether to seek help with lifts from others or whether you can actually manage to get the groceries, gifts and the Christmas tree in one outing. Consider your energy levels and pace yourself. Public transport can be in great demand at this busy time so try avoid rush hour in order to get a seat. Be realistic about what you can undertake and if someone offers to get something for you consider accepting the offer. Whatever makes life easier and less stressful is welcome. Shopping locally or online again can reduce the transport demands.

3) Skipping meals- it might be tempting to pass by when you see long queues at restaurants when shopping but don't be tempted to skip meals. During the holidays our patterns can alter so it's good to ensure you get to keep to a regular pattern of eating.

4) Take your medication as normal. Ensure you have sufficient supplies of your prescription to last the holidays.

5) Sleep debt - Regular sleep patterns are important for people with epilepsy - over the holidays these can change due to the late night festivities or morning lie-ins. If you are planning a late night try to ensure you are well rested prior to going out and take your medication as normal. If possible have some extra sleep the following day also. This will reduce your sleep debt (the amount of missed sleep you owe yourself).

6) Relaxation - Take few minutes of quiet time each morning and evening to listen to a guided visualization, soothing music or do meditation - whatever method works for you to unwind and take a break from the cares of the day.

7) Alcohol - whether at parties or in the home everyone is potentially more exposed to alcohol over Christmas. Your doctor may have advised you on what is a safe limit for you. Stick to this advice, keep your intake moderate (typically 1-2 units) and avoid binge drinking. Don't be afraid to say no to another one - if your friends have your interests at heart they won't force the issue or encourage you to drink more than is safe for you. Consider having shandies instead or non-alcoholic beers and wines as options. Remember you don't have to "keep up" with everyone else to enjoy yourself - you have the right to choose not to put yourself at risk.

8)  Other Stimulants and street drugs - whether we are talking about high caffeine energy drinks or any kind of street drugs these are all associated with increasing seizures and must be avoided.

9) Christmas lights and New Year Firework Displays - while flashing light is a trigger for a small number of people with photosensitive epilepsy the Christmas lights sold in stores here should all meet the required health and safety standards for flicker. Risk factors for photosensitive epilepsy are flicker from 5-20 flashes per second (hertz) glare and strong contrast, and saturated reds. Christmas lights circuits should flicker at about 1 hertz (flash per second). However, there have been a few anecdotal reports of people who feel they were affected by faulty lighting. Also if several circuits are combined a photosensitive effect could be generated. If it is not possible to avoid the lighting the simple measure of covering one eye with one hand should be sufficient to prevent a seizure on exposure to the flashing lights. Firework displays are live events and it is difficult to predict the flash rates they might generate. As fireworks are often held in darkness and the contrast could enhance the photosensitive effect. Again the measure of covering one eye with one hand is advised (closing the eyes is not effective as light can penetrate the skin of the eyelids).

10) Excitement - Particularly for the children the anticipation of Christmas can cause huge excitement which although it seems like fun is felt by the body in a similar way to a stress reaction. Keeping the atmosphere calm and routine stable can help prevent overexcitement and sleep problems.

11) Family Support (or lack of it) Christmas is a time when many people expect to spend more time than usual with family and this can have both it's joys and downsides. If your family are supportive that is a great bonus but if they have difficulties accepting epilepsy it can place a strain on relationships. If you lack a supportive family or network of friends this can leave you feeling isolated at a time of great emotional expectation. Consider in advance how you will obtain support to help you through the holidays whether through talking to your GP, joining a support group, getting referred to counselling, or calling a telephone helpline like the Samaritans. Don't be afraid to ask for the help you need to cope.

12) Expectations - Keep your expectations for Christmas realistic. If you hope for perfection the likelihood is you will be disappointed at least some of that time. There is a huge emotional investment we can make in wanting Christmas to be a certain way and the reality may be less than perfect. If we can be flexible around this we can accept that the images we see in TV and advertising are idealized and that the rest of us live in the real world we will be taking a healthier approach. If we could be content with a "good enough" Christmas we might actually be able to relax and enjoy it more.

Brainwave wishes all it's members a safe & enjoyable Christmas & New Year 

Traveling at Christmas

Christmas, Family, & Travelling with Epilepsy

Posted on October 11, 2014 by dragonandrose

Yes it is October and I am already talking about Christmas and the upcoming Holiday Season.  Last year, inChristmas, Airplanes, & Epilepsy, I talked about making my annual trip to see my family.

I have just bought my tickets and am excited to go see my family once again!  Some people may not always feel that way, but I feel a strong desire to be with family over Christmas.  It has also been a whole year since I have seen them last.  I would actually like to fly back and see them more often, but my current budget won’t allow that.

My trip last year was relatively uneventful, so I will attempt to prepare myself for this year’s flight in the same way.  The mp3 player that I usually use to listen to music while flying has died since my last flight, so I will have to purchase a new one before my next trip.  I will have to make sure that my Medic Alert information is current.  I will also write down some useful information in a notebook for the flight attendant if something happens.

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Epilepsy Awareness Aluminum Ornaments

http://www.cafepress.com/+epilepsy-awareness+ornaments?cat=202940

I found a great link at cafepress which has Epilepsy Awareness Ornaments. What  a great idea!

Gratitude

Community Corner: November 20, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

As the holiday season approaches, it may be hard to get in the holiday spirit if you or a loved one are struggling with the challenges of epilepsy. You may not feel well enough to participate or feel emotionally overwhelmed, unhappy or down. Is there a way to change this?  

Often, how we act influences how we feel and how we feel contributes to how we act. What if we changed how we act? Instead of thinking about what is not going right or what bothers us, consider focusing on what is going right or what we do have. Giving thanks for what we have is one way of changing how we feel and act. In other words, use gratitude to help your attitude!

What are some things we can show gratitude for?

• Family - who have shown support in good times and bad. Epilepsy is a family affair. It’s as hard on family members as it is on an individual, just in a different way.  We don’t say thank you often enough to you. Or maybe we take frustration out on you.  Sorry for that and thank you for being there!

• Friends and acquaintances who may fill a void for people without immediate family.  And who support families without question or hesitation. You may not realize how important the little acts of kindness are. They mean so much.

• School nurses, teachers and other school personnel – your impact is immeasurable. How you act and treat students with seizures lets others know what to do. Helping a student reach their potential and not let epilepsy stand in their way is even more important. You are role models for your students and other adults. Thank you!

• People who help during or after a seizure- by holding hands, offering reassuring words, keeping us safe, or calling for help. It’s so important to come to after a seizure and see a kind face and hear kind words. Ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians, emergency room staff – people with seizures hate to see you, but are so thankful that you are there.

• People who give us rides if we can’t drive, do errands for us, or go with us to appointments. This can take a lot of time and we realize you don’t have to do it, but you do. Thank you.

• People who let us vent and cry on a bad day, or laugh and celebrate a day without seizures. Just being there is so important. You don’t need to fix things, just listen and be there.

• Counselors and caregivers. You give so much to children and adults with seizures. You are on the “front line,” helping us learn life skills. Or just helping us at home on daily activities. What would we do without you? Thank you!

• Health care professionals – the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who see us at our most difficult times and help us get stronger. Thank you for listening and trying to make sense of an unpredictable and confusing illness. Don’t give up when a treatment isn’t working. We need you to stick with us and help us find a better treatment. Thank you for pushing us too – to not settle for the “status quo” and for encouraging us to take steps that may be outside of our comfort zone.

• Researchers – you continue to seek answers to what causes epilepsy, what is going on in the brain, how to stop seizures and other problems that may occur because of epilepsy. Thank you for doing this! Thank you to the researchers who develop new therapies, devices, and other kinds of help for people with epilepsy. It’s an exciting time with so much potential. Thank you for your new ideas and willingness to try new things!

• People who educate and advocate for epilepsy and seizures. Do you know how important you are? Your willingness to speak up and make a difference is desperately needed and appreciated! You truly make a difference by raising awareness about epilepsy so it’s no longer hidden from public view. For raising funds for care and research and for fighting to end discrimination and improve access to care and all aspects of life for people with epilepsy and other disabilities.

• The Epilepsy Foundation and all the organizations – nonprofit, state and federal – that support people with epilepsy. A huge thank you for all you do.  Don’t stop. There is so much more to do.

• People living with epilepsy – thank you for your courage, patience, and strength. You teach so much by example.  You are an inspiration to all!

Thank you for being part of the epilepsy.com community and sharing your support with so many.

With best wishes and gratitude,

Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN
Associate Editor/Community Manager

Authored by: Patricia O. Shafer RN, MN on 11/2014

Fun Fun fun

I have had a great birthday week! no seizures and lots of fun. Monday we were going to the movies but 

We had Tornado warnings here so we cancelled. It was wild here. We had 67 mph winds! 

Tuesday I got to go to dinner. Wednesday we had a party. Thursday We had a party at bowling for Thanksgiving and my team mates gave me the fruit that I asked for! wow I was not expecting a tray so big.

Friday had fun at the book club. Fun fun week.

Too fun someone sent me a card with all of the changes in the past 50 years it is amazing the changes in just the past 25 years!

Goals

release 70 more lbs

get a home in San Marco

get an electric bike

get a basset hound

time for romance

time for abundance

time for being seizure free

I did start looking back and starting giving myself credit for what I have done

1. went to college on my money , loans, scholarships

2. 18 years as a respiratory therapist

yes not the most stress free job! lol

3. did buy a home

4. taken care of Dad after his strokes from 7 years

5. kept my friends some for 25 years

6. keep my word

National Walk for Epilepsy

There is tons of info on this page about the walk! you can donate if you can't go.


http://walkforepilepsy.org/event-info

We are introducing a new online fundraising tool this year and as with any new thing, the first time can be a little confusing. We’ve created video tutorials to help walk you through the process. Personal fundraising pages are vital to the success of your efforts and we strongly encourage you to utilize all they offer. If you have further questions about how to register or personalize your page, please contact your Team Captain or our National Office at WalkInfo@efa.org.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

• T-Shirt Pickup: 7:30 a.m.
• Opening Program Begins: 8:30 a.m.
• 5K Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.

Gratitude

It is going to be my birthday next Wednesday. The big 50! I have been thinking and I am starting to give myself a lot more credit for things I have done. I did finish college. I did get a degree. I did work in respiratory therapy and the more I think about it I am not sure how I did it. I would have seizures call in and go to work the next day. I was able to work night shift the whole time. I have been able to learn the computer and learn how to do blogs and newsletters. I did buy  a home but it was too much for me. I want a townhouse or condo next time. I do want a bassett hound again. I had a dog named Sam that I got from the SunCoastBasset Hound Rescue. http://suncoastbassetrescue.org/ He was the best. He could tell I was going to have a seizure and was not trained to do so! I think it was the change in smell from the hormones. He would not leave me! He was really funny also. He LOOOOVED Blondes. I am not one. He loved women so I had no problem taking him to the vet. He thought it was a singles bar. lol. Unfortunately, He ended up with cancer and died. It was very hard. Lot to think about today. Friend of mine had just had emergency heart surgery. Everyone is in shock! Makes you think about what is important. 

Tie between Epilepsy and Hormones

Here is a great article about the tie between Epilepsy and Hormones. 

Yes it does exist! Time for the Doctors to pay attention.

http://www.healthywomen.org/content/blog-entry/epilepsy-and-your-hormones.

THURSDAY, Oct 14th 2010

Epilepsy and Your Hormones

authored by Sheryl Kraft

Epilepsy had always been a topic that was very foreign to me—until it hit a bit close to home.

About five years ago, when she was 52, my sister found out she had epilepsy. She was at work and had just hung up the phone with me after a brief conversation. She remembers feeling a bit "funny"—and the next thing she knew, she woke up in an ambulance, confused and frightened. Lynne had suffered a "grand mal" seizure, the most common type, falling from her chair to the floor, her limbs at first stiffening, then jerking wildly.

Her doctors were not able to pinpoint the exact cause of her condition and I'm happy to report that since the initial episode, my sister has been seizure-free with the help of the two antiseizure drugs she takes each day.

Could it have been set off by stress? Perhaps. But we all have stress in our lives—yet we all don't have epilepsy. Could it have been the change of hormone levels that occur around this time? Perhaps.

One thing that is known for sure is that epilepsy affects—and is affected by—hormones. Estrogen andprogesterone, with all their fluctuations, can have a profound effect on seizures, either increasing their frequency and/or changing their patterns.

And around midlife, hormones are changing at lightning speed. That's why it's so important for women with epilepsy to be aware of these important facts and keep an open dialogue with their health care team even before menopause hits. Here's what you need to know, from birth control through to menopause and beyond:

• Birth control: If you use it, be aware that some antiepileptic drugs (or AEDs) can make your birth control less effective. Uh-oh … unintended pregnancy. Conversely, some birth control pills can mess with your AED levels. Uh-oh … uncontrolled seizures.
• Pregnancy: If you have epilepsy and want children, you can have them. But it's important to let your health providers know in advance. Your epilepsy meds may need to be adjusted to make sure you are getting consistent levels.
• Menopause: It may come three to five years earlier for women who experience frequent seizures. Menopause may also change the frequency of your seizures; about 40 percent of women experience their seizures worsening. 
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT can also increase seizure frequency. Is it worth it? Discuss your options with your health care provider.
• Bone density: Your bone density can be negatively affected by long-term use of some AEDs, potentially increasing your risk of fractures, osteoporosis and osteomalacia (a softening of the bones due to a lack of Vitamin D). It's important for all women to have bone density monitored regularly and practice other bone-strengthening measures, like weight-bearing exercises and intake of calcium and Vitamin D—and it's even more important for you.
• Sleep and stress: Too little sleep and too much stress can trigger a seizure. Make sure you get enough—and not too much—of each.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may worsen seizures.
• Other medications: Taking other meds (as in the case of birth control, mentioned above) can interfere with the levels of AEDs in your body. The same goes for taking AEDs: They can alter the levels of other medications you take for other conditions.
• Exercise: Use it! It can help counteract the bone loss that may come with medication. It can also help reduce stress, keep your weight balanced and keep your energy levels at their peak.