OT: May Chit Chat

[Sunshine]

Re lifestyle

Never smoked, never drugged, don’t drink, monogamous, exercised an hour plus daily prior to illness, and yet here I am ...Clearly a bad strategy. I should have been an alcoholic, taken drugs, had wild parties, eating whatever I wanted and maybe I wouldn’t be so sick. Ha ha!

My low blood pressure is due to genetics. My lifestyle probably doesn’t hurt, but I think it is only one amongst many factors that lead to my low blood pressure.

[Virginia]

I hope none of you are thinking of furnishing your home with furniture from SCULY AND SCULY in New York. I received a catalogue from them and could hardly believe my eyes. On the front cover was my chest that sits in my small foyer as you come in my house. The exact same with the exception that mine is 2" wider in length and 2" taller. I bought mine almost 30 years ago and remember being surprised that it did not cost more at the time. I can't remember the price, but somewhere around $600.00. I had it in my den in my house and then put it in my entrance way when I moved here. Well, anyway the chest in the catalogue is $2,695.00.

I remember walking into a furniture store and seeing it and saying that is what I want, but to myself I said "I am sure I can not afford it". It was so much less than what I thought. I think I thought it would be more like $1,000 to $1,500. Actually, it might have been a little less than $600.00. I got someone to come with a truck and pick it up and take it home for me. Makes me feel rich!!!

[Virginia]

Sunshine, accept for surfing what have you done for fun?

Actually, I have never done any drugs, not even MJ, not a smoker and was always monogamous, however with death of husband and remarriage and divorce there were 3 men in my life. The last one was around for 18 1/2 years, but always knew I would not marry him and after it ended I realized I didn't want the hazel anyway and was relieved to have it over with. I did care for him for a long time, but it was more trouble than it was worth.

As for drinking, I drank one glass of wine each night until about 6 weeks ago when I just thought I really don't care about this so why am I doing it. I am not saying I will not ever drink another glass of wine, but when I was married the first time I hardly ever drank anything. Only when we went to a party. The 2nd husband was use to a drink before dinner so I joined him and the last man I dated so long also had usually 2 to 3 beers a night, so I drank a glass of wine.

However, I have not been that good about exercising. I worked all my life and tried to get in walking in the neighborhood when I got home early enough. So guess people could say I haven't had a very exciting life either. However, because I was able to travel and live in a number of places to me it was good.

[Sunshine]

Virginia,Thanks for sharing that. You’ve lived a full life!

the most fun ever was raising my kids. What a hoot! I loved every minute of it.

[Virginia]

Sunshine, I missed out on what you've got with the kids. My big regret, though along the way I have had some people confess to me that their children had given them lots of problems and while they love them they have had tremendous anxiety raising them. I know none of them would trade any of their children, so they probably were just trying to make me feel better that it didn't happen for me.

[Virginia]

I hope Peg is alright.

Where is Howie this evening?

[Howie]

Where is that Howie?

Well, I had 3 seizures back to back just a while ago. I did take my blood pressure after, and nothing different than it's been lately. I didn't have one all day today, and was thinking I was going to go all day without one. Oh well, it was a nice thought.

I got the confirmation call from the doctor's office today, so it's almost here. It's at 9:30 Thursday. I should be okay the rest of the night. I'm almost getting used to them by now.....NOT!

[agate]

So sorry you've had more of those, Howie!

When you have the seizures, do you end up on the floor? You might want to describe just how one of the seizures typically starts, how long it lasts (if you can estimate that), and if there are any after-effects. Do you have any advance warning?

An aura in epilepsy can be any of a wide number of different things that can happen.

[Howie]

I can tell when I'm getting ready to have one, but it could just be how they begin that I feel. I don't remember being up and walking when I was having one. It's hard to describe.

It is a pulsing feeling, like I am feeling my heart beat. But it's also waves of mild electric shocks that are part of the pulsing. It lasts maybe 15 seconds, and when it stops, a euphoric rush. Maybe I'm just relieved it's over.

Like I said, it's very hard to describe, and even harder to go through.

[agate]

Your doctor might be able to figure things out more easily if you can describe the sensations that you have just before the seizure. There are others who know far more about seizures around here, I'm sure, but from what little I know, you may be having auras.

[Howie]

Why do I get the weird ailments, like MS, and these seizures? Why can't I have a straightforward ailment like a broken arm? I've never had a broken bone. Maybe now I'm paying the price!

[agate]

People with MS also have seizures. It's not so very rare.

Ask Peg if you think you'd like a broken bone. Peg was to have surgery on it today. Keeping fingers crossed.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Howie)))))) ~

If you can, please print out the descriptions you just shared with us to give to your doctor. It's also a very good idea to keep a chart of when you seize, how long, and anything about the situation. Just woke up, trying to go to sleep, stood up from lying or sitting position, etc.

Please ask your doctor for a cardio workup, just to make sure that your symptoms aren't heart related. And I really feel that you should have a neuro work up, especially an EEG.

Do these episodes correlate with the change in your BP med? That could be significant. Meds interact too, and some of the meds you are taking could have seizures as a side effect. So, you might want to discuss all of your meds, including over the counter, with your doctor.

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this, Howie. I wish I could be there with you to help you. I'd write down everything for you, and I'd cook you some really tasty vegetarian meals!

Also, do you think it's safe for you to drive to the doctor? Would your sister or brother or neighbor be available to drive you to/from your appointment?

You are in my prayers, and I'm sending you healing energy.

Love & Light,



Rose

PS: Howie, so many moms of children with seizures and special needs, including me, have asked, "as if all of their other needs weren't enough, why must they also have to have seizures?" Seizures are awful, hard to diagnose and very difficult to treat. And just when you think they're under control, BAM!, back they come.

That's why you need a thorough workup to determine exactly what is happening to you. Rule in/Rule Out. Are they seizures? Are they BP related? Meds related? Heart related? Your doctor now needs to be a detective! It's up to you to make sure that he is, so ask him all of these questions so you can get the help you need and deserve.

[Howie]

Rose, I thought about meds being the culprit because I'm taking a new one for BP. I do have a notebook I've been writing down the BP since I got the BP machine.

I was having worse seizures than now, and the doctor prescribed a med that stopped them. And before I started the med, I had a seizure while driving. I pulled off the road until it stopped, then went on my merry way. These seizures are mild compared to those, so driving isn't an issue.

I look forward to my doctor visit.

[Sunshine]

Good luck Howie. Def ask about an EEG. It’s painless and routine. This will shownif it’s a seizure or not. If so, they will treat it with meds.