Are You Involved In Raising Awareness?

For the past two years I have been trying to get involved with the Epilepsy Foundation Events. Unfortunately, the closest event is an hour and a half from our home. Which makes it a bit hard. Ya know, since I can't drive and all. lol Of course my husband could drive. But we are human after all. It is always nice to be able to get involved with something locally so that you have even more time to be involved with it.

I contacted the Western Tennessee Epilepsy Foundation Chapter in our area in hopes of being able to be an advocate in my area. I would LOVE to be able to put together events locally. However, I never really received an answer nor a follow up call today as I was supposed to have received. Don't get me wrong, I KNOW they are busy and working with little resources. But isn't that even more of a reason to give me the okay to move forward? I undersand that they can't just let anyone do events. But I'm desperate to get involved and looking forward to not driving three hours round trip. Are you involved with any events in your area? If so, I would love to hear which branch you are volunteering with and what type of events you do!

If you're not yet involved, and lucky enough to have events near you, get involved! Every penny counts. Not only to help put on these events but to also raise awareness and provide the education needed on how to respond to someone during a seizure. Some (lI should really say most) people are clueless when it comes to this condition. And let's not forget about a cure! ;)

Is Your Liver Tolerant To Your Seizure Medication?

Is your liver tolerant to your meds? I ask because I have been on Keppra and Lamictal, both, for the past 4 years. I have been on Lamictal for 5 years. I currently take 500mg of Lamictal (Lamotrigine) per day and 1,000mg Keppra (Levetiracetam) per day. However, over the past few months I have began having headaches nearly every day. Some of them turning to migraines. I then began to ask myself if this could be a side effect from the medication.

A few months ago I had went to my general practitioner for routine blood work. She stated that my ANA test was positive, which meant there was a great chance I could have Lupus. I have been tested for Lupus three times, testing positive twice out of the three. Each time I am referred to a rheumatologist and then told that I do not have Lupus. Scary right? My bigger concern was the other information she told me along with the positive ANA panel. She said that my liver functions were a little low but nothing to be concerned about. I didn't think much of it at the time.

A few weeks ago after contemplating if the headaches were caused by my seizure medication, I then remembered the results of my blood work and wondered if there were any connections between the lower liver functions and my medication. It has been a few weeks now since this has crossed my mind and I have been doing research ever since. Of course, they say the internet is a patients worst enemy. But I'm different, right? I'm not sure. But you can bet that I will be asking more questions at my next appointment. Is it possible that general practitioners forget your illnesses when they are speaking to you? Are we just another cattle in the herd?

The following are a few sources I used during my research.

Keppra (Levetiracetam)

1. WebMd
2. Livertox
3. Drugs.com (which I find amusing that it states seizures could be a possible side effect)
4. RxList.com
5. DoubleCheckMD.com 

Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

1. LiverTox.com
2. Drugs.com
3. CHealth.com
4. FDA.gov
5. Mayoclinic.org

 Now tell me again why my slightly lowered liver functions are nothing to worry about?

A New Social Media For Those Affected By Epilepsy

I have found a great tool today. A new social media website that allows you to create a profile and share your story with other members of the site. You can share stories, experiences, and help one another with questions as well as answer others questions. I've even asked a few of my own about medications and side effects. I'm excited to get a few responses. You can join at www.myepilepsyteam.com

Why Are There Never Any Good Side Affects?

I often find myself asking this question! haha

T-Shirts For Epilepsy Awareness!

Check out these awesome shirts at our online store! They come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes! There will be more to come! Get your shirt now for March 26th Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness! 

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Epilepsy Awareness Shirts

Epilepsy Awareness Online Store

I have put together an online store with apparel to help raise Epilepsy Awareness. I will be adding new designs over the next few days. Please help show your support and help raise awareness for this disease!

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14 Effects of Epilepsy On The Body

HealthLine has recently publish on their website an informative chart showing what effects seizures have on the body and why. This is a great tool to use if you have been recently diagnosed with Epilepsy or have a family member or friend living with Epilepsy. It's quite informative and I highly recommend it. 

http://www.healthline.com/health/epilepsy/effects-on-body