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Dr suggested brain surgery...

Posted , 4 users are following.

ashley71696
ashley71696

Hello,

Last week I got a new dr because my old one retired. Right away he suggested that I look into having tests done to see if brain surgery is an option for me. I have grand mal seizures usually one every 6 months although lately it's been shorter time periods in between. I've read about other people's experiences and those people always have seizures every day or numerous ones every month. I was wondering if anyone on here has had it done or the testing for it and could tell me about what it was like. If I'm able to have it done I'm worried about the risks and the overall cost of it all. Thank you!

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Winnie143
    Winnie143 ashley71696

    Posted

    Hi Ashley,

    I have had them since 14 now way old, but recently well when I was 64 I had a brain bleed/SAH, nothing to do with Epilepsy but my fits/seizures have come back stronger, went 6 years without one and thought how good it felt then one came on with a vengance.  Got me for being complacent lol.  I wish you well and ask about it on here.  Good luck xxxx

  • karen26258
    karen26258 ashley71696

    Posted

    Has no one suggested you have a VNS fitted? It might be the answer for you. From what I've heard grand mal seizures are easier to control than the simple partial seizures. Hope this helps, karen
    • ashley71696
      ashley71696 karen26258

      Posted

      No, no one has ever suggested it. I had an older doctor and he retired so I switched to a younger man. My last doctor would just switch my medicine and increase it constantly. But on my first visit this new neurologist suggested sending me to a specialist to look at more options
  • teresa23111
    teresa23111 ashley71696

    Posted

    Hi Ashley, I don't know if you are still interested in hearing about others experiences w/ brain surgery, but if you are, please let me know. I would love to share mine w/ you. The short of it. I had 6 grand mal seizures in one night, did MRI, found brain tumour. That was spring if '92, I had brain surgery to remove it 11/18/92. My last seizure was 12/94, I am very happy to say that I have been seizure free sine 12/20/94!!!!!

    • ashley71696
      ashley71696 teresa23111

      Posted

      Yes I am! I got an appointment with specialist this summer so I'm really excited/nervous. Anything anyone has to tell me will be so helpful whether it's good or bad.
    • teresa23111
      teresa23111 ashley71696

      Posted

      We moved to Charleston, SC from Myrtle Beach, SC that summer( AF) & they ran tests all summer long on me to find out if the tumir was causing the seizures. They said it had to be removed!! After all the tests, I had surgery 11/18/92. U gave to be awake for ANY type of brain surgery!! Don't worry, there r NO pain sensors in the brain. They numbed my scap & cut a ? cut( scar is cool!!) I only knew the doctor was there when he touched a part of my brain & the fingers on my left hand moved & I wasn't doing it!!wink. They do it while u r awake so they know where they r while operating!! During prior testing, I had to answer questions if pictuelres of things.. Cat, dog etc. It's funny when u answer them during surgery, I think most I knew & a couple I just couldn't grasp!!! I also had a mild stroke & a grand mal on the table!!;( the stroke was on the right side so it affected the left side. I am ssoo very blessed that I have no permanent or long term damage!! My tumor was benign so again I was blessed. As I said I did have one last seizure on 12/20/94, they put me on Phenobarbital at night & I still take it to this day!! I also couldn't drive either, so in '94 I made it a year & am still driving now!!!! They cut my hair short all over, but the hair grew back!! If there's anything specific I can tell u about or talk, I'd be more than happy to.

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

  • karen26258
    karen26258 ashley71696

    Posted

    Hi Ashley , if you're being offered brain surgery take it. If your surgeon is confident that it will be successful because the szs are from only the one area then it will be simple. I know someone who's just had that type of operation and she said that the surgeon removed a piece of her brain which was as big as an apricot. She's now happy and recovering with the best health she could ask for. I'm not a suitable patient for brain surgery because my szs come from various areas.
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