Not epilepsy after all!
I got in to see my doctor last Friday. We looked over the EEG report together and while there is some disturbing stuff there – phrases like “this is an abnormal EEG” and “epileptiform spike and wave patterns” – there is also the notation that the epilepsy like patterns were NOT happening while I was actually having an episode. In a previous post I mentioned my very strong reactions to the strobe lights, and there was nothing abnormal happening in my brain during those times of the test. I had several of my episodes while talking to my doctor, and he is now firmly of the opinion that I do NOT have epilepsy. I guess there was some sort of miscommunication between the neurology office and my doctor’s office because they put me on anti-convulsants and ordered an MRI based on the same EEG.
So, if not epilepsy then what? My doctor says Tourette Syndrome (here after TS). I suppose technically, I can’t have TS, because part of a TS diagnosis requires that “you’ve had tics for over a year” and I haven’t. I also don’t have any “phonic tics” (so, no…I’m not blurting out obscene words, or any words or sounds for that matter). I guess saying TS is easier than saying “Transient or Chronic Tic Disorder”.
The really really really great part about all this is that I am cleared to drive again. The really not so great part of it is that I’m still having these stupid episodes with the same frequency. Don’t get me wrong…I will take TS over Epilepsy all day long. “Muscular disorder” beats “brain disorder” for sure.
I am truly thankful for all the prayers and support. The generosity of people (like Seth who drove me to and from work, and Kirk who volunteered to drive me and my kids to the state fair in Sedalia) is humbling to say the very least.
I’m still scheduled to see a neurologist on September first. I don’t know what will happen after that. Maybe he’ll change the diagnosis again. Who knows? I still feel aprehensive because of that possibility – that it’s not TS, that it’s something else, that it’s something worse. So keep praying for me, and I’ll keep you posted. :)
Richad said,
August 26, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
Looks like you are getting more of a handle of what is going on. Keep us posted and I am glad you are driving again. So how was the fair?
Beau said,
August 26, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
The fair went really well…Dominic came home with quite a few ribbons, including several first place ribbons and one reserve grand champion which is really cool for him.
He gets premium money for each of the ribbons too (prize money). Not sure how much but should be over a hundred bucks for all of them – which is really good incentive to a teenager to keep showing ;)