Epilepsy Talk
Sodium — How Much Does Your Body Need?
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You may think that sodium is a “bad guy” to be avoided or reduced at all cost, because too much is linked to high blood pressure.
But sodium is actually an essential electrolyte, and a deficiency can trigger seizures.
Seizures from low sodium levels are most likely to occur from a serious disease, acute infection or because you tried to run a marathon on a hot day.
One-time or isolated seizures from these causes don’t warrant a diagnosis of epilepsy.
However, epilepsy is sometimes misdiagnosed and you may have an underlying health condition that’s causing an electrolyte problem.
Tags: balance, blood panel, coma, death, high sodium, low sodium, monitoring, seizures, sodium
My little bundle of love is home…
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We’re back from Chicago, after getting home at 2:30 in the morning.
Emily is a cute as can be. Right now she looks like a little twig. All brown and a little over two pounds.
Away I go, from Saturday 11/16 through Tuesday 11/19
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You might remember the piece I wrote called “Prayer for a Cat,” in memory of our two-year old kitty who died of incurable peritonitis. (Who would think a cat could get peritonitis?)
Well her successor is ready to come home and take a place in our house and our hearts…
Tags: 11/16-11/19, cat show, Chicago, Emily Louise, kitten, peritonitis, Prayer for a Cat
If You’re Thinking Of Getting Pregnant…
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Years ago, women who had epilepsy were often discouraged from getting pregnant. Today, that’s no longer the case.
Thanks to early and regular prenatal care, more than 90 percent of pregnant women who have epilepsy deliver healthy babies, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Tags: AEDS, breastfeeding, Epilepsy, Folic Acid, Neurologist, obstetrician, pre-natal care, pregnancy, safety, seizures, single medication, Tips, Vitamin K
Epilepsy and Driving (A Small Rant)
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For three months I was “benched”. With three more months until my driver’s license was restored.
The authorities said, if I didn’t “surrender” my license by XYZ date (with the neuro and cardiologist’s report) a sheriff was going to show up at my front door and haul me away!
So, now, not only did I have epilepsy, I was a prospective CRIMINAL with epilepsy.
FREE — Attorney’s Advice On Personal Security — No Charge!
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A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday.
Maybe we should all take some of his advice!
Tags: credit cards, fraud, national credit reporting organizations, passport, personal security, photo copy, Photo ID, police report
Drug Resistant Epilepsy News
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News of this groundbreaking scientific discovery comes from “zarabia” a member of the epilepsy support board at WebMD.com. It’s very exciting and offers real hope.
The Hill-Burton Act: The Government’s Best-Kept Secret
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Years ago, two men with the last names of Hill and Burton created a bill which assists people with medical expenses, unable to pay them.
It’s only for people of limited financial means.
However, if you Google “Hill-Burton Act” or go to https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton/facilities.html you’ll find a gold mine of information about who qualifies, which facilities are obligated to provide free or reduced-cost health care and how to apply.
Epilepsy and Electrolytes
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It’s a situation often mentioned but rarely understood – the effects electrolytes have on seizures.
But a simple blood test can detect the danger of unbalanced electrolytes.
Taking extra doses of certain minerals can help to prevent side-effects that may follow the long-term use of some seizure medicines.
And taking supplements can help protect the brain (as can a B-Vitamin complex), but it’s no guarantee of seizure control, since there are a lot of different factors at play that can trigger a seizure.
But, making sure you have the right nutrients is just as important as having the right balance between all of them, so that proper electrical connections are maintained.
Tags: balance, blood sugar, Calcium, electrolytes, Epilepsy, magnesium, minerals, oxygen, potassium, seizure control, side effects, sodium, Vitamin-B
How to Start Your Own Adult Epilepsy Support Group
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One thing I’ve discovered is the search for support groups is endless — and seldom successful.
Especially now that charitable contributions are tight and epilepsy centers have had to cut expenses. (Yes, our support is considered an “expense”.)
That’s why I’ve put together this short guide on how to form your own Epilepsy Support Group.
Tags: Add Coach, adult, awareness, caring, community, education, Epilepsy, Epilepsy Meet-Up, resources, sharing, suggestions, support group
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Epilepsy Talk 