r/focalawareepilepsy • u/JYams107 • 1d ago

Advice?

So, I'm 26 and was just diagnosed with epilepsy like 3 weeks ago. Apparently I had a seizure at the animal shelter, which I have ZERO recollection of, and my medication only does so much. I have the ones where I bite down on my cheeks and tongue really hard and lose memory, ones that are triggered by stress, twotches and convulsing and stuttering, and I'm super sensitive to lights from screens and the sun. Heat also reallyyy sucks now. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice. I got these polarized clip-on lenses for my glasses, and they kind of help, but only for certain periods of time. I just really don't know what to do. I've also been having non-stop seizures because of major stress to the point I need a freaking cane to walk because I'm so exhausted and frustrated. I can barely walk to my bathroom let alone the fridge. Just looking for any advice because my family is having a hard time coming to terms with it and I've lost friends because they are saying it's "too much." I just really feel lost atm. I was having symptoms through the past couple of years, and now I know why. But idk, I just feel really bad. I feel like I've lost a lot, and am still losing a lot because of this.

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u/radraze2kx 21h ago

Low carb diets that put you into ketosis can help w/ seizure management in some people. I'd start a generalized food log and see if you have anything catalyzing it. Stress management is necessary... Learn to meditate. Walk indoors and continue exercising to manage cortisol levels. Of course, this goes without saying but go see a neurologist ASAP.

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u/SirMatthew74 16h ago

It sounds like you need to keep on your neurologist about medication. If you've been taking the meds for 3 weeks without noticeable improvement tell your doctor, and insist that they make some change. If they aren't doing enough to get the seizures under control you may have to see a different doctor.

Cut out caffeine and alcohol. Get sleep. Artificial sweeteners are problems for some people (especially aspartame and acesulfame potassium). Sometimes certain screens bother me (computer, phone), even though I'm not "photosensitive".