Someone's missing . . .

Tania Jaye - posted on 06/24/2010

Hi, I'm a sahm with Epilepsy too. I have a 7yr old step daughter, and a 6month old baby girl. I developed epilepsy several years ago and was apprehensive about having a baby, but to be honest it has been amazing. I have a happy and healthy baby girl and we're planning to try for a second baby very soon!! There's a lot of advice and support on TheEpilepsySupportGroup.com which is where I go! :)

Heidi - posted on 03/20/2010

Hi, I am 46 years old and I had my first seizure when my 20 year old daughter was just a few months old (I was 26 ). I then found out I was pregnant with my son (they're 13 months apart).It was a very scary time, I did not have the support of the internet. I started on medication when my children were 2 and 3 years old. I did not drive for a year. I pulled my kids around in a red wagon for a year....it was a lonely time.Life got better. My children were very healthy growing up. My son has mental illness (from his fathers side of the family). I need to take care of myself, rest eat right, exercise, and I count my blessings.

Sherilyn - posted on 02/27/2010

Hi Mandi I am a Mother of 2 and my name is Sherilyn, my first pregnacy was great until they induced me because I was 2 weeks late and I went into labour for 48 hours with a grand mal seizurebecause I went into the seizure they gave me a epidural (after I told them no or wouldnt feel my contractions... I was going natually) it took a hour of pushing after I learned how to read the monitor when my contractions where there.
And I had a perfect healthy baby girl who will be 6 1/2 next week.my second one was the contractions came at one in the morning and we were at the hospital at 5am and we had a girl 8:55AM 30 min of pushing and no epidural I had the same OB/GYN so she knew I was serious LOLand she is now 7 mths and is healthy. My oldest has mild autisim and ADHD but it runs in the familybut nothing major health wise (I had ADHD when I was a Kid and grew out of it but what child dosnt have now a days??)
my oldest also lives with my mom and understands my health ... that I need my sleep and I cant get streesed things along that line and I see her every week end and talk to her all the time ...... there is more to the story and it is hard but it is in my past and I am trying to get past it and it has to do with my seizures if you every want to talk write back

Melanie - posted on 02/16/2010

Hi I am a s.a.h.m. as well and I just stated to have Petit mal seizure I think that is what I have learned on my own I have had a few tests and everything is fine!! But now I see I have Petit mal seizure about one evey two weeks thats if I see it! No one around I think I have them!! lol My husband has seen a few of them It is going to be a few more months before I am seen my the right Dr .. I have six children I dont think I had them before the kids.. They are all fine .. These have just started for me so I cint answer to my questions for you but you sound like me!! Hi..

Mandi - posted on 06/25/2009

Thank you Tracey for your words of wisdom and to all the moms out here! I am feeling very encouraged and better able to make this decision! I feel much more comfortable with the reality that its not so horrible of me to try for another baby. Also, knowing I'm not alone is helpful! Thank you all!

13322 - posted on 06/13/2009

Hi Im a 34 yo sahm and i did not start having seizures till 5-6 years ago . My oldest is 9 and he is great , very helpful and understanding with this stuff. Last year we had our son Luke and I only had 1 partical seizure and then my drs put my on zoneagran thur my pregnancy. Luke is 7 months old and a happy baby . He had to be delieved early for many of reason but he was over all ok. Then 6 almost 7 weeks later at luke's baptism I started to get moody with everyone later that night at home I had to motor seizures back to back then the next day the same thing. So they called ems to take me to the er to then find out that I was pregnant again . Now I keep having these sensory motor seizures . But our drs tell us that as long as I keep breathing thur them the baby will be ok. Now for meds Im on topamax and zoneagran also vit.k to help the baby with any blood issues. So if you choose to have any more make sure your neuro and your high risk dr work hand and hand thur out the whole pregnancy to keep mommy and baby healthy. Well I wish you the best of luck .

Tracey - posted on 05/26/2009

Quoting Karen:

Mandi-I am a 37yr old mom with epilepsy.I was on meds during all three pregnancies and have had 3 beautiful healthy children! It was definately a challenge, but totally worth it! With my first child--not much happened.With my second, I had many break-through seizures(mostly during sleep) but no grand-mals.I was more tired at that time chasing a 1 yr old and my seizures seem to come when I'm unusually over-tired,sick or too stressed.I had a seizure one morning and they induced labor.During labor I had another seizure and the doctor put me to sleep for about 4 hours!Still, a healthy newborn baby of 9lbs and 221/2inches was born!My third pregnancy was 4 1/2 yrs later and I still had some break through seizures but the baby was never hurt.I think if you have a good doctor and a good circle of support it's easier.I truly hope your seizures become controlled soon!The more I have in any given period takes a little more out of me and you do seem to lose yourself. My kids are 11,9 and 4 and they are my best supporters! They know when I've had problems they have to be more in charge because I only get better with REST!Good luck to you and don't worry...baby #3 could still be a reality!!

Hi Mandi,

I just wanted to say that Karen is giving you some great advice here.  Don't give up on the possibility of having another child.  Quite often we see where hormonal imbalances in women with Epilepsy affect their seizure disorder and can trigger seizures.  Then during their entire pregnancy they will sometimes go without having any big seizures(tonic clonic).  Just like Karen mentions.  Since every pregnancy is different, there is a chance of your seizures improving or even stopping during pregnancy.  Though you still need to discuss all of the risks involved with your specialist before making any decisions to go ahead. 

For me, personally, I was fortunate to have already had my 3 kids before I developed Epilepsy.  But I can relate to the many women who have more seizures during their menstrual or during ovulation time of the month.  And now that I am in my 40's my seizures appear to be slowing down which seems is also attributed to my monthly cycle as well.

Good luck, talk to you later!

Sincerely,

Tracey Alderson, President of the Board of Directors, Epilepsy Huron-Perth

Administrator, Epilepsy Awareness 2009     

Tracey - posted on 05/26/2009

Quoting Karen:

Mandi-I am a 37yr old mom with epilepsy.I was on meds during all three pregnancies and have had 3 beautiful healthy children! It was definately a challenge, but totally worth it! With my first child--not much happened.With my second, I had many break-through seizures(mostly during sleep) but no grand-mals.I was more tired at that time chasing a 1 yr old and my seizures seem to come when I'm unusually over-tired,sick or too stressed.I had a seizure one morning and they induced labor.During labor I had another seizure and the doctor put me to sleep for about 4 hours!Still, a healthy newborn baby of 9lbs and 221/2inches was born!My third pregnancy was 4 1/2 yrs later and I still had some break through seizures but the baby was never hurt.I think if you have a good doctor and a good circle of support it's easier.I truly hope your seizures become controlled soon!The more I have in any given period takes a little more out of me and you do seem to lose yourself. My kids are 11,9 and 4 and they are my best supporters! They know when I've had problems they have to be more in charge because I only get better with REST!Good luck to you and don't worry...baby #3 could still be a reality!!

Hi Mandi,

I just wanted to say that Karen is giving you some great advice here.  Don't give up on the possibility of having another child.  Quite often we see where hormonal imbalances in women with Epilepsy affect their seizure disorder and can trigger seizures.  Then during their entire pregnancy they will sometimes go without having any big seizures(tonic clonic).  Just like Karen mentions.  Since every pregnancy is different, there is a chance of your seizures improving or even stopping during pregnancy.  Though you still need to discuss all of the risks involved with your specialist before making any decisions to go ahead. 

For me, personally, I was fortunate to have already had my 3 kids before I developed Epilepsy.  But I can relate to the many women who have more seizures during their menstrual or during ovulation time of the month.  And now that I am in my 40's my seizures appear to be slowing down which seems is also attributed to my monthly cycle as well.

Good luck, talk to you later!

Sincerely,

Tracey Alderson, President of the Board of Directors, Epilepsy Huron-Perth

Administrator, Epilepsy Awareness 2009     

Mandi - posted on 05/04/2009

Thank you so much for the encouragement!  I have almost totally blocked out the chances of having another baby because of circumstances.  Your story is amazing!  My oldest daughter is 9 and she is also very helpful when I've had a bad night.  I really needed to hear your story.  I thank you, again!  Keep in touch.

Karen - posted on 05/03/2009

Mandi-I am a 37yr old mom with epilepsy.I was on meds during all three pregnancies and have had 3 beautiful healthy children! It was definately a challenge, but totally worth it! With my first child--not much happened.With my second, I had many break-through seizures(mostly during sleep) but no grand-mals.I was more tired at that time chasing a 1 yr old and my seizures seem to come when I'm unusually over-tired,sick or too stressed.I had a seizure one morning and they induced labor.During labor I had another seizure and the doctor put me to sleep for about 4 hours!Still, a healthy newborn baby of 9lbs and 221/2inches was born!My third pregnancy was 4 1/2 yrs later and I still had some break through seizures but the baby was never hurt.I think if you have a good doctor and a good circle of support it's easier.I truly hope your seizures become controlled soon!The more I have in any given period takes a little more out of me and you do seem to lose yourself. My kids are 11,9 and 4 and they are my best supporters! They know when I've had problems they have to be more in charge because I only get better with REST!Good luck to you and don't worry...baby #3 could still be a reality!!