brain surgery

free since 01.     from what I understand , the next step in the testing is they place a catherider in my grunie area and run it up to my brain, and freeze 1/2 of my brain at a time. I am awake during this .  so they can ask me questions and check my memory ect.  see what is the funtion of each 1/2 of the brain.  then freeze the other 1/2.  I have right temporal lobe is where my problem is.  I have Partical complex siezure.  I am on Tegretal a total of 800mg a day, Topamax a total of 800 mg a day, Lamictal 800mg a day, larazapam 2mg a day and Lexapro 10mg

a day.  1/2 of each in the the moring and 1/2 in the evening.  I have had these since the age of 9 months. they stopped at the age of 6 then returned at the age of 8. SO if anyof you have gone thru this surgery I really would like to talk to you.  my email address if [email protected]

When I went for the testing I went to the intent for the stiulator/ device the size of a disc that they put in above your heart, then hook it up to your vagular nerve. When you feel the ora, you wipe a magnet across it to stop the siezure.  I still may go with that one.  The thought of someone in the head kinds scares me to be honest.  But They do lots of test before they proceed with it.  plus they take it before a board of Nurgolist , not just one doctor saying lets do this.  THe board has to descide.  Plus I and my husband are still praying about it, along with my church family.  For a Peace about it.  The idea of never having one again is very appealing to me.  I do not want to loose apart of me in the process.  LIke my site, or memory ect.  I'd rather have the siezures that loose ME or my site.  TO think of not seeing my boys grow up.  I"d deal with it.  I have this far.     I should go.. its nice to know your not alone out there oh.  I am feeling a little down at the moment and needed to vent. after returning from the hospital with all this surgery stuff on my mind.   if anyone can relate. please email me. 

I have brain surgery scheduled in about 2 weeks. When I read your post, I thought- wow, I know what you mean- the part about not wanting to lose part of me in the process. I think about if my memory and speech will be the same.   But I've had complex partial seizures for over 24 years now, and the meds just aren't working anymore.  So, for me, it boiled down to a choice between: A) taking medication, which would reduce but probably not eliminate my seizures, and B) having surgery, which might eliminate the seizures completely.

Of course, there's always the chance things might not work out as planned- I might still have seizures afterwards- but it's my one good chance at being seizure-free.   

My children and husband are so great and behind me 100%,  so I am moving ahead and feeling positive.  I am fortunate they will be with me in Boston, Mass when I have the surgery.

I have had lots of support from people here at HW - thank you EVERYONE- because it has helped me a lot and given me the courage to do what I feel I have to do. It has helped me to connect with people that identify with my concerns/fears/worries about epilepsy.  

You  will know what to do ....if you feel the time is right, don't be afraid to ask yourself the question- am I ready?.  Move in the direction to SOLVE your problem.  Have your loved ones by your side to  help you and you will be able make a decision with confidence.  You have every right to be scaried about the future, but take comfort in the fact that you haven't let epilepsy stop you from getting to this point.  Yes, you feel down, ...goodness, many of us can relate (!), but we are ALL behind you...      (((HUGS)))    Glenda