Thursday, December 31, 2009

[epilepsy] Re: Post Surgery Memory

 

My epileptologist referred me to a epileptologist who is a specialist concerning surgery. He is a Dr. who determines if a person is or isn't a candidate for surgery by evaluating the tests he asks you to take. He wrote me perspiration's for a neurophsycological evaluation, VEEG, MRI, and a WADA test. I had them taken over time during a summer. I was told I was a candidate a week or two after my last tests when I had an appointmant to see him. I was in a sudden shock when told I could have brain surgery. It really hit me like a rock for a few days, think brain surgery, me, yea right! But after those few days was extreemly looking forward to surgery, I mean it! I reached the point where I said I'm going for it, gosh was I excited!!! I then had to figure out at work when a good time would be. I had to take 5 weeks off work, then work 1/2 days for 2 weeks. Taking it pretty easy those two 1/2 day weeks. Had surgery that fall. I went into the Hospital on a Monday 6am, had brain mapping at 7:30am, stayed in the hospital and then on Thursday had my left temporal lobectomy in my amygdala at 7:30am. I was home 4 days later on Monday. I could have come home Sunday but because Drs. aren't there, I stayed there another day like they told me I would. So all in all, one week in the hospital. A week in my life I will never forget!

Steve

--- In epilepsy@yahoogroups.com, Tristin Seagraves <tristinspike26@...> wrote:
>
> The object of seizure surgery is to remove the part of the brain that seizures are coming from, as long as that part of the brain is not being used and/or controls functions that are transferrable. 
>  
> I had the surgery because AEDs (anti-epilepsy drugs) weren't working, and I was sick and tired of juggling AED combination after AED combination.  I read that once you've tried more than two AED combinations, chances are that AEDs aren't going to control your seizures (intractable epilepsy).  Also, it was always a goal for me to drive.  Up until 4 months ago, I never had a driver's license (I'm 26 years old  :O ).  I was determined to gain my independence and win the fight against epilepsy.  I requested a referral from my regular neurologist to a neurosurgeon to find out if I was a candidate for surgery.  That piece of paper totally changed my life! 
>  
> I had to go through 6 months worth of testing to make sure surgery wouldn't do more harm than good.  Epilepsy surgery is very detailed.  They monitor you 24/7 (with video EEG, depth electrodes, and mesh grid electrodes placed on the surface of the brain) and pin-point the exact location(s) that the seizures are coming from.  For me, my seizures were coming from the left temporal lobe (85%) and the right temporal lobe (15%).  If/when seizures are bilateral, like mine, surgery usually isn't an option.  But because the majority of my seizures was coming from the left and I'm right-brain dominant, surgery was doable.  
>  
> I was hospitalized for 3 weeks (Nov 08).  I had 4 different surgeries during those three weeks (depth electrode placement, grid electrode placement, brain mapping, and the removal of my left temporal lobe). 
>  
> Hope this helps,
> Tristin Seagraves :)
>               (seizure-free since surgery!)
>
> --- On Thu, 12/31/09, brianamorse@... <brianamorse@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: brianamorse@... <brianamorse@...>
> Subject: Re: [epilepsy] Re: Post Surgery Memory
> To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, December 31, 2009, 5:36 PM
>
>
>  
>
>
>
> Hello, please educate me on why you had this surgery, was it to prevent seizures. Just trying to understand what my brother might have go through.
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Steve" <stephenpales@ yahoo.com>
> Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:56:12
> To: <epilepsy@yahoogroup s.com>
> Subject: [epilepsy] Re: Post Surgery Memory
>
> Hi Doris,
>
> Remember, age doesn't help your memory (big smile)? And anyway, if you had a left temporal lobectomy, I would guess you use the right side of the brain not so much the left side. Your left temproal lobe has been shriveling up since your epilepsy began (big smile). Hey, take a look at your MRI to see it! So surgery 11 years ago, I don't think would cause the change. But what would I know, I'm missing part of my brain (giant giant smiling ear to ear)! I'm right brained, had my left temporal lobectomy 3 1/2 years ago. My WADA test showed my left side of the brain is worth diddlysquat (hmmm, never tried spelling that before). That's why my surgery didn't harm my memory. But I've notice a memory change lately, but most people my age have notice changes in that. I'm still young though, I'm just 52 years young. Take care, keep a smile on your face!
>
> Steve
>
>
>
>
> --- In epilepsy@yahoogroup s.com, "DorisY" <dorisellen@ ...> wrote:
> >
> > I wonder what your situation is concerning current memory post
> > brain surgery. I had left temporal 11 years ago, and I am
> > definately having increased trouble with current memory. It scars
> > me to wonder if this has any possible connection to alzenheim.
> > I fear the option of even getting tested for that.
> >
> > If you might have experienced anything similar, please advise.
> >
> > Happy New Year 2010 to you and yours.
> >
> > Doris
> >
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