Am I doing the right thing under these circumstances?
I am in my 70's and live alone. My children and grandchildren get together for Christmas after work in the evenings and it is late when I get home. This is the only time everyone can be there. I have been going also in the past but this year, my gut instinct is telling me I should stay home. The reason is, I have complex partial seizures that make me fall sometimes when I get up in the morning. I am on medication for my seizures but this still happens sometimes. I have started waking up at 4 a.m. every morning regardless of how late I am awake the night before. Loss of sleep and stress are my main triggers. It makes me so nervous just thinking of being up so late which this event will cause. Last year, I was so nervous about it that it made me stay awake worrying about having a seizure. Plus, it takes me a while to relax after an event like this so I can go to sleep. If I didn't wake up so early it wouldn't matter but because I do and I can't find a fix for it and live alone, my gut instinct is telling me to not go this year because loss of sleep and stress are my worst triggers and I will be having both if I go. I would love to go and see everyone but this puts a damper on it. Should I go and risk having a falling seizure the next morning or play it safe and stay home? I just need an opinion from someone that has epilepsy. What should I do?
Hi Denise! I can definitely understand your concern. I too have those very seizures. I always wonder how I have fallen asleep. You should present this concern to your family. Maybe you can stay at one of your children's houses when you feel yourself getting tired. That way you have attended. But you have to go to bed at a reasonable time. Also, I know the fear of a seizure can also cause extra stress on you. Maybe take a nap during the day for Christmas. I know that stress and lack of sleep aren't good for us. And if it's too late for you, ask your children and grandchildren to visit you throughout the day on Christmas. My grandmother goes to bed rather early as well and we usually all visit her at different times on Christmas day.
I hope I helped.
Derra Howard - Patient LeaderI have explained to my family and hopefully they will understand at least some. I don't expect them to understand completely because they haven't "walked in our shoes". I thought about taking a nap but in the years past, if I took a nap, I wasn't able to go to sleep at night until very late. But, you have helped me feeling better about my decision. You make me feel like I am making the right decision under these circumstances. It helps so much just knowing someone understands and supports my decision. I will keep all your suggestions in mind and see what I can do. Thank you so much!!!
