Lynn's Update

We met with my neurologist yesterday to discsss the progress of my journey since February when I had my VNS surgery to help me with my epilepsy.  It has now been 6 months and the recovery has been amazng. 

I went from havng a multitude of sezures every month to NONE.  For the first time since August of 1981, I no longer embarrass my family, friends or myself in public by my "losing it".  Gone are the day of people around me being concerned and having to call 9-1-1 for medical assistance.  Because of the fact I no longer have seizures, no additional damage is being done to my brain.

Though all of this is wonderfuly, there have been additonal positives.  The ongoing depression that I fought for many years, is practically all gone.  Since we began moving to the new house, it has gotten a bit worse just because  cannot handle the stress like "normal" people.  I thought it might all be in my head but as soon as my doctor found out yesterday that we were moving, she asked Stan and I about it.  She explained that that is one of the most dangerous times in an epileptic's life.  She told me that I had to slow way down and just let everyone bring everything to me at the new house.  After that, I should just take my timeputting it away so that I can relax more often.

We've been VERY fortunate and have had several friends volunteer to help us move the furniture, boxes, etc eto our new house.  I don't know what we would have done without them.  My brother-in-law has been helping us very often since the last part of June to get my mother's thngs moved out and our things moved in.  I describe him as being 3 tornados twisted into one man.  He is unbelievable at getting things accomplished in a very short amount of time.  We cannot thank of these people enough for their assistance.

I've lost 31 pounds since February.  I believe that thi is due to my depression lessening.  I no longer feel the need to stuff my woes away.  I have more much-needed energy.  My family told my doctor yesterday that  am a different person today.  I am much more enjoyable to be with and my sense of humor has returned to my everyday life.

As you can see, I owe the Lord VERY much for giving the intelligence and abilities to scientests and doctors for developing this treatment for epileptics.  Remember though, this is NOT a cure but it sure feels like it to me.  LOL!!!  I beg of you.  If you or someone you know has epilepsy, please check nto this.  It can mean a total lfe changing experience just as it has for me.  In many cases such as mine so far, the patient cannot go off of his/he ant-seizure medication but the recovery is so very much better than with medicatons alone.

I have another 6 months to go before my device's electricity level has reached its highest point.  My electricity was increased yesterday.  So far, my voice continues to get hoars whenever my electricity is being generated to my brain.  I had an increased cough yesterday which is also totally normal for awhile.    I feel a temporary lump in my neck from my left ear and down for a couple of mnutes whenever the energy is being transmitted.  All of this should lessen and possibly dsappear as time goes by.  Even if it doesn't for me, it's darned well worth it for me.  The positives definitely outweigh the negatves.

I thank those of you who have blessed me with your love and kindness throughout all of this snce 1981.  Without your support, I don't know how I would have made it this far...

VLE-B