A.D. asks from Tucson, AZ on July 08, 2008
Pseudoseizures and Postpartum Depression
I was wondering if anyone out there had ever been diagnosed with pseudoseizures? Did they treat you like you were crazy?
Background: I was admitted into the hospital last week because I passed out and had convulsions multiple times. I even had them in the ER and the doctors seemed to just ignore it. They ran every test you could imagine (CT scan, Xray, MRI, MRA, EEG, EKG, ECG) and said they all looked normal, so I must have just been having pseudo seizures. When they discharged me, they referred me for a psych evaluation for postpartum depression. I don't feel depressed, my son is an incredibly easy baby and is usually happy. Plus he is 6 mos old. I would have thought that postpartum would have struck sooner if it was that. Not only that but while I was in the hospital I overheard the nurses in the hall talking about the "seizure" girl in my room #. It was like they had already decided I was crazy. Are all doctors going to just treat me like I'm a crazy? Is there any way to avoid being labeled before I go see another doctor? I'm really scared about all of this because my own mother went through something similar for several years with them just telling her it was psychosomatic until eventually she lost the use of the left side of her body and they finally told her she has dystonia. Am I heading toward that?
Any advice or experiences would be helpful.
Featured Answers
C.S. answers from Phoenix on July 09, 2008
Please seek some alternative help! I would really recommend trying some energy modalities. You might look for Cranial Sacral therapy or Polarity therapy. I believe either of these will be helpful.
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S.P. answers from Albuquerque on July 09, 2008
A.,
Acupuncture is a great alternative to western methods when western methods are failing. More subtle or unusual symptoms boggle the mind of western docs and often waste a lot of time. It can be very effective and you will find the bedside manner of these practitioners very different. They have to spend time interviewing and closely examining your individual situation. It's much more thorough and simply a better approach to chronic or unusual issues. If it wasn't for acupuncture, I may not have ever had the opportunity to become pregnant and experience the incredible gift of my 10 month old baby girl that I have now. Best of luck. Feel free to contact me for recommendations on how to find a DOM (Dr. of oriental medicine) if you are interested. Best of luck!
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F.R. answers from Phoenix on July 09, 2008
Hi A.
If they did all the tests and they all showed up negative, the I highly recommend getting your neck evaluated by a good chiropractor. I have treated many patients with seizures over the last 14 yrs. and have helped most of them... No, I don't think you are crazy, hehehehehe.....
Anyhow, if interested, call me / email me and I will see what I can do for you...
Have a great day
F. Rooh, DC
____@____.com
J.D. answers from Phoenix on July 09, 2008
Hi A.!
That is a really terrible ER experience and not the first time I have heard of such behavior of medical staff. I agree that you should contact your OB and a neurologist to get further recommendations. I also think that if you feel up to it, and maybe when you have more info on your condition, you could contact the admin at the hosptial where you were seen and let them know that you did not appreciate being treated like a mental case, and truly, mental issues should also not be treated by medical personnel like the person is just a waste of their time because it's all in his or her head! Just make sure to mention your family history to all the doctors that you see so they can know that in advance. Since you are single, it is a good idea to make sure you have good support like family or friends to help you as your baby grows. With my kids every one wanted to babysit when the child was still an infant, but I found that when I could really use a break, like when they were two, no one was interested in babysitting :). Good luck!
-Jen
S.L. answers from Tucson on July 09, 2008
You need to contact the head of that hospital and make a complaint about them talking about you like that - and the doctors seeming to ignore your symptoms as they occurred in the ER - be specific about names if you can - and if they don't treat you with respect you might seek a lawsuit for negligence or malpractice - as far as the issue you are having I would suggest seeking the services of a neurologist (someone who specializes in the brain and seizure disorders) and a naturopath - pharmaceuticals can cause these sort of "side effects" so if you are on any kind of medication check the warnings on it and seek an alternative - also try to balance your systems using whole raw foods and herbs - and look into some deep tissue massage therapy - if you want some specifics as to the most potent herbs in the world - and I have tried a lot of brands but never felt anything or seen results until eating these - feel free to contact me for more information - but in the meantime make sure to take action against that hospital - people who work in places like that tend to mistreat others on a regular basis and when it becomes commonplace, abusive or gossipy it has gone too far.
L.W. answers from Santa Fe on July 12, 2008
I am sorry for your difficulties. I would go ahead and go to the psychiatrist. I know that they prescribe anti-seizure medication too so maybe he or she would be better at diagnosing what was wrong and ruling out ppd. You might also think about seeing a specialist in a bigger city that has wider experience--sometimes the hospital you go to matters.
:)
V.N. answers from Santa Fe on July 10, 2008
It is definitely time for a second opinion! I could tell you stories of my friends and family that were told their conditions were in their heads (by professionals and specialists) just to have one Dr. finally take the time to look at one thing, usually right in plain sight- and fix the problem! I completely agree with the woman who said educate yourself by going to many different sites to get a well-rounded view of these conditions. From my friends who have experienced it, postpartum is something they felt was happening to them and they were relieved to have it diagnosed and their families were not surprised to hear it at all. If what those Dr. told you doesn't feel right and you aren't convinced, make another appointment with another Dr. - I would go to my OB/GYN first to talk about the postpartum but I would start asking around for neurologist that other people I trust would trust. Stay in the drivers seat, don't let words they throw out scare you. If they don't explain it to you well enough for you to be comfortable, tell them and ask them to do so again. You are paying them for a service, get it. My friends and family would still think they were crazy if they hadn't been so persistant. God Bless and stay strong!
C.S. answers from Phoenix on July 09, 2008
Please seek some alternative help! I would really recommend trying some energy modalities. You might look for Cranial Sacral therapy or Polarity therapy. I believe either of these will be helpful.
L.S. answers from Phoenix on July 09, 2008
A.,
I would recommend you see a neurologist. Seizures are VERY REAL and can occur for a variety of reasons. I had seizures when I was young and was diagnosed with a seizure disorder but not epilepsy. Fortunately, I have been seizure free since 1990 but I do take a lose dose med as a precaution.
You are not crazy. See a specialist.
Hang in there.
L.
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