Although the second seizure was a shock, I'm feeling better.
What does one do when their body starts doing weird things? Obviously...Goggle it! At least, that's what I do. It's how we found out about the brain tumor in the first place. Thank you internet!
According to the National Institutes of Health
Causes of seizures can include:
- Abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood
- Brain injury (such as stroke or a head injury)
- Brain injury that occurs to the baby during labor or childbirth
- Brain problems that occur before birth (congenital brain defects)
- Brain tumor or bleeding in the brain
- Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease
- High fever
- Illnesses that cause the brain to deteriorate
- Infections that affect the brain, such as meningitis, encephalitis, neurosyphilis, or AIDS
- Kidney or liver failure
- Phenylketonuria (PKU), which can cause seizures in infants
- Use of illegal street drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
- Withdrawal from alcohol after drinking a lot on most days
- Withdrawal from certain drugs, including some painkillers and sleeping pills
After trying to find the cause of my seizures, Dan, my parents and I have isolated the similarities between the episodes. There are only two bullets from above that work. Obviously I have a brain tumor, and the second cause is abnormal levels of glucose in the blood. Both days that I had seizures, I skipped breakfast (I know, I know, very stupid move but I was busy) and drank 2+ espresso shots.
My whole life I have been irregular with my morning meals. I've never had a problem skipping breakfast, or drinking lots of coffee on an empty stomach, but now, my life is changing, my health is different, and what used to work does not work any longer. I am not the iron horse I once was. Again, I need to be more gentle with my body.
At every turn, with this tumor adventure, my body is making me slow down. If I don't listen to what my body needs (like more glucose), my body makes me listen.
Note to self: Eat breakfast and keep a regular eating schedule. Maybe it's time to revise my diet a bit.
A good thing about being around people who like to make breakfast (I don't) is that they can make extra and you can eat it when you feel like it (even if it gets cold), which hopefully is before you go out the door, so then you do eat something without the hassle of making it or figuring out what to eat. Sounds like the low glucose was the culprit!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking you might enjoy knitting, it is very stress reducing and a great way to get ahead before the holidays. Everyone appreciates a hand knit scarf and you could learn how to do it in five minutes. If you've never tried it, give it a go. There is a beautiful variety of colors and textures to play with and it's something you can enjoy doing at home. No, I don't run a yarn shop, I sell real estate. My knitting has been a godsend!
ReplyDeleteYou Are My Hero!!!
ReplyDelete