Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU): Day 1

     I am going to try and make a post at the end of day each day of our stay here at the Children's Hospital EMU.  As I prepare to post about the busy day, I can't help but think about my mom.  I listened to a recording of a conversation I had with her on May 17, 2015 at around 9:50 am.  Yes, one year ago, Kerstin had had a seizure and was restless the night before (May 16, 2015), my mom was concerned as always and as we talked, she told me that she hoped Kerstin's doctors could find out what was going on with her.  Well mom, it's been a journey and many appointments later, we are here to go through another series of tests and studies to see what's going on.  

People watching at admitting office

Welcome screen on the telly!

     Today, we checked in at noon.  Then it was on to the 10th floor of the Russell building; a very familiar floor.  We've even seen familiar faces.  All too surreal.  I am very thankful that Kerstin is not here because of unexpected surgeries or illnesses.  However, we are here because of the increase in seizure activity Kerstin has been experiencing.  Tonight is the first night of monitoring, she's been placed in her "mummy head-wrap", leads and wiring everywhere.  She is content, comfortable and seems to be relaxed.  Though, for whatever reason, her temp tried to spike a bit, no worries, it has already gone down.  

Lead placement. 

     Not sure what the night will include but an update is on the way tomorrow.  

All wrapped...monitoring in progress. 

More to come...

Seizures Suck!

 

   "Seizures Suck!"  If you have a family member or if you know someone who has a seizure disorder or is diagnosed, you have probably heard them say those words or have seen them around.  They are so true.  Seizures suck the life out of a party so to speak.  The day or night may be going along smoothly, then out of nowhere...SEIZURES happen and literally suck the joy from the moment. 

     Kerstin's first seizure (first visible one anyway) was April 15, 2004.  That is a night I won't forget for some time.  Since then I can't even begin to count the number of seizures she has had.  However, it is a fact that the older my daughter has gotten, the more frequent her seizures have been happening.  At first, they were spaced by days, weeks even months, not anymore.  I can tell you that we are blessed enough to say that she is not having them on a daily basis like so many with the diagnosis.  

     On Monday, February 15 we were once again at Children's Hospital for another neurological appointment.  My oldest sister went along with us to this seemingly routine appointment and I jokingly told her that I hadn't been on the other wing of the hospital since Kerstin had been discharged after that month long stay.  Right off the elevator we even bumped into a former nurse practitioner that worked with Kerstin's orthopedic specialist, chatted with her for a minute and rushed off to the appointment.  

     Once in the back, Kerstin and I snapped a few pics, she's always camera ready :))  Nurse comes in first and we share seizure activity since the last appointment, talked about sleep pattern and routine question and answer.  Later, the doctor comes in and routine checks are done, we go into detail about seizure activities and how long they last.   Kerstin is a growing young lady, Dr.  talked all about hormonal changes, progesterone, Depo-Provera, ovulation, cycles and the numerous common female changes that can in fact increase seizure activity.  

     Also, noted was the need to have an updated MRI study done as well as the need for a sleep and seizure study.  Okay.  "I need to have all of these done before we consider the Depo shots and to rule out the need for any epilepsy surgery." says the doctor.  The stunned mommy in me, couldn't even ask details on "epilepsy surgery".  There will be no need for that.  Yet, in my mind I am still thinking that the sleep study, seizure study and MRI would be an overnight process...NO!  We are now mentally preparing for a week long stay in our former apartment building called- Children's Hospital of Alabama-Birmingham!  

The journey continues...grow with us!

More to come... and yeah,