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Epilepsy Blog Relay: Five tips for adjusting to a medication change

This post is part of the Epilepsy Blog Relay™, which will run from June 1 to June 30, 2018.  Follow along!

Just this week, I spoke with my doctor and we both decided that it was time to increase one of my medicines.  I’ve always been extremely sensitive to medicine, so while I knew I needed it, it was a little hard to take.

I knew with even the smallest increase that I was going to have yet another “adjustment period.”  This, for me, is the time when my body re-adjusts itself, so to speak.  It requires me to get more sleep, for one.  This particular medicine tends to give me headaches.  So, I’ve had a non-stop dull headache.  And, I know, as my body adjusts, those headaches will subside and it will be for the best.  It’s better than having auras for sure.

So, each day, as I go through this, I’m focusing on five helpful tips from good friends to get me through and I thought I’d share them:

1. Think of one thing each day that makes you happy. There is always going to be one.  For me, one thing (or little person to be exact) that makes me happier than anything is my niece, Caroline.  No matter what happens in the day, I can count on that two-year-old to make me laugh!  And, thank you to my sister-in-law for constantly sending me pictures of her to cheer me up!

 

2. Do one thing each day that makes you happy. Maybe it’s a walk around the block, maybe it’s listening to your favorite song, maybe it’s having a bowl of your favorite ice cream!  Whatever it is, do it!

 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family. Your family understands.  They just do.  Do not be afraid to let them know you need their help.

 

4. Call a friend. Sometimes it’s as simple as calling a friend and talking on the phone that will make you forget about all that’s going on and put that smile back on your face.  And, on top of everything, they will be happy to hear from you and have the opportunity to catch up.

 

5. Get up and move (if you can)! I know it’s hard when you are completely exhausted and not feeling well.  But, start with a walk around the block.  You don’t need to go out and run a marathon to give yourself a little boost.  A short walk will be great for you!

 

As I go through this new adjustment period, those are the helpful tips that I’m “trying” to use daily to keep me going!  Hopefully, one or two of them will help you too!


NEXT UP: Be sure to check out the next post by Randi at sonyasstory.com.

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Contributing Writer

Abby Gustus Alford was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 12 after multiple grand mal seizures over six-mos. She has a BA from Purdue and her Master’s from Northwestern.

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