Letting the dust settle

So much has happened since I last updated, time flies when you're doing a million things!

I recently switched neurologists and now go to Mass General. I am so thrilled that my new doctor is not only very intelligent in his practice but also as kind as can be. There is an awesome website for those who need constant contact with their doctors called Patient Gateway, which allows you to send messages back & forth about how you are feeling, new medications, ect.

After having a horrible time on the medication Keppra once the milligrams were increased, I decided I needed a change. Dr. Hotch, my new neurologist, is currently weening me off of Keppra and onto the generic version of Neurontin, Gabapentin.

Gabapentin is very different in the sense that is treats a different type of seizures. I have discussed in earlier posts, every neurologist since my seizure at age 14 thought I had Juvenile epilepsy. Now, however, Dr. Hotch believes for good reason I have Focal Myoclonic seizures. This means the seizures I experience are generalized and not my entire brain is affected, like in Juvenile. Instead, the right section of my brain is affected with seizure activity triggering my right leg to experience the seizure. This seizure is usually the muscles in my leg contracting & me being unable to move them.

So far on the new medication, I was experiencing dizziness & drowsiness, but after a few days these side affects have subsided.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with the best doctors in the world and really pin point the best approaches toward my condition.


In some exciting epilepsy news, I am in the process of bringing an amazing non-profit organization to the fabulous state of Massachusetts! Help the ELF, is an organization I have been involved in for as long as I can remember I began volunteer work! The founder, Brenden Leydon, thought of the idea to bring seizure safe toys to children hospitals during the holidays to bring smiles and happiness to these kids that are forced to spend their holidays lying in a hospital bed. I have held numerous fundraisers for ELF in the past, and sent the money to Chicago Children's Hospitals where ELF was created. This year, with the help of Brenden, and his amazing mother Tracy, I am in the midst of bringing this program to either Boston Children's Hospital, or Baystate Children's Hospital! I am thrilled to continue making a difference in the life of others and benefit children with a condition less controlled than my own. I have found that my epilepsy volunteer work will never be fully concluded, because my purpose is to be one of the strongest voices on behalf of this condition. If your a believer in the saying "everything happens for a reason," you'll understand my belief that I was given a benign, medically controlled form of epilepsy to help the lives of others. Bringing ELF to Massachusetts is just the beginning!

I will continue to update any progress with my medical changes and/or ELF!

Miss Greater Holyoke 2012
Tamara Sacharczyk