What if it was my fault??

One-in-a-million

Right now I'm feeling terrible. I was diagnosed with epilepsy as a baby but was cleared by the age of 5. Doctors gave warning that it was a 50% chance it could return later in life. It has as I was diagnosed with epilepsy again last April.

But I am also an asthmatic. When I was younger probably about 8 years old. I accidentally took a much bigger dosage of my asmah inhaler ( Beclometasone)
It mad me feel weird but in a good way.
I started doing it more and more offen until my mum found out. As you can imaginen she was shocked and angry. I stopped doing it but ot was a while before I realised how dangerous it was. I'm quite ashamed of it to be honest. But it's got me thinking. Drug abuse can cause epilepsy. What if I caused my epilepsy?

It's still on my prescription but I don't use it as I don't like taking it, not because if what happened but just because I don't like it and taking it.

I don't want to drag this up with anyone in the family and if I tell my doctor I could be in a lot of trouble and from what I've heard and read they can refuse me some of the help i am entitled to.

What do I do now

Maisy

I don't suppose you have any of the leaflet things that come with your inhalers, do you? They often explain common and uncommon side effects. Personally, I don't think taking large amounts of beclomethasone could cause your epilepsy to start up again. Do you remember any side effects at the time, perhaps feeling dizzy and nauseous? I'm not a doctor, but that's probably what may happen, but in terms of long term, I don't think it's linked with epilepsy (although you are right that taking large amounts can be dangerous and drug abuse can often cause seizures and epilepsy).

​Regardless of the asthma side of things, it was a 50% chance your epilepsy would return later on in life and perhaps it was just that chance that made it return, as opposed to anything you did. From what I've read, it's very common for epilepsy in childhood to return in adulthood, so I doubt it's your fault at all.

​If you want to bring it up with your doctor, I don't think it would be so bad. You were 8 at the time, and I remember not taking my inhalers properly when I was that age too. You were young and didn't know the dangers, whereas now you are older and more aware. You won't get in trouble for that. You could generally ask your doctor whether the beclomethasone could've increased your risk of the epilepsy returning, without mentioning what happened, if you prefer.

Take care

One-in-a-million

Hi sorry I never replied I've spoken about it although not to my doctor and it's very unlikely the reason for my epilepsy. Thank you for taking the time to listen X

Former Member

Maisy wrote: »

If you want to bring it up with your doctor, I don't think it would be so bad. You were 8 at the time, and I remember not taking my inhalers properly when I was that age too. You were young and didn't know the dangers, whereas now you are older and more aware. You won't get in trouble for that. You could generally ask your doctor whether the beclomethasone could've increased your risk of the epilepsy returning, without mentioning what happened, if you prefer.

Great advice!

Rhys

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