Comment

Comment by Jordan Johnson on March 11, 2010 at 10:59pm

enjoy your bday

Comment by Bridget Fitzgerald on March 11, 2010 at 6:06pm

Thanks Michael and Jordan!! Both of your responses are very helpful!! I feel a lot better knowing you guys also have a drink or two every once in a while. Thank you! Hope everyone is doing okay!!

Comment by Jordan Johnson on March 10, 2010 at 12:31am

The decision is really up to your, when I had my 21st, I asked my doctor and she said 1 or 2 every now and then... However I drink beer several times a month, and while I don't condone it, I have gotten extremely drunk a few times since the AVM and I have been fine, not sure if it helps but this is just my experience, like I said you are the only one that can choose what to do, everybody's body is different

Comment by Michael A. Contés II on March 7, 2010 at 8:28pm

Hi Bridget,

My personal opinion on this subject is that you need to do what you feel is right. Having said that, I personally drink socially and specifically wine (for the blood) and I do drink beer on occasions when I feel the desire. The key here is moderation and that is the same thing I would tell my best friend, relative or anyone for that matter. Now, you are going to get advice that may support what I just said or may get advice which may be critical. The bottom line is its' up to you to make that decision based on the best available information.

Hope that helps and Happy B'day.

Michael

Comment by Bridget Fitzgerald on March 4, 2010 at 1:28pm

Thanks Guys!!!! I am soooo excited for tomorrow!!! I talked to my neurologist and he said that 1-2 drinks would be ok or my birthday =)
Joy- Thank you and I hope your son is doing okay. I don't know what us kids would do without the support of parents like you. I know my parents just love me and don't want me to have to go through anymore seizures.
Christine- Thank you, it is really helpful to hear that you also take Topimax. I think i will just go out and have a good time (without all the drinking) Thanks again!
Ninibeth- Thanks for the advice, i talked to my neurologist and although he wasnt happy with what i was asking he did say 1-2 drinks would be okay. I'll take that over 1-2 sips lol Thanks again!!
Marie- Thank you and i will be careful trust me. I hope your husband is doing okay and neverrrr has to experience a seizure again. As scary to watch a loved one go through a seizure, they are just as scary and confusing and painful to personally experience. I hope he is doing okay and Thanks again your advice is really helpful. I might ask them to make me some fun none alcoholic drinks, just so it looks like im drinking.
Thanks again everyone!!

Comment by Marie Hudson on March 3, 2010 at 2:46pm

Bridget,
First congrats on turning 21 very soon! As far as the alcohol part, please be very careful. My husband had his AVM removed Oct 2008, and unfortunately has the wonderful seizures to contend with and is on meds now (Lamictal/Keppra). Anyway his seizure doc states he would be taking a large chance by drinking. We were just social drinkers and really enjoyed a cold beer or good glass of wine a few times a week, but he is very scared to do that anymore, and I am for him as well, as those seizures are some of the worst things I have ever seen (grand mal). Anyway how about a drink without the alcohol portion, I know it won't be the same, but it will be a lot safer. Hopefully one day you won't have to take this med and you can definitely take a drink to celebrate that! Have a wonderful birthday and many, many more!
Marie & Steve

Comment by Ninibeth Ramirez on March 3, 2010 at 11:09am

Congratulation in your coming 21 birthday !!!
Really I haven’t ask my neurologist if I can drink because I understand I could not.. I have a friend that is neurologist and once she told me that I can’t drink because I am with anticonvulsive medicine (lamictal)., maybe just one drink and not that often. I think you should ask your pharmacist, and explain your medical history, he could tell you if you can and how mush. It is better to prevent..

You can enjoy your 21 first birthday eventhough with not to mush to drink. Y love to go out with my friends and have a great time without a lot of drinking… I hope you can have a wonderful time…

Comment by Christine on March 3, 2010 at 10:26am

Hi Bridget,
Happy soon to be B-day! I had my surgery in Nov. 08. I too am on topimax for headaches and seizures. My surgeon said I can drink a glass of wine every once in a while. I used to love going dancing and drinking with my friends but since alcohol thins your blood I am too afraid to take a chance on that now. There is too many things that can happen while drinking. I am 35 and my mother still hounds me about what I can do and cant lol. No matter what they will always worry about you. My opinion is to just not do it or if you need to then do it lightly. I know that is not what you are wanting to hear. I really hope you have a safe and happy birthday!!!

Comment by Joy on March 3, 2010 at 9:18am

Hi Bridget, Our pharmacist explained to me that the anti-seizure medication that my son takes (Dilantin and another one) will be affected by alcohol so if he does drink, it will be like he doesn't have any medication in his system to stop a seizure.
BEFORE my son developed brain swelling, our pharmacist said our son could have one drink....but recommeneded to have it in a safe environment in case he did have a seizure. Now that my son has brain swelling, our doctor said to him, NO alcohol or you WILL have a seizure.
Ya, fun, right? I would ask your pharmacist about your particular medication. I don't think anyone could say you are 'safe' to drink because of your history of seizures so it's a tough call. As a parent, I can understand your parent's fear. It's so crazy living with this.
Happy Birthday!! Best news is that I think the best age of life is "21" so enjoy yourself somehow!