Sorting it out

I bought Annie a new toy a week or so ago. Of course it has flashing lights, sounds, music--all the required elements for her to be interested in it. A few days later I noticed that her absence seizures were increasing. Then I read that absence seizures are often triggered by flashing lights. Duh. So I took the new toy and tried masking tape to cover the lights, but the lights still showed through. I think I need duct tape.

Then today I was reviewing the results of labs done awhile back and discovered that her selenium is low. Did you know that a deficiency in selenium can exacerbate seizures? I didn't know either until I did some research. So, get rid of the lighted toys and add selenium.

Then there's her Addison's. Last month when Annie was doing so poorly, she had the hiccups a lot. Then I read that with at least 2 people who were diagnosed with Addison's, one of their symptoms was hiccups. Now when we increased Annie's hydrocortisone dose in the middle of August, her hiccups went away. So, for my Addisonian friends--if you notice hiccups with generalized weakness, maybe you need to increase your hydro dose??

I need to write Epilepsy for Dummies, or Addison's for Dummies. Who knows if there's a direct cause and effect with these things? I'm just taking notes. Overall, though, Annie is still doing okay...I just need these seizures to go away. Thanks for your prayers--we always need them.

Jean

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8