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Driving and Transportation

Fri, 08/01/2008 - 17:09

Hello,

My name is Janet and I just had my most recent gran mal seizure on Monday, July 28th.  My doctor says that the state of Florida will not allow me to drive for six months after a seizure, which although EXTREMELY bothersome, it is completely understandable.

For me, I am finding it very difficult to cope with my not driving. I am a very independent person. Everyday after work I either go to the gym or to dance classes. I never just go home - I don't have any children and my husband gets home late from work. 

Please let me know how you guys are getting up and about. Public transportation in Miami is dismal. Do you know if epiliptics qualify for special transportations benefits? I feel really bad in having my husband and mother taking me places. What's great is that I work with my husband, so it's not that completely bad - although I used to sleep in a bit more when I drove myself :)

I find myself feeling so anxious just knowing that I can't take my car and go. 

Would love to hear from you 

Janet :)

 

Comments

Re: Driving and Transportation

Submitted by croesus on Fri, 2008-08-01 - 18:20

Janet:

Poor you.   I know  how you feel.  

It's no consolation, but here in England it's even tougher - 12 months.    Handing back your license is difficult to come to terms with,  possibly even worse for an alpha male like me,  always used to doing all the driving.   But try to think positively - work out how to live without  it and, please God,  you'll get it back in time............just as I have,  after 2 years.

I know it's a pain in the butt but I reckon you can beat it.

God Bless

croesus

 

Janet:

Poor you.   I know  how you feel.  

It's no consolation, but here in England it's even tougher - 12 months.    Handing back your license is difficult to come to terms with,  possibly even worse for an alpha male like me,  always used to doing all the driving.   But try to think positively - work out how to live without  it and, please God,  you'll get it back in time............just as I have,  after 2 years.

I know it's a pain in the butt but I reckon you can beat it.

God Bless

croesus

 

Re: Driving and Transportation

Submitted by roneyc on Fri, 2008-08-01 - 18:40

Janet.

My son went through this last year when side effects forced a change in meds. His dating life fell to nill. But I counseled him to let his friends show how much they care by helping. He's never hidden his epilepsy with his friends, but they also don't discuss it. He swallowed his pride and learned to ask for rides. Being in college, maybe some assumed he lost his license to drinking; others he had known for some time knew the reason. Regardless, they all pitched in to help and he now admits it was gratifying to know how many good friends he has. Of course, this year, the miles are piling up as he feels he now has to drive everyone else.

Do you have friends at the gym who perhaps work nearby? It's always more fun to work out with someone else and they may welcome your support with their workouts and discussions on the way to the gym. Or friends at work for whom the gym is on their way home? Support group at church? Most of us don't mind helping out, but we also don't think to ask if someone needs help. So you must bring up the issue.  And for those who do help, find little ways to pay them back without them asking for it. Cook them a nice meal to serve their family after a hard day's work or volunteer to babysit. Neighbors helping neighbors is a winning situation for all and greatly strengthens our society. Sorry, off my soapbox now :).

Janet.

My son went through this last year when side effects forced a change in meds. His dating life fell to nill. But I counseled him to let his friends show how much they care by helping. He's never hidden his epilepsy with his friends, but they also don't discuss it. He swallowed his pride and learned to ask for rides. Being in college, maybe some assumed he lost his license to drinking; others he had known for some time knew the reason. Regardless, they all pitched in to help and he now admits it was gratifying to know how many good friends he has. Of course, this year, the miles are piling up as he feels he now has to drive everyone else.

Do you have friends at the gym who perhaps work nearby? It's always more fun to work out with someone else and they may welcome your support with their workouts and discussions on the way to the gym. Or friends at work for whom the gym is on their way home? Support group at church? Most of us don't mind helping out, but we also don't think to ask if someone needs help. So you must bring up the issue.  And for those who do help, find little ways to pay them back without them asking for it. Cook them a nice meal to serve their family after a hard day's work or volunteer to babysit. Neighbors helping neighbors is a winning situation for all and greatly strengthens our society. Sorry, off my soapbox now :).

Re: Driving and Transportation

Submitted by ursula01 on Fri, 2008-08-01 - 20:44
Hi, I also live in Florida (st. augustine) I had my first daytime grand mal a month ago, I have had them in my sleep previously. So, I have not driven since then. I am also a very active, independent person, it has been hard on me to rely on help for transportation to work and etc. I haven't found any help here for transportation resources, and something tells me that Miami will not be of much help either. I have had to suck my pride up, and ask for rides, but I am able to lure friends over in promises to make a great cup of java!! Much luck, and strength to you, Ursula

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