Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

I can't function anymore

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 12:51
I keep having these tiny seizures, kinda like absence seizures (I guess). But the thing is that after I've had them, for some reason I go into a slightly lighter version of the postical state I always did after a full-body seizure. I don't know if that's supposed to happen? Aaanyway. I'm a waitress and this makes working very, very hard since I have up to five seizures a day, and because of the postical state I'm constantly exhausted. I have to ask customers to repeat their orders a million times, and then it takes me at least five billion hours to put together their orders right. I got fired a couple of days ago, and I completely understand that. But these attacks keep on coming and when I talk to someone it's like they think I'm drunk or on drugs or something. I can't function at work and alright, that's one thing, but I can't even function at home, can't do the simplest task without taking ages, can't be trusted near things that could hurt me, have to ask people to repeat themselves several times before I can even begin to comprehend what they're trying to say, and I can't even think properly. I feel a thousand times more stupid than before. I don't know anything, my doctor just shrugs and says "epilepsy" like these things are normal and I don't know, are they? Are these types of seizures normal?

Comments

Re: I can't function anymore

Submitted by Bklyngal2073 on Mon, 2013-08-26 - 23:11
My seizures were tolerable for most of my life. Went to college, ran my own business (a medical writer! :) ) But several years ago, the problem exploded. One hand was crippled, left in constant pain when I fell on stove while cooking. Seizures that rarely occurred now happen at least every 2 months. Med level increased so that I'm always dopey. Can no longer cook, which I love. Dozens of recipe books. Can't eat anything that not's "nuked" when I'm alone. Have trouble remembering words, forming sentences. Obviously not good for a writer. Not considered "disabled" so struggling to work. Biz/income cut in half. Have hubby, who is great, but he's in school. My docs now want me to consider surgery. Have insurance, but it will still require at least 20% of my own money. VERY depressed. Never had to cope with my condition like this. Can't drive, can't cook, have much trouble knitting, can't shower like a "real" person. Afraid to be alone and he is close to 70. Constantly anxious about losing him, especially since we don't have much savings. Wiped out by 9/11. Any advice on surgery? Any consolations? Very grateful.

Re: I can't function anymore

Submitted by Frank Lee on Mon, 2013-08-26 - 23:58

I've also been fired before, but if you apply for disability, you could be told to "keep looking for a job in the same field. That is what you have experience in".  Terrible response!

I think seeing the neurologist once a year is enough to renew prescriptions. Maybe call him and state that is all you need; can he do it without you paying for a visit? 

I know this may seem a little extreme, but I moved to another country for 5 years. Living alone made it easy. A large city (Seoul) made it easy to get around by subway. Nationalized medicine allowed me to pay $7.50 to see a doctor. Prescription medicine was a lot less expensive. At the time, I was in my 40's. I looked for a job teaching ESL.   

I've also been fired before, but if you apply for disability, you could be told to "keep looking for a job in the same field. That is what you have experience in".  Terrible response!

I think seeing the neurologist once a year is enough to renew prescriptions. Maybe call him and state that is all you need; can he do it without you paying for a visit? 

I know this may seem a little extreme, but I moved to another country for 5 years. Living alone made it easy. A large city (Seoul) made it easy to get around by subway. Nationalized medicine allowed me to pay $7.50 to see a doctor. Prescription medicine was a lot less expensive. At the time, I was in my 40's. I looked for a job teaching ESL.   

Re: I can't function anymore

Submitted by hereIgoagainzach on Sun, 2013-09-15 - 23:25
I hear what your going though also, I go from job to job just about every 3 months if Im lucky it seems like you cant even defend yourself at work after you have one. I just had one last weekend and just last Friday I told someone Im not your fool and I end up getting in trouble for it by my boss, Im always loosing work myself, bosses like to say they understand but when it happens they end up fireing you just about every time don't you agree? whats really crazy is trying to get on disability with the state but all they do is tell you to get back to work every time when we cant even hold a job because of it. all I can say is best of luck to you.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.