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Leaving for college
Wed, 04/14/2010 - 02:03I am feeling very overwhelmed right now. My daughter has generalized seizures, both absence and tonic clonic. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital last night for what we thought was a seizure storm- but she still insists on going to college out of town, about 3 hours a way. I literally wake up at night in a panic that she is alone in her room. with no one to help her.
To keep her in town for community college would never work, she is already taking college courses in high school. I know I can't do anything to dash her dreams, but I want to protect her. Someone told me its better she go and even if she got hurt, it would be her choice and her dream.
Her neuro says we have time on our side, but I don't see it that way! She leaves in September!
She just started depakote today along w/ her lamictal.
Please...if you know what I am going thru I would appreciate some advice
Comments
Re: Leaving for college
Submitted by Suzyaggie08 on Wed, 2010-04-14 - 16:30
My seizures started in college, so my parents probably feel the way you do now. I graduated with 2 degrees and 5 honors, but I turned down a job with the FBI and Homeland security because my parents told me I can't do those types of jobs with seizures. I settled for a job as a receptionist, even though I know 3 languages.
With that said, don't hinder your daughter and her dreams. The seizures limit her enough as it is, she does not need additional weight from yall. I know it sound mean, but I wish I had not listened to my parents back then.
Also, make sure that she registers with the students with disability. I once had a seizure during a test, and the professor would not let me retake it or finish it since I had not registered with the students of disabilities department.
Other than that, professors are pretty tolerant of special needs. I'm sure she will quickly make friends and roommates who can take care of her in a seizure. The most important thing is to let her become as much of an independent adult as possible. I hope this helps and I wish her all the best.
My seizures started in college, so my parents probably feel the way you do now. I graduated with 2 degrees and 5 honors, but I turned down a job with the FBI and Homeland security because my parents told me I can't do those types of jobs with seizures. I settled for a job as a receptionist, even though I know 3 languages.
With that said, don't hinder your daughter and her dreams. The seizures limit her enough as it is, she does not need additional weight from yall. I know it sound mean, but I wish I had not listened to my parents back then.
Also, make sure that she registers with the students with disability. I once had a seizure during a test, and the professor would not let me retake it or finish it since I had not registered with the students of disabilities department.
Other than that, professors are pretty tolerant of special needs. I'm sure she will quickly make friends and roommates who can take care of her in a seizure. The most important thing is to let her become as much of an independent adult as possible. I hope this helps and I wish her all the best.
Re: Leaving for college
Submitted by bfbanana5 on Wed, 2010-04-14 - 17:54
I have been taking Depakote ER since I was 16. Though my seizures are under control with my medicine, I certainly understand how you feel (and your daughter). I didn't go very far away to college, but I am sure my parents worried as if I were hundreds of miles away!
The best advice I can give you is to let your daughter go with the caveat of understanding her limits and expectations. She needs to know where to draw the line when it comes to her triggers and what sets her off; if she can agree to be careful but still have fun, then it will work out for the best.
I am sure she will be just fine :)
I have been taking Depakote ER since I was 16. Though my seizures are under control with my medicine, I certainly understand how you feel (and your daughter). I didn't go very far away to college, but I am sure my parents worried as if I were hundreds of miles away!
The best advice I can give you is to let your daughter go with the caveat of understanding her limits and expectations. She needs to know where to draw the line when it comes to her triggers and what sets her off; if she can agree to be careful but still have fun, then it will work out for the best.
I am sure she will be just fine :)
Re: Leaving for college
Submitted by rosegirl on Fri, 2010-04-23 - 19:12
I don't know how to say this other than if he would stop for a moment and weigh the difference between taking his meds when prescribed or having a seizure in the middle of class. I lived on my own for awhile. Occasionally I missed a dose and I paid the price. But you learn to keep track, take them on time, get sleep, etc. I wish you and your son the best of luck