Epilepsy and employment

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I had my first major seizure just five days after being terminated from a really bad job in November 2005. Needless to say, I have not been employed since then. At this point my epilepsy is not under control despite being on Lamictal and Keppra. I have only been on the Keppra for about 10 days. Yet I am concerned about being employable in the future. I keep reading about and hearing that people with epilepsy can lead "normal" lives. I guess that depends on what the definition of normal is. In the interim I am trying to figure out what I am going to do for money. I have even hinted at one doctor's office that by the time my next appointment came around, I would be living in my car. These doctors just don't seem to get it. I do not have unlimited funds. Where is the reality in all this?

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Epilepsy and employment

Submitted by wflisa on Sat, 2006-08-05 - 19:22

Amara, Up until recently I felt the same way you did. I was determined that I was still very employable, highly educated, competent and with a good attitude and I needed a job. That was until the meds began to not work very well, and I began experiencing consistent mornings where I had to "beat back" the prospects of a seizure. Except for some days when nothing seems to go right, I still try to keep a smile on my face and use my sense of humor to get me through. I just wish that I did not have to take so many pills and still not gain control of this demon! As I do not feel it is under control, I have pulled the plug on a job search.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Epilepsy and employment

Submitted by Amara on Sat, 2006-08-05 - 22:57

Hi Lisa, In a way, you kind of my point ... some people can search for jobs and handle it, some can't. Right now you can't, and that's okay. Focus on your health first, that is most important. If the pills aren't working, call the doctor. Sometimes, you can talk to the Dr. on the phone and make your ultimate visit shorter, and therefore less expensive. If you don't like the way your Dr. is handling it, find another one. Believe me, I know how hard it is, I lost 10 lbs on Topamax that I couldn't afford to lose, had awful tingling sensations in my extremeties, lost a lot of my sense of taste, and was depressed all the time. My Doctor at the time insisted the taste thing wasn't a big deal and then said, "The tingling might go away. The depression usually passes. And just try eating more." I wanted to cry right then and there. It took a few weeks for me to gain the courage, but I eventually pitched a tantrum to the office of my GP, and got a new doctor and new meds. As for feeling low on where you are with your job, meds, and general place in life, I understand that too. A side effect of Keppra for me is that every time I suffer a setback (I've lost out on 3 apartments for reasons completely outside my control), I break down completely, depressed and crying. Once I realized this, I've called my Dr. He gave me ways to help cope with it, I got some free samples - not much, just enough for a couple weeks, but every bit helps. I pay the minimum on my credit card, and have swallowed my pride and accepted money from family (which I am recognize I am lucky to have). I know some companies can defer loan or credit payments for health-related reasons. Just do the best you can to make ends meet until you have your health under control. Sometimes it sucks (for lack of a better term) a whole lot. Just try to keep plugging away. And if the meds don't work, or you're unhappy with your treatment, THERE'S OTHER OPTIONS OUT THERE. You can do it!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Epilepsy and employment

Submitted by Cathy_C on Mon, 2006-08-07 - 07:07

Having Epilepsy and trying to work can be hard. I have had many jobs and experiences due to me working in the medical field. I graduated with a degree as a "Medical Technologist" and found out almost immediately afterwards I was epileptic. I didn't dare drawing blood & giving meds anymore. I then worked as a Vet technician for 3 vets as well as Kennel Manager in same place. I took care of 3 cougars and loved my job til I came back in from feeding the cougars with dirt on my clothes, where I had been on the ground. I decided that If the cage doors had been open I would have been dinner that day. I went to selling Veternarian supplies nationwide and was doing fairly well and then came home to Maine from Texas and fought for my Disability since I had to give up my license and couldn't get to a job. I finally got a good attorney that fought for my SSDI. I lived on that for years then remarried in 2000 and I worked some with my husband to fill in when people had holidays off and he needed a extra pair of hands. Since then the company hired me part time, paying me just enough per hour that it won't put me over the amount I can earn and keep my SSDI and insurance coming in. I have been very lucky with my boss excepting my epilepsy. He was told right up front and they even ask all the time how I am doing. They are kept updated on my surgeries. They knew about the VNS implant and they have me scheduled to have the 2nd week and more off when I have my RTL surgery. They have even given my husband a full week off to stay with me after the surgery. So there is hope if you find the right job for you and tell them upfront about your situation. I figure if you tell them during the interview and they except you, then that is the job for you. If you tell them upfront and they have a problem with it (don't take the job to begin with). I am now working 2-3 days a week in a Medical Research Laboratory as a Medical Lab Technologist with about 15000 mice and am loving it. It gives me a since of value that I didn't have when I was just collecting SSDI. Just hold in there and keep looking. There is a job and boss out there that is just perfect for you. My point (I guess) is to be up front and see how understanding they are from the very beginning, then you will know how your job will go, because if they don't except it from the beginning then they won't later on. Better not to take the job from the start then to take it and then be let go cause they can't handle someone with a medical issue. I am sure it will be their lost. Good luck to anyone that is reading this and keep trying, because there is a job out there waiting to hire someone like you because most people with a disability have a much better attitude and works harder then people who think they deserve the job. Most people with disabilities work harder at their jobs because we appreciate the company hiring us knowing about our condition. God Bless you all, Cathy