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Nocturnal Epilepsy and Driving

Wed, 06/07/2006 - 14:11
I want to let all fellow epileptics I got my drivers license. It took TWO test, but I got the license today. I went through all legal routes. Yesterday, no public safety officer asked of my epilepsy I handed my medical report with me from the medical unit which gave me the okay. I told the officer I have nocturnal epilepsy and she looked puzzled. She asked when was my last seizure, I told her May. She asked if I told the Medical Unit this. I explained they have a report from my neurologist and will receive my medical report every six months. I had to explain I keep a journal of all my seizures. That is every seizure I find possible because my seizures occur in my sleep. I let her know that the seizures I had in May will go to my neurologist who will provide this information to the Medical Unit. Today, I went back took the test and passed the written half. The officer asked if I want to take the drivers half now and I said yes. The officer then asked, "Do you have epilepsy?" I said, "Nocutrnal Epilepsy." The officer then asked, "What is that?" I explained, the expression on her face made it seem what she heard went in one ear and out the other. You would think officers would learn about all conditions. I never thought I would be able to drive again. I have been having nocturnal seizures for five years, it took me two of those five to finally decide to discuss this with my parents and neurologist. They all gave full support. Fellow epileptics who want to get your drivers license, be honest, go the right route, and put others safety before yours. GOOD LUCK

Comments

Re: Re: Nocturnal Epilepsy and Driving

Submitted by gretchen1 on Fri, 2006-06-09 - 19:57
Lucky Ducky! Hey, when and where's the congrats party? (winK) Gretchen

Re: Nocturnal Epilepsy and Driving

Submitted by gwen48 on Sun, 2006-06-11 - 09:30
Congrats on your independence. I too have nocturnal seizures, but have never received anything from the medical unit as you refer to. My understanding is by law the medical community is to report us to the department of public safety. I am puzzled as to why I have never received a notice. I have always had a drivers license. Although, people seem puzzled when I tell them I drive, but I tell them that drunken drivers are a much greater threat to their safety than I am. That is how I put it in perspective. It is not just a justification, but a fact, as I have had zero accidents related to my epilepsy, just fender benders that was the other drivers fault. My memory is a cronic problem now, when I start forgetting that red means stop, I will give up my license. I need to educate myself on this, interestingly enough, my doctor has not discussed this with me (I have had seizures for 38 years now). Best of luck!

Re: Nocturnal Epilepsy and Driving

Submitted by Jana33 on Sun, 2006-06-11 - 09:41
WELL I CAN'T DRIVE RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I HAVE TO BE SEIZURE FREE FOR 6 MONTHS AND I HAVE NOT GOT THERE YET AND I'M HAVING THE SAME SEIZURES YOU DO. SO I'M HAPPY FOR YOU AND GOOD LUCK. MAYBE ONE DAY THEY WILL LET ME DRIVE AGAIN BUT I DON'T WANT TO RUSH IT EITHER.

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