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.

Frustrated by Doctor in work search

Thu, 12/07/2006 - 10:45
Hello I am new here and wondered if any of you could give me some advice. I am 27 and was diagnosed with Epilepsy (LT lobe) when I was 14. they started as Petit Mal seizures and worsened as I got older.(Complex partial and G. Mal) I took 265 mgs a day of phenobarbitol but still would have seizures under stress and around my Menstual Period. When my mother died, I finnaly applied for disability when I was 23. I recieved it but had to wait 2yrs for Medicare. Then I was finnaly able to start seeing Dr's agian. My Neurologist did the round of tests etc. and refeered me to a Neurosurgeon and Neuopsychologist. All felt surgery (To remove a tiny tumor) was the answer. However I was at a huge risk of memory loss/damage. So at first I refused, but the Neeuropsychologist and surgeon both told me that I ran a risk of memory deteriorating (After the WADA test was preformed) and it would be best to run the risk of minor damage now then to have it increase overtime. So I had surgery...which was a total success. I have not had seizures since the month of surgery (May 206) and for the first time in my life I feel secure in some respects. (I just got my drivers permit!) I have been searching for employment with no luck. I have not worked in 4yrs andmy work history was poor because of Epilepsy. So I applied at Voc Rehab. for help. After a long wait I finnaly say the counselor who kept emphacizing "We dont get you jobs" But I was to go to a workshop to help build a resume then return for an assessment. We went over my medical records, the she said "And we'll discuss your Bi polar..." I said "What are you talking about? I'm Epileptic not Bi polar." She said "You didnt know that your Neuropsychologist diagnosed you with that?" Now this was a shock to me. I said "I see him for tests regarding my memory comprehension etc." She seemed to think he could prescribe meds, and I was seeing him for mental reasons. (I had been seeing someone in his office but that was supposedly for me having no support system." Well Voc Rehab called me and said I HAD to go see my Neuropsychologist and discuss his "diagnosis" and all appts with them were canceled until them. I was needless to say furious...Seeing the Dr made me madder. Why am I so mad? My issue has ALWAYS been Epilepsy. EPILEPSY kept me from driving. EPILEPSY caused me to both lose jobs and have my Hrs. cut due to seizures,EPILEPSY was the reason I had to keep taking crappy jobs... I finnaly am free of the seizures, need and WANT to work badly, NEED help with a resume...And this happens. I told the Dr. that my issue wasnt if I agreed with him or not, My issue was I have no time to be forced into therapy or whatever as my money is fast running out. (My Social Security doesnt even cover my rent!) I pointed out that with the security of work and a steady income, My mood and depression would change. As the ONLY thing im depressed and scared about is running out of money! I have no family, and no support system. And I am beyond frustrated. Can any of you give me some advice?

Comments

Re: Frustrated by Doctor in work search

Submitted by mar on Thu, 2006-12-07 - 11:40
That sounds very frustrating and I think anyone can relate is some way to having some employee of a company not listen or maybe say things they really should not. I do not know what skills you may or may not have, but do not let one person define or direct your path now. Do not feel compelled to be an open book to every potential employer. If they ask you about your work history you could say you took time to attend to an ill family member and it looks to be resolved, share with them your strengths and if they are willing to train on the job you would give them 150%. I would clear up for my own peice of mind the diag with a call to the office, but if you do not want to go there then don't. Was the Voc Rehab through the hospital is that why they had all of your medical records? I only can go by what you are posting but your need to in a way get away from your medical past to the outside world and own now that you are a functioning body that has skills to bring to a job. Maybe you need to start at a retail store or a starbucks they train and have benefits or a restaurant (tips) to gain your confidence and job history, but holding out for where you think you should be if (E) did not come into your life maynot be realistic right now. It's like building credit if you go bankrupt small steps to a big change. So I hope this gets you fired up. But I cannot stress enough to not let what that woman said to stop you from moving forward, just move away from HER so called services. OK Mar

Sign Up for Emails

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