I have a really important question?

Heathermarie: whatever your choice, that is your business. However, you do not describe how bad your epilepsy is. I have had epilepsy since 1969, and I can not picture sitting on my porch collecting a government check. Perhaps your type of job is not compatible with a seizure disorder, you could look into doing something else for a living. My understanding on applying for disability is that it is really hard to get approved. Then, we are not talking about living the American dream if you are approved, unless you are a trust fund baby. Set your sights for as high as you can given your particular situation, that's all any of us can do. Best of luck to you, Gwen

Chris W. I have 'only' had E since 2005 so maybe I have no room to talk. But I have a job that had requires alot of travel, I supervise a lot of people, and make decesions that impact major operations every day. I still have about 3 GMs a month, and stress is a major trigger factor, and not driving has been hard to deal with. So has finding 'work arounds' to the associated problems of E like memory problems, personal pride after a SZ or dealing with people who see me, communication skills (due to meds)but no way could I sit on the side lines. You did not say how serious your case is, but disability is the last and thing I would want to look at. If I tell them it is not a disability, I need to prove it on a daily basis. no on ever told me life was fair, and if they did I would call them a liar. Every time I think I have it bad, I see someone in a wheel chair, then I think about how lucky I am.

Listen to what Heathrmarie and Chris W. have to say. I needed to hear their advice too...not because I'm thinking about applying for disability, but because I was feeling a little lacking in my skills and performance at work. I use the "tricks of the trade"...notes, alarms and reminders from my Outlook, a written calendar, cell phone alarms, clock alarms,pill box with days on it, check lists...and so forth. If you give up and opt for disability, you'll be living a life of poverty and gloom unless you have buckets of money in the bank or someone else to take care of you. Also, you need to work unless your E is so bad, you really just cannot work at all. Even if you don't need the $$$, you need to contribute to society and to have the socialization (even if it's on a minimal scale) provided by going to work every day that you can. Keep your chin up!!! You are not alone!!!! "I just want to live happily ever after every now and then." Jimmy Buffett