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should I try meds?

Tue, 08/29/2006 - 22:11
Hi, I was diagnosed with partial complex seizures 16 years ago after having a tonic-clonic in my sleep and having an abnormal eeg. I have not lost consciousness in 16 years, but do have the extreme deja vu about once a year. Now with a new job and lots of stress, I am having lots of symptoms like memory loss, anxiety, overly emotional moments, and unable to organize my thoughts into speech. Lovely. I'm a teacher :) My doctor keeps pushing medicine. After reading lots of posts, I am wary. The side effects sound awful compared to my symptoms. Please give me your take on things. My doctor has made the point that without it my job is affected. My fear is that with it my job, and life, will be affected more. What if the meds induce a major seizure when I am alone with the kids? What if I lose my driver's license? Also, do I need to tell my employer that I have epilepsy? I worry that if I don't, they can fire me if I have a seizure in front of the kids. I know there are ADA laws, but if I 'endanger' the kids safety?..... I don't see how that would be dangerous. Traumatic for sure. I'm rambling, now, but I am confused. Thanks for any insight. It helps to know that others are out there who have seizures and worries. -Coopernicus

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