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Train Dispatching on Depakote

Wed, 08/09/2006 - 16:17
Hi, this is my first post on here. im 29 yrs old and work for a Class 1 railroad as a Train Dispatcher. Iv had 2 Grand mal seizures 2 yrs ago and they were both at work, about 1 month apart. Iv been on Depakote for 2 years. Iv worked on the railroad for 7 years and until recently I find myself speaking on the radio to trains not knowing what to say....or sit there for a few minutes trying to think of what to say. (I use to be very quick to make good decisions and plan 2 hours in advance) Now I try to plan just to keep my head above water. I get plans told to me and I forget them in just a couple minutes. (which gets me in trouble). Im just loosing my mind feeling nervous all the time and not to mention my hair! ...the dilemma... The federal government and the Railroad says I have to keep my depakote up to (therapeutic) level and if I change meds I am pulled from work. hence no money. Also if I have another seizure at work I am gone. I have another apt with the doc Friday and hopefully he has some good advice. Any help would be appreciated...

Comments

Re: Train Dispatching on Depakote

Submitted by themaleys on Wed, 2006-08-09 - 21:04
Hi, this is Mary. I have been on Depakote for about a month. I am tired and nauseated and I have lost 15 pounds on it. They just increased it about a week ago from 500 Mg to 1000 Mg. I know what you are talking about as far as not knowing what to say. I feel like I am really been losing it in the past week. I will be typing a letter and forget who I am typing it to. I feel so weak I can't get enough sleep. But you just have to go on, and pray that you do everything all right. I hope everything goes well, please keep me informed as I am trying to go back to work as my kids are all grown now. Kind of hard filling out an application on a resume online when you get in the middle and forget who it is for. Until you see your doctor carry post its and write it down that is what I am finding I have to do or I can't remember nothing. I do hope some of this goes away. Mary

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