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New to being epileptic
Tue, 03/14/2017 - 14:26Topic: Men With Epilepsy
Hello,
Currently I am a female college student that is on the premedical track. I really want to be a doctor but I just recently got diagnosed being epileptic. I had my first seizure when I was 15, my second seizure when I was 19, and my third one when I was 20. Currently, I am taking Keppra and the doctors have not officially diagnosed my seizures. I just want to know can I still become a doctor because I want to also be a surgeon or do I have to look for a new profession. Also, how is it living as an epileptic your whole life. I know that I have to take medicine for my entire life but how do you have kids and work and have a career. I never know when my seizures are going to come are there specific signs to watch out for. But most importantly can I have a normal life and still do what I want to do in my life. Please someone answer me because I have been extremely stressed and depressed about my condition and I don't know what to do because I just found out that I cannot drive for a year.
Comments
First of all epilepsy in NOT
Submitted by steve@got-thyme.com on Sat, 2017-06-10 - 19:09
First of all epilepsy in NOT curable. In my case I had one when I was 12. I had a second one in college because I drank too much. I was in remission for a lot of years. Now that I am middle age I am having some issues. In my state you can't drive for six months after a seizure. I am almost done with my "sentence" I have a wonderful neurologist and she is very understanding. I also have an amazing family who drives me all over. My poor sister has driven me around for six month stints the last few years. My Mom also. I am depressed sometimes too! The side effects of the meds can be tough. Be sure to get a great doc who will listen to you. They should be willing to try different meds until they find one that worksand has few side effects. I hate sayings like this but go after your dreams and do the best you can. There are limitations for us but it should not rule your life. Make sure you do a lot of research. Also be aware of how you feel and talkto your doc about any issues. If they don't listen change docs. There is a lot to discuss but those are some basics. Steve
Yes, you can still be a
Submitted by LiveLoveHope on Sun, 2017-03-19 - 19:02
Yes, you can still be a doctor. You may find that surgeon isn't the ideal specialty, but you can still be a doctor. There are many doctors and lawyers out there with epilepsy. People of all walks of life have epilepsy. You can let it limit you or you can become stronger because of it. Check out his book: The Sacred Disease, My Life with Epilepsy by Kristin Seaborg. You will be inspired.