44 and Epilepsy?

Kathryn, I understand how you feel about not being able to drive. I have not been able to drive for six months. I don't have seizures all the time and have never been not able to drive. The accident I had in January was the first time I had a seizure while I was in my car. I will be able to start driving soon, because I sent in the paper from my doctor stating that I am ok. Ask your doctor about whether not being able to drive is permanent or temporary.One thing about not driving is you don't have to worry about paying for gas and how how the prices are. The way your students will react depends on how you explain it to them.I am sure that if you are honest and truthful they will appreciate you being honest instead of hiding the issue. The feeling of being overwhelmed can cause your situation to get worse. I know from experience. Leave the situation in God's hands. Pray for him to help you and to guide you. I had to go into a nursing home after I had surgery on my shoulder, from my car accident as a result of a seizure, and I can tell you that staying in there for ten days made me appreciate what I do have and that I at least was able to leave. The nursing home that I was in was one of the better ones. I hope that I have helped you in some small way. Shirley

Hi Kathryn, I was very sad to hear about your news about you being diagnosed with epilepsy. I was diagnosed with Peti Mal when I was 13 Months. I am now 25 yrs old heading for 26. I know that I have had my whole life to come to grips with epilepsy. I had a tough child hood with epilepsy. I know I am not 44. But You learn to cope with having epilepsy. It makes you stronger. I can't drive either. Thats one thing that I miss and I would love to be able to drive. But I look at it this way.. I would be a danger to myself and others on the road. Please god your neurologist will be able to get your attacks under control and you may eventually be able to drive. You can develop Epilepsy at point during your life not just when you are young. It might be a good idea for you to get in touch with the American Epilepsy Assiociation and chat to some people about their life with epilepsy. You may meet people in the same situation as yourself. It May help you to come to terms with what has happened to you. Feel free to email me at any point. I Hope I have been of some help to you. Take care of yourself and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Raid.

Kathryn, I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through, but know that plenty of people here are willing to listen, and can relate. I am 30, and am still in the process of being diagnosed, possibly with temporal lobe epilepsy. It seems to have come out of nowhere a little less than a year ago, I am still confused and upset, and I teach, too, so I understand your fears about your students. I have told my co-workers I am being treated for medical problems, but since I have yet to receive a formal diagnosis (my EEG was normal), I have not told any of my students yet. I'm not in the position to offer sage words of advice; I'm new to this, too, but I'm still here. When I walk out the door in the morning, I can't guarantee that everything's going to go well--I am either having simple partial seizures or panic attacks, and heck, Thursday morning, it took me about ten minutes to convince myself that I really was in my own bed at home before I could get up (this is called jamais vu--fun!) But I am working on accepting that there is a new, major, somewhat invasive part of my identity. I just keep chugging and dealing with things as they come along. And for what it's worth, I'm still here. I just want you to know you're not alone. Feel free to look my profile up and e-mail me. And take care! ---heidi