Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Leaving teen alone - how do people manage?

Thu, 07/02/2015 - 23:04

Hi all,

This has got to be a common issue, wondering how others handle it.  My daughter's tonic-clonic seizures were well controlled with Keppra for 1.5 years, and I felt OK about leaving her home alone for up to an hour.  Now at 13, they are back, and we do not leave her alone at all.  I currently can stay home, I am finishing up a degree, but I have no idea what I will do when I graduate.  What do working parents do?

There are no childcare-programs like there are for younger kids, and she would hate to have a babysitter.  But I don't see what else I can do.  Also, if we get the seizures back under control with new med, still nervous about her being alone.  She just had a seizure on the stairs and fell down a flight, luckily I was right there, but too scary to think that could happen when alone.  Even if seizure-free for months, seems too risky to be alone.

Thanks,

Kelly

 

 

Comments

Until you get the seizures

Submitted by ladataylor@yahoo.com on Wed, 2015-07-08 - 20:00
Until you get the seizures under control again, I don't think you're overreacting to not leave her alone. I know how hard that is to do...both for her and you. But a tonic clonic at the wrong time can have terrible consequences (I'm preaching to the choir, I know). I'm in the same boat with my 17 y/o. The only way I can look at is right now... today... we've got it covered. I can't think too far ahead because I'll worry myself sick and we just don't know what the situation will be in a year. Hopefully, he'll be seizure free and will be able to go to college but that's a scary prospect for me. I plan to have him room w/ 3 roommates hoping someone will basically always be there. So, I try to plan for it but I just take it day by day. It's tough and each situation is unique. Good luck to you both! Oh, and we definitely plan to get the embrace watch! We're really hoping it'll help!

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.