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Concerns about Transitioning into Adulthood with Epilepsy
Fri, 06/14/2019 - 14:09 I am about to go into my senior year of high school and am starting to really think about life after I graduate.
I’ve always been a very independent person and couldn’t wait until I was old enough to move out and live on my own. Unfortunately due to my seizures I am not too sure I will be able to do that. The frequency of my seizures fluctuates, but for the most part I have about one grand mal seizure a week. I’m worried that if I lived alone I could get hurt and nobody would be around to help me. Getting a roommate seems like a decent solution but I’m still a little unsure.
Another concern is my future career. I’ve always wanted to go into the medical field but I don’t know how realistic of a goal that is anymore. I’m really drawn to the idea of being a trauma nurse but I think my seizures would stand in the way of that. Another issue comes with getting to work everyday. Since I am unable to drive, how will transportation work? I’ve thought about taking an uber to and from, but what if I start to have a seizure and the driver freaks out or is some pervy dude?
This post seems quite negative but I think these are things I really need to figure out. I would really appreciate some advice or stories about how other have coped with epilepsy in their adult lives. Thank you.
Comments
maayyycccciiiii,Yes epilepsy
Submitted by birdman on Fri, 2019-06-14 - 19:39
maayyycccciiiii,Yes epilepsy does bring many tough decisions at your time. I remember at sixteen I had several generalized seizures per month and wondered why should I finish high school. A high school teacher encouraged me saying I could not get any decent job without college so I struggled through it. But I still wondered which way do I go.My parents were self employed with many dangerous machines that I helped operate. I could do what I wanted despite my doctor's restrictions. Running the machines didn't impress my doctor. But what concerned me more was the lack of insurance and other benefits that came from self employment. Over the next twenty years or so I did part time work at a department store while I had seizures, explored other epilepsy treatments, and tried to figure out what to do at my local college. After I lost two full time jobs I went back on Social Security Disability Income. My story is a depressing one to share with you and I'm sorry. But things have improved with epilepsy treatment. The statistics are about the same that 25-30% of people with epilepsy will never get complete control of their seizures through medications. But more and better alternative treatments involving surgery are available and offer hope that you and other young adults will be able to participate in a good career and live more independently. You need to hope for better things to come, but be aware that there are still government agencies that want to help people like us make it in a career. They also support us when we need it financially. I wish you well,Mike
Hi maayyycccciiiii, Thanks so
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2019-06-14 - 17:19
Hi maayyycccciiiii, Thanks so much for sharing your story.It’s great that you’re planning ahead for your future as you transition into adulthood. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/age-groups/youth https://www.epilepsy.com/article/2018/8/epilepsy-strategies-transitioning-college We understand this can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce these feelings and manage your epilepsy: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsyCreate a seizure response or action plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-formsTracking your seizures, record your medical history, medications,side effects, moods, or other personal experiences, using a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diarySeizure alert device: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdfFor additional things to consider when living independently please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-livinghttps://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/driving-and-transportation/transportation Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated and alone. One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support options and career resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concernsThe Wellness Institute: epilepsy.com/wellness ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips & resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools for practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being.