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.

just diagnosed - no driving :(

Wed, 12/08/2004 - 11:45

Hello,

I was just diagnosed (the day before Thanksgiving) with Complex Partial Seizures at a follow-up appt after a trip to the ER last month.

The doc said "No driving" and I am crushed.  I homeschool 2 children with their own set of unique medical needs.

Any tips on how to cope (in general and in not being able to drive) or any other insight you have gained from your experiences?

Although the strangeness of the seizures aren't new to me, the official diagnosis and changes in our lives certainly are.

I read some of the recent posts and it seems like there are a lot of compassionate, understanding folks on this list.  I look forward to learning much from you.

Suzanne

Comments

RE: just diagnosed - no driving :(

Submitted by jennamay on Mon, 2004-11-29 - 10:47

Hi Suzanne,

You may find comfort in the following story: http://www.epilepsy.com/stories/ps_1097171388.html 

In addition, here is a link to driving information:

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/rights_driving.html

Epilepsy.com staff

Hi Suzanne,

You may find comfort in the following story: http://www.epilepsy.com/stories/ps_1097171388.html 

In addition, here is a link to driving information:

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/rights_driving.html

Epilepsy.com staff

RE: just diagnosed - no driving :( (and new questions :) )

Submitted by Suzmom on Mon, 2004-11-29 - 15:28

Thank you all for sharing your caring (and reality-based) thoughts.  Somehow it made it easier calling the bus company to find out about their fares, etc, just knowing there was a group of folks out there who know I am making the call.  :)

My children are 9 and 11 and my heart really goes out to them as far as helping them stay connected to other children.  I have been working out at the YMCA with them ever since a boogie board accident this summer, so I told them today I should be in good shape to bike to a nearby park.  Maybe we will meet other homeschoolers there!

In the meantime, I will make sure we stay in touch with our few close friends.  Oh!  How do I tell my friends about this?  They have known "something" wasn't right and that I had a neuro appt, but what do I say?  How much/little do I say? 

Did you all find it was best to wait until folks offered to help?  Or just jump in with "I can't drive, please help me" or something to that effect? 

How about neighbors?  They might be willing to help, but how do I know without just coming out and saying "I have been having seizures.  I can't drive.  Can you help?"  (Can you tell my independent nature is not taking too well to this??  LOL!)

Thank you for sharing the links to the stories.  Very encouraging!  I am finding so much at home that needs to be done, so maybe being a stay-at-home-mom who stays at home won't be such a bad thing after all.  :)

God bless you all,

Suzanne

Thank you all for sharing your caring (and reality-based) thoughts.  Somehow it made it easier calling the bus company to find out about their fares, etc, just knowing there was a group of folks out there who know I am making the call.  :)

My children are 9 and 11 and my heart really goes out to them as far as helping them stay connected to other children.  I have been working out at the YMCA with them ever since a boogie board accident this summer, so I told them today I should be in good shape to bike to a nearby park.  Maybe we will meet other homeschoolers there!

In the meantime, I will make sure we stay in touch with our few close friends.  Oh!  How do I tell my friends about this?  They have known "something" wasn't right and that I had a neuro appt, but what do I say?  How much/little do I say? 

Did you all find it was best to wait until folks offered to help?  Or just jump in with "I can't drive, please help me" or something to that effect? 

How about neighbors?  They might be willing to help, but how do I know without just coming out and saying "I have been having seizures.  I can't drive.  Can you help?"  (Can you tell my independent nature is not taking too well to this??  LOL!)

Thank you for sharing the links to the stories.  Very encouraging!  I am finding so much at home that needs to be done, so maybe being a stay-at-home-mom who stays at home won't be such a bad thing after all.  :)

God bless you all,

Suzanne

RE: RE: just diagnosed - no driving :( (and new questions :) )

Submitted by aurora on Tue, 2004-11-30 - 21:43
Yes, you just ask. And I also think you tell people all about it. Also, hate to tell you, but it isn't a great idea to bike either. People die in bike accidents, especially in traffic, but even on the sidewalk. You can also get people to come to your house to play instead of going to them, invite your kids' friends over. Ah...my ride to my support group (not epi-related) is here..gotta go. Best, Aurora

Sign Up for Emails

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