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Professionals with epilepsy?
Wed, 05/31/2006 - 10:33Hi,
I'm a 37 year old female. I've had idopathic epilepsy for years (simple partials with mostly psychic/cognitive clinical signs; can generalize secondarily). I've been on several drug therapies over the years, and mostly have suffered from cognitive drug side effects, then later cognitive signs from seizure activity. I'm on Keppra monotherapy now, which was extremely effective initially (1st 3 months?), but lost effectiveness. I'm working on incremental dose increases in the hopes of regaining effectiveness, but I'm worried, because I've a return to cognitive clinical signs that affect my performance.
I'm interested in speaking with medical, science, or other professionals with a higher education that rely on "higher order thinking" for their day to day professional success.
Has epilepsy created disabilies that have affected your academic or workplace success or performance, and have you found mechanisms to compensate?
I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks so much,
Lilian
Comments
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Professionals with epilepsy?
Submitted by forestams on Tue, 2006-06-06 - 18:45
You guys are lucky- mine hit in college- I graduated with a bachelors in film and video and now I feel as if I barely have the stamina to hunt the career I so desperatly once wanted! I have to spend all my time finding work that will get me health insurance. Be glad you didn't have to waste your life like I feel that I am.
Re: Professionals with epilepsy?
Submitted by juperee on Tue, 2006-06-06 - 22:18
Hey, all.
I am a 32 yr old female electrical engineer who's been dealing with TLE for probably 2 years, but only diagnosed (and medicated) in late March.
It's certainly challenging not being able to drive anymore, but the main issue for me is feeling more scatter-brained than I used to. So I am still in the process of learning how to adapt both to the epilepsy and to the meds (Keppra, in my case).
I have found that making lists is a HUGE help. Not only do I stay more organized, but I have the reassurance that I am not forgetting anything, because I can check my list and not worry about "something" nagging me that I can't remember.
Also, if a coworker stops me in the hall and asks me for something verbally, I say "Sure, but could you put that in an email for me so I don't forget?" There's nothing wrong with getting people to help you out by writing stuff down for you, and you won't feel so overwhelmed with details.
I find I can still do abstract thinking and solve tough technical problems. I am definitely better off in group dynamics, having stimulating discussions and so forth, than when I am stuck doing something menial at my PC for hours on end, especially related to cost reports, scheduling, blah blah. Sure, I still have the occasional simple partial at work, but so far people are pretty understanding.
Again, keeping "to-do" lists for myself, and getting coworkers (and even bosses) to put their requests in writing, have been enormously helpful in relieving the "am I forgetting something?" worry that has been plaguing me lately. I hope it works for others too!
Best wishes,
Jules
Re: Re: Re: Re: Professionals with epilepsy?
Submitted by WendyBendy on Tue, 2006-06-06 - 15:54
I'm not a professor or a nurse, but I am having lots of trouble dealing with symptoms and side effects of epilepsy. I am the Deputy City Clerk of our town. I pay all the bills for the city, do water billing, property taxes...all that good stuff. It is so hard to do these things when you cannot remember even what day it is sometimes. It has really been bothering me lately. I feel so "inadequate" and "uncapable" sometimes. Someone will call inquiring about an invoice, asking about the board meeting....and 9 times out of 10 I cannot remember. I actually had 2 seizures this morning before work. I decided to come in anyway because I am in the "hole" with sick hours anyway. I had not had time to build my hours up before all my problems started. They don't dock my pay but I just feel guilty.... My husband wants me to stay at home, but I just don't know what to do. I do feel better now that I know I am no alone. Good luck to all of you.