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New to all of this

Thu, 10/03/2019 - 14:08
I am a 30 year old mother of a 3 year old and 1 year old. About a month ago I had a grand mal seizure that scared my children and husband to death. I've never had any medical issues and it just came out of no where while getting my children ready for bed. After many tests, mri, ct, 72 hour EEG it was determined I have general seizures with no apparent cause. I had 12 overnight during the 72 hour EEG. MD thinks this has been happening for a long time, we just never knew, since it is always when I'm sleeping. I've always had trouble sleeping, and am always tired- but also have two toddlers so thought nothing of it. He is titrating me up topiramate XR. My problem is, I cant drive right now. My husband works full time, and I had a weekend job as well as a part time job during the week as a home health nurse before all of this. My main job was driving to people's homes. I've had to quit my jobs as they would not hold my job for the 3 months I cant drive. We were barely making it financially as it is. I understand with most disability benefits it will not cover nocturnal seizures. Does anyone know ANYWHERE we can go to get help during these 3 months until I can get my life back on track and drive again. State of Texas requires I cant drive for 3 months after grand mal. Any advice, encouraging stories, words of wisdom appreciated. I am very overwhelmed by all of this and honestly dont know what to do from here, other than take my medication. Thank you all.

Comments

You have some great job

Submitted by Patriotrehab on Thu, 2019-10-03 - 14:27
You have some great job skills and transportation seems to be your only real barrier to employment with the exception of possible discrimination with future employers. I am a licensed clinical social worker and nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Because we do not know how long it will take for your seizures to be fully controlled and there is evidence that your seizures are not isolated to sleep (you had one while getting your children ready for bed)...you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services in TX. They can help with transportation and job placement or if necessary retraining. If your seizures do not respond to medication, then you may need to still apply for disability like Social Security. Here’s a link to vocational rehabilitation services in TX https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/vocational-rehabilitation-services 

You have some great job

Submitted by Patriotrehab on Thu, 2019-10-03 - 14:31
You have some great job skills and transportation seems to be your only real barrier to employment with the exception of possible discrimination with future employers. I am a licensed clinical social worker and nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Because we do not know how long it will take for your seizures to be fully controlled and there is evidence that your seizures are not isolated to sleep (you had one while getting your children ready for bed)...you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services in TX. They can help with transportation and job placement or if necessary retraining. If your seizures do not respond to medication, then you may need to still apply for disability like Social Security. Here’s a link to vocational rehabilitation services in TX https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/vocational-rehabilitation-services 

I forgot to mention that I’m

Submitted by Patriotrehab on Thu, 2019-10-03 - 14:31
I forgot to mention that I’m also a person with epilepsy and I also take Topiramate. It’s been the most effective for my seizures in the 19 years and I’ve experienced a number of different types. I wish you the best!

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