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The bus driver's miricle.

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 22:39
Hello, my journey with epilepsy begins in 1963 when I was developed in the womb but I didn't know about it until 30/August/2019. I was born with an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) in the brain. I grew up fairly normal but diagnosed ADHD in 1971, long before it was popular. In spite of my ADHD, I made it through US Navy training and served as a cook in the USN and USNR for a total of 12 years. I tried construction and then went into truck driving. I didn't care for the big rigs over the road and became a construction Teamster driving articulating trucks for 14 years. The opportunities dried out during the recession but in late 2014, I remember seeing flashes and wondered what it was. In 2015, I became a bus driver for First Transit at the University of Tennessee. I enjoyed driving for the college kids and during games, even though the hours were very long. I downed much caffeine because I had so much responsibility. 30/Aug/2018: I'm driving the late night route and seen flashes but this time, it was getting scary. I'm driving down Cumberland, to the main strip and I can't turn my bus! I feel dizzy and nauseated. Thank God I was able to pull over, put it in neutral and set the brake. I got out thinking it might be carbon monoxide. I called in: "4233...I can no longer... drive this bus...…. I feel sick..." I then fell face first onto the sidewalk, breaking my nose in two places, putting a knot on my head and biting my tounge. I was rushed in two ambulances to two hospitals that night. My heart went into fibrillation in the first ambulance. Thus ended my career as a professional driver. My sister came from Florida to help care for me and show me how to get help when the money isn't coming in. Most has ran out now but I am still on food stamps. I still was experiencing those flashes and dizziness but nothing big. I had a few scans. On February 8th, I had Gamma Knife surgery and I thought I would then recover but I was wrong: 24/February/19: I had another seizure, my sister called the ambulance and I was back in the hospital. I was now diagnosed Epileptic and medications changed, in for more scans. Meanwhile, SSI/SSDI turns me down and my sister has to go back home in April. June/7/19: I got hired part time at McDonalds. I was so happy for any job, I celebrated. Big mistake. June/8/19: Another seizure timed at over 35 minutes, back in the ambulance, back in the hospital. This Friday, 16/August/19: Another seizure at my job lasting more than 30 minutes. I was in convulsions screaming "GOD HELP ME!", then went limp and foamed at the mouth. The hospital staff thought I was dead but if I was, I must have come back. Was it a miracle? I don't know, I wasn't there. I got out Sunday afternoon.

Comments

*The first date should have

Submitted by Bus Driver on Mon, 2019-08-19 - 22:42
*The first date should have been 30/August/2018.

Hi Bus Driver,Thanks so much

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2019-08-20 - 13:29
Hi Bus Driver,Thanks so much for sharing your story, it sounds like you've been through a lot. It’s important that you continue to follow-up with your healthcare team and to discuss any changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf Our new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about epilepsy, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures & find self-management tools. Learn more, by visiting:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsy Learn more about seizure safety & status epilepticus here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safehttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/seizure-emergencieshttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/seizure-emergencies/status-epilepticus For information regarding disability, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/legal-help/disability-resourcesOr contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline Additionally, you may want to consider with your doctor having a device that can help track seizures, by visiting:  https://www.dannydid.org/ and by keeping a seizure diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary as another self-management tool. These tools may be helpful in identifying & tracking seizures, other symptoms, managing medication& other therapies, recognizing triggers and health events that may affect seizures and wellness, which you can share with your providers. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf It may helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find &give support to each other, by contacting your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community.

Wow, what a story you have! 

Submitted by 1994-JDS-Now on Wed, 2019-08-28 - 14:25
Wow, what a story you have!  Bless you, I do hope things are looking up a little for you right now.  I think of all the close calls I've had with my son (he's the one with Epilepsy), and I really have to make myself get my mind off that memory, or it will come crashing in on me.  You try to keep your chin up, and take care of yourself.  

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