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.

Working Full Time and Being a Mom

Sun, 09/22/2019 - 15:20
I was diagnosed with JME around 10 years old and have it well under control. My neurologist and I found a medication/sleep schedule/lifestyle that works for me. Now, this might sound silly, but for a week straight my cat kept waking me up in the middle of the night. By the end of the week, I started having jerks in my arms in the morning again from the distribution in sleep. Which led me to start wondering, how does one balance being a parent and working full time? My significant other knows I have JME and understands he might have to do more of his fair share once we have kids. However, I'm concerned that I won't be able to balance working/parenting/sleeping once I have a child. I'm worried I will have to stop working for a couple of years and relay only on one income. The financial burden being put on my significant other is asking a lot. I am curious to hear other's stories about balancing being a mom and working full time, especially those who have sleep-related epilepsy.

Comments

Hi Itsame!,  Thank so much

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-09-23 - 10:22
Hi Itsame!,  Thank so much for posting and we understand your concerns. It’s important that you are taking the time to plan ahead for and your family, this gives you time to work with your neurology/epilepsy team and obstetrical team ahead of time. An Epilepsy specialist can follow you during pregnancy and make sure you are on the best medication for you. For help finding a doctor specializing in epilepsy please visit:  www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist www.naec-epilepsy.org  Our checklist for women with epilepsy may be helpful for you to review with your doctor, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/105CWE_ChecklistWomen_06-2019.pdf  Women who have just had a baby will have disturbed sleep (interrupted or not enough sleep), extra work and stress, and hormonal changes -- and for a woman with epilepsy these factors can increase the risk of seizures. Learn more about a few safety tips to consider & the importance of having a support system in place: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/after-baby-bornFor additional resources regarding epilepsy & pregnancy, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy    We know this can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce these feelings and help manage your epilepsy: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsyMy Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for not only tracking seizures, recording your medical history, medications, side effects, moods, behaviors & triggers, which can be shared with your healthcare team. My Seizure Diary also helps you remember what to do - you can have reminders of when to take your medicines, when to refill a prescription, or when you have medical appointments or tests. You can track changes over time, keep records of your medications, and create a Seizure Response Plan or Action Plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms  to share with your family, friends and healthcare team, which is a helpful tool for those who are close to you to understand what do if you have seizure. Additionally, you may want to review our seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor, to see if a seizure alert device is an option for you: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdfIt’s also important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, overall well-being and emotional health is just as important:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health   The 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.  For practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being, learn more here:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools Additionally, you may 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  Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. 

Sign Up for Emails

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