Re: [epilepsy] Driving

 

Hi Cash,

I was diagnosed as a teenager and have complex partials. In MA, we have to be 6 months seizure free. I'd come so close to that 6 months and have a seizure--it was very depressing, especially since I had my license.

Eventually, my doctor and I decided I am never going to be completely seizure free...ever. It's just something I deal with. So, I do what I can--I take my meds on time, go to bed, etc...And, I drive. DRIVE!!!!

Last year, I did take myself off the road for a bit, because I was having more seizures than I felt comfortable with. So, for a month I just let everything settle out and took the commuter rail into work.

But it is something you have to talk about with your doctor--personally, who cares what your family says? Do you live with your family? You are 35 and your own person. This is YOUR life and you have the right to make your own decisions. Your family should be helping you, not discouraging.

And if they don't like it, they should be giving you a ride :)

elizabeth

----- Original Message -----
From: Cash
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 3:51 AM
Subject: [epilepsy] Driving

I was diagnosed at age 9. I have generalized and partial complex seizures. I have a Vagus Nerve Stimulator and underwent a Corpus Collosotomy, at age 18, to try to keep the seizures under control. I am now well controlled with medication only...Depakote, Dilantin and Clonazepam.

I am now 35 and going crazy not being able to drive, especially since I have driven in the past and got a small taste of what it was like. I really miss the freedom do go and do whatever and whenever i feel like it. During the time that I was fortunate enough to have a license my reaction time was pretty slow due to my medications. I took and am still taking Dilantin, Depakote and Clonazepam.

This especially makes dating difficult. Women do not want to feel like they are being turned into your personal cheauffer. This has ruined many a relationship. Many wonderful relationships would have worked had I only been able to drive. I respect my families wishes because they do not want me to drive again, but I am getting fed up with not being able to drive and want to just go against my families wishes on this matter.

Maybe I'm just venting, but I needed to vent in a place where I would be understood. Thank you. If anyone has something to say, I'd be more than happy to read your comments.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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