Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

Susan,

I live in MA, which requires 6 months. However, none of my doctors have ever reported me to the DMV...when they say stop driving, I do. This last seizure was due to a recent medication switch (obviously it didn't work!), so I'm not sitting out the entire 6 months. I've had ep over 20 years, so my doctors trust my judgment.

Elizabeth

Sent from Samsung mobile

Susan Wain <susan.wain@yahoo.com> wrote:

>In most states, its 6 months or more that you need to wait.  in NJ its one year
>
>
>
>________________________________
> From: elizabeth <equinn76@earthlink.net>
>To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 9:11 PM
>Subject: Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?
>
>
>
> 
>
>I would rather be safe, and know everyone (including myself) is ok. I am currently not driving (3 more weeks!) and it kills me-especially since I just bought a new car!
>
>I'm able to take public transportation, but it's a pain having to ask people for rides. But I work with my doctor a lot to make sure i'm safe. I mostly have complex partials.
>
>Definitely check with your doctor...having a month off or so may be the best.
>
>Elizabeth
>
>Sent from Samsung mobile
>
>bruceroberts <mailto:bruceroberts%40yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>I live in a retirement home and they serve us dinner five days a week. Last Thursday I had a bad acid reflux attack and passed out for five seconds. I fell on the floor, falling backward, and everyone told me they heard a thud as my head hit the floor.
>>
>>I was very lucky that my head did not hit a table. An ambulance was called and I went to the ER. I was conscious, knew where I was, could recite details like my social security number and count the fingers on people's hands.
>>
>>I did not have a concussion or brain swelling after undergoing an MRI. Luckily, I only had a bruise. The ER doctor and my primary care doctor didn't think this should affect my driving.
>>
>>Some of the people where I live are telling me I should quit driving for my safety and that of others. If I paid someone to drive me or took the bus everywhere my freedom would really be restricted. There are very few places I could go being dependent on bus schedules and when someone could drive me. Plus a driver costs anywhere from $10 to $20 each way.
>>
>>My feeling is thus: you never know when you are going to have a seizure or lose consciousness. I take my medication faithfully and while I could have a tonic clonic or other type of seizure, I don't know when it could happen. Could happen in two hours, two years, or never again.
>>
>>Despite all precautions, diet whatever you can die from a seizure. You could have a seizure while driving, taking a hike, or eating dinner. Being epileptic is a risk factor anyway.
>>
>>So my question is: do you learn to live with the risk or do whatever you can to minimize the risk even if it means drastic cutbacks in your lifestyle?
>>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

The state requirements vary form 90 days to one year.

Kelly

On 7/31/2012 4:02 PM, Susan Wain wrote:
>
> In most states, its 6 months or more that you need to wait. in NJ its
> one year
>

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

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

In most states, its 6 months or more that you need to wait.  in NJ its one year

________________________________
From: elizabeth <equinn76@earthlink.net>
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 9:11 PM
Subject: Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?


 

I would rather be safe, and know everyone (including myself) is ok. I am currently not driving (3 more weeks!) and it kills me-especially since I just bought a new car!

I'm able to take public transportation, but it's a pain having to ask people for rides. But I work with my doctor a lot to make sure i'm safe. I mostly have complex partials.

Definitely check with your doctor...having a month off or so may be the best.

Elizabeth

Sent from Samsung mobile

bruceroberts <mailto:bruceroberts%40yahoo.com> wrote:

>I live in a retirement home and they serve us dinner five days a week. Last Thursday I had a bad acid reflux attack and passed out for five seconds. I fell on the floor, falling backward, and everyone told me they heard a thud as my head hit the floor.
>
>I was very lucky that my head did not hit a table. An ambulance was called and I went to the ER. I was conscious, knew where I was, could recite details like my social security number and count the fingers on people's hands.
>
>I did not have a concussion or brain swelling after undergoing an MRI. Luckily, I only had a bruise. The ER doctor and my primary care doctor didn't think this should affect my driving.
>
>Some of the people where I live are telling me I should quit driving for my safety and that of others. If I paid someone to drive me or took the bus everywhere my freedom would really be restricted. There are very few places I could go being dependent on bus schedules and when someone could drive me. Plus a driver costs anywhere from $10 to $20 each way.
>
>My feeling is thus: you never know when you are going to have a seizure or lose consciousness. I take my medication faithfully and while I could have a tonic clonic or other type of seizure, I don't know when it could happen. Could happen in two hours, two years, or never again.
>
>Despite all precautions, diet whatever you can die from a seizure. You could have a seizure while driving, taking a hike, or eating dinner. Being epileptic is a risk factor anyway.
>
>So my question is: do you learn to live with the risk or do whatever you can to minimize the risk even if it means drastic cutbacks in your lifestyle?
>



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

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

What state are you in?  Don't U have to wait a year w/out having a seizure

________________________________
From: Yahoo Mail Centre <tbb1@prodigy.net>
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:56 PM
Subject: Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?


 

Liberty,
I feel alot like you,I quit in '98 after I totaled my second car.My cars were
rebuilt over and over again becoming totaled.I'm lucky that no crash was with
another car.If so,that person might tell their lawyer that I was leaning over
the steering wheel with my tongue out before the crash.An attorney could check
my medical records and decide that I shouldn't have been driving in the first
place.Then sue the __ out of me.My doctor never reported me.DMV would've
removed my license,but I'm lucky to still have it,but I won't buy another car
until two times what my state requires me to be seizure free.If I'd
waited just a day longer and after a seizure after redriving,I'd decide I
should've waited longer.
Timothy Baldwin          

________________________________
From: "mailto:candlchouinard%40cox.net" <mailto:candlchouinard%40cox.net>
To: mailto:epilepsy%40yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, July 31, 2012 11:56:04 AM
Subject: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 
As the others have said, I believe you need to follow the doctors instructions.
I have not driven in over 8 years. My license has not been revoked, though by
law am not to drive. I am 36, married and have 2 kids. It is one of the hardest
things to deal with. I chose not to drive earlier because if I was to hurt
someone, their family or mine it would be something I could not live with. My
husband works full time and anytime I (or our kids) need to go somewhere I have
to work around his schedule or choose not to go. Over time things get much
easier and are able to live with it. I wish you good luck in everything.

Liberty

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

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

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

That is no so in all states.  In NJ, if you have a seizure, you have to wait 6-12  months to get your license back - U do not get your license permanently taken away

________________________________
From: Chris Range <lcms0516@comcast.net>
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 12:02 AM
Subject: Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?


 

I personally, chose not to get a drivers' license. Because I have seen
far too many epileptics n' diabetics, who happen to have just one
seizure after they got their license. The authorities permanently
revoke their license, even if the seizure is a freak occurrence. My
first form of transportation, is my racing bike. My second form of
transportation is public transportation, which I only use in bad
weather, when it would be too dangerous to bike. My third and final
form of transportation, is getting a ride from someone when I have to
take several things that be terribly inconvenient on the bus.

Christopher



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

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[Healthy_Recipes_For_Diabetic_Friends] Crunchy Bok Choy Slaw - 4g Carbs, 1g Fiber

 

Crunchy Bok Choy Slaw - 4g Carbs, 1g Fiber

{Suggestions: Leave the sugar out or use a suitable substitute!
Take care, Gloria}

From: EatingWell - August/September 2006

A versatile side dish to go with grilled meats or poultry. Crispy,
crunchy and thoroughly delicious.

Active Time: 20 min
Total Time: 20 min
Servings: 8
Serving Size: 3/4 cup each

1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
6 cups very thinly sliced bok choy, (about a 1-lb head, trimmed)
2 medium carrots, shredded
2 scallions, thinly sliced

1. Whisk vinegar, oil, sugar, mustard and salt in a large bowl until
the sugar dissolves. Add bok choy, carrots and scallions; toss to coat
with the dressing.

Servings: 8
Serving Size: 3/4 cup each
Nutrition per Serving:
33 Calories, 2g Fat, 0g Sat, 1g Mono, 0mg Cholesterol, 1g Protein,
4g Carbs, 1g Fiber, 132mg Sodium, 185mg Potassium

Exchanges: 1 vegetable

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

Liberty,
I feel alot like you,I quit in '98 after I totaled my second car.My cars were
rebuilt over and over again becoming totaled.I'm lucky that no crash was with
another car.If so,that person might tell their lawyer that I was leaning over
the steering wheel with my tongue out before the crash.An attorney could check
my medical records and decide that I shouldn't have been driving in the first
place.Then sue the __ out of me.My doctor never reported me.DMV would've
removed my license,but I'm lucky to still have it,but I won't buy another car
until two times what my state requires me to be seizure free.If I'd
waited just a day longer and after a seizure after redriving,I'd decide I
should've waited longer.
Timothy Baldwin          

________________________________
From: "candlchouinard@cox.net" <candlchouinard@cox.net>
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, July 31, 2012 11:56:04 AM
Subject: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 
As the others have said, I believe you need to follow the doctors instructions.
I have not driven in over 8 years. My license has not been revoked, though by
law am not to drive. I am 36, married and have 2 kids. It is one of the hardest
things to deal with. I chose not to drive earlier because if I was to hurt
someone, their family or mine it would be something I could not live with. My
husband works full time and anytime I (or our kids) need to go somewhere I have
to work around his schedule or choose not to go. Over time things get much
easier and are able to live with it. I wish you good luck in everything.

Liberty

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

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[Healthy_Recipes_For_Diabetic_Friends] Swordfish with Roasted Lemons - 9g Carbs, Trace Fiber

 

Swordfish with Roasted Lemons - 9g Carbs, Trace Fiber

From: www.mayoclinic.com

Dietitian's tip: Instead of lemon butter, this fish is served with
roasted lemon or lime wedges for a cleaner, lighter taste.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration recommends that women who might
become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children younger
than age 5 should avoid eating swordfish because it may contain high
levels of mercury and other toxins. Substitutes for swordfish include
halibut, mahi-mahi, sea bass, cod, snapper or other firm-textured fish.

Serves: 4

2 lemons, quartered, seeds removed
1 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp sea salt
4 swordfish fillets, each 6 ounces
1/2 tsp canola oil
1/2 tsp chopped garlic
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small bowl, add the lemon wedges, sugar and salt. Toss gently
to coat evenly. Place the lemons in a shallow baking dish and cover
with aluminum foil. Roast until soft and slightly browned, about
1 hour.

Preheat the broiler (grill). Position the rack 4 inches from the heat
source. Lightly coat a baking pan with cooking spray.

Place the swordfish fillets in the prepared baking pan. Brush with
canola oil and top with garlic. Broil (grill) until the fish is
opaque throughout when tested with the tip of a knife, about 5 minutes
on each side.

Transfer the fish to individual plates. Squeeze 1 roasted lemon over
each fillet and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with another roasted
lemon wedge on the side.

Serving size: 1 fillet
Nutrition per Serving:
280 Calories, 12g Total Fat, 3g Saturated Fat, 5g Monounsaturated Fat,
112mg Cholesterol, 286mg Sodium, 9g Total Carbs, Trace Dietary Fiber,
34g Protein

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings:
1/2 Fruits, 2 Protein and dairy

Diabetes Meal Plan Exchanges:
1/2 Fruits, 5 Meat and meat substitutes

Dash Eating Plan Servings:
1/2 Fruits, 5 Meats, poultry and fish

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[epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

As the others have said, I believe you need to follow the doctors instructions. I have not driven in over 8 years. My license has not been revoked, though by law am not to drive. I am 36, married and have 2 kids. It is one of the hardest things to deal with. I chose not to drive earlier because if I was to hurt someone, their family or mine it would be something I could not live with. My husband works full time and anytime I (or our kids) need to go somewhere I have to work around his schedule or choose not to go. Over time things get much easier and are able to live with it. I wish you good luck in everything.

Liberty

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[epilepsy] Re: Should I drive?

 

Sorry to hear transportation costs so much. And I know what you mean about it being so annoying and hard to call for rides. I'm sure many of us here share that frustration but it doesn't make the frustration go away.

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Monday, July 30, 2012

Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

I personally, chose not to get a drivers' license. Because I have seen
far too many epileptics n' diabetics, who happen to have just one
seizure after they got their license. The authorities permanently
revoke their license, even if the seizure is a freak occurrence. My
first form of transportation, is my racing bike. My second form of
transportation is public transportation, which I only use in bad
weather, when it would be too dangerous to bike. My third and final
form of transportation, is getting a ride from someone when I have to
take several things that be terribly inconvenient on the bus.

Christopher

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

        Laws do bvary to statet to styate asa Liz said.   Also the doc. plays a big role too.   So it is your chice of being carful too.l 
          Marty

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

Well, it really isn't up to you. Each state has laws determining appropriate "safe" sz-free period to allow us to drive. Your doctor's opinion also has weight, but since it wasn't in sleep and you could be a danger to others, you'll have to be off the road for awhile.
 
 
LIZ


________________________________
From: bruceroberts <bruceroberts@yahoo.com>
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 3:37 PM
Subject: [epilepsy] Should I drive?


 

I live in a retirement home and they serve us dinner five days a week. Last Thursday I had a bad acid reflux attack and passed out for five seconds. I fell on the floor, falling backward, and everyone told me they heard a thud as my head hit the floor.

I was very lucky that my head did not hit a table. An ambulance was called and I went to the ER. I was conscious, knew where I was, could recite details like my social security number and count the fingers on people's hands.

I did not have a concussion or brain swelling after undergoing an MRI. Luckily, I only had a bruise. The ER doctor and my primary care doctor didn't think this should affect my driving.

Some of the people where I live are telling me I should quit driving for my safety and that of others. If I paid someone to drive me or took the bus everywhere my freedom would really be restricted. There are very few places I could go being dependent on bus schedules and when someone could drive me. Plus a driver costs anywhere from $10 to $20 each way.

My feeling is thus: you never know when you are going to have a seizure or lose consciousness. I take my medication faithfully and while I could have a tonic clonic or other type of seizure, I don't know when it could happen. Could happen in two hours, two years, or never again.

Despite all precautions, diet whatever you can die from a seizure. You could have a seizure while driving, taking a hike, or eating dinner. Being epileptic is a risk factor anyway.

So my question is: do you learn to live with the risk or do whatever you can to minimize the risk even if it means drastic cutbacks in your lifestyle?

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

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Posted by at No comments:

Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

I would rather be safe, and know everyone (including myself) is ok. I am currently not driving (3 more weeks!) and it kills me-especially since I just bought a new car!

I'm able to take public transportation, but it's a pain having to ask people for rides. But I work with my doctor a lot to make sure i'm safe. I mostly have complex partials.

Definitely check with your doctor...having a month off or so may be the best.

Elizabeth

Sent from Samsung mobile

bruceroberts <bruceroberts@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I live in a retirement home and they serve us dinner five days a week. Last Thursday I had a bad acid reflux attack and passed out for five seconds. I fell on the floor, falling backward, and everyone told me they heard a thud as my head hit the floor.
>
>I was very lucky that my head did not hit a table. An ambulance was called and I went to the ER. I was conscious, knew where I was, could recite details like my social security number and count the fingers on people's hands.
>
>I did not have a concussion or brain swelling after undergoing an MRI. Luckily, I only had a bruise. The ER doctor and my primary care doctor didn't think this should affect my driving.
>
>Some of the people where I live are telling me I should quit driving for my safety and that of others. If I paid someone to drive me or took the bus everywhere my freedom would really be restricted. There are very few places I could go being dependent on bus schedules and when someone could drive me. Plus a driver costs anywhere from $10 to $20 each way.
>
>My feeling is thus: you never know when you are going to have a seizure or lose consciousness. I take my medication faithfully and while I could have a tonic clonic or other type of seizure, I don't know when it could happen. Could happen in two hours, two years, or never again.
>
>Despite all precautions, diet whatever you can die from a seizure. You could have a seizure while driving, taking a hike, or eating dinner. Being epileptic is a risk factor anyway.
>
>So my question is: do you learn to live with the risk or do whatever you can to minimize the risk even if it means drastic cutbacks in your lifestyle?
>

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Re: [epilepsy] Should I drive?

 

I don't think nay of us can answer that question for your specific
situation. You need to follow the instructions your Dr. gave you. If
they told you to restrict your driving do so.

For me, I would rather err on the safe side. After my right temporal
lobectomy in March 2008 I didn't drive for over 2 years because I wanted
to be sure I was going to remain seizure free. The risk to myself, my
child, and others on the road wasn't worth the independence.

Kelly

On 7/30/2012 1:37 PM, bruceroberts wrote:
>
> So my question is: do you learn to live with the risk or do whatever
> you can to minimize the risk even if it means drastic cutbacks in your
> lifestyle?
>

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

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