Back in Dec to Jan I was going through my seizures were evolving and getting worse. On the other hand I was having tests done to see if my epilepsy could be curable by surgery. Just as we started doing the tests at the beginning of Jan my boss at Kmart Laid me off. Talk about being supportive.

Since then I have been having trouble getting a replacement job because nobody wants to hire an epilepic, especially one who is about to have surgery.

Maybe it was my own fault for telling HR people I would have to take time off cause of surgery but is it too much for me to ask that they judge me based on what is on my resume an not on what health issues I might be facing.

In the mean time all I see I can do is wait till after 9/19 when I have my surgery to cure my epilepsy to start looking for a job

You might look into Social Security Supplemental Income, and possibly Social Security Disability. I'm in the middle of that process right now, and never thought I'd have to do that, but if it's the difference between being homeless, or having the ability to have basic needs met, it's there for that reason. The process isn't much fun, but at least it's an option. I've been off work for 16 months because of seizures- and it stinks. I told my boss at my initial interview that I was epileptic, just because someone in the building needed to know what was going on if I started acting weird (I have complex partials and look drunk when I start waking up after sleeping for hours afterwards- question about mild secondary generalization).

Maybe acknowledge the epilepsy on the standard health questionaire, but don't mention the surgery, so you can at least get prescription coverage, and if you can pick an HMO, many of them don't have pre-existing limitations...your surgery would still be covered....and they can't fire you for having a physical problem. They can make excuses for NOT hiring you, but once you're on the payroll, you fit under the ADA, and can make a big stink if they try to get rid of you...also sign up for any long or short term disability insurance- unlike social security, all that takes is a doctor's evaluation that you can't work, and it's a done deal....it's not regular income, but it's kept me from living on the streets....you might not be able to get short term dis ins (I couldn't because on paper I look like a train wreck), but upgrade the LTD if you can.

It's so frustrating to want to work, and be turned away for something you can't control, and are trying to get fixed. And you're right- people do jump to conclusions, and JUDGE those with many disorders, when they don't fully understand them to begin with.

I hope the surgery is a huge help to you! Sorry that the job situation has been so poor!!

hi,
sorry about the job,but I hope the surgery goes well for you.I was in engineering,for 29 years,and when i was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy,i was history within 2 weeks.It doesn't matter who you are or how good you are,when the "e" word gets around it's hard.I found people avoided me after being diagnosed,you have to feel sorry for them,they just can't handle it.
When you do go for work try not to be too open about it,don't lie,just don't volunteer,if you know what I mean.

all the best
Garry