feeling down about having seizures - Epilepsy Message Board

violarose · 06-27-2003, 02:45 PM

now that i am feeling better, I want to go places, see people, do whatever, but I still have the driving issues i have to deal with. i miss that!!! i miss that freedom.

KittyMom · 06-27-2003, 03:16 PM

I know how you feel. I want my driving freedom back also. I feel better and want to do things. Things as simple as going to get eggs at the store when we run out instead of waiting for my husband to come home. Sorry! I wish I could give it to you!!

God Bless you,
KittyMom

sandinmyears · 06-27-2003, 09:57 PM

Viola,
I don't know your age, but I don't drive and I find biking to be a good outlet. Biking and walking. Especially if you have somebody to walk with....or maybe a "walkman."

I looked at a map of Elk Grove and it seems to be pretty small. Do you have a city bus or a transit system? Some transits will "serve" people who are disabled. Though I try not to think of epilepsy as a disability, it prevents me from driving and so I am able to ride on the transit in our town for a low cost.

I've pretty much gotten used to not driving. If I go 2 years w/o a seizure, I might consider getting my license again. In the past, I've waited the 6 months required only to have my license and lose it 2 months later because of a seizure. I don't want to get it and lose it and get it and lose it....

I've gone 10mos now w/o a big seizure (although I still get those little ones-- simple-partials/auras). I could probably get my license (unless the doctor considers the auras as being seizures) but I don't want to get it and depend on it. I can just see myself getting a job where I have to drive there and then losing my license only to have no way to get to work. It's happened in the past and one time it worked out ok (got a regular ride) but another time it worked out terribly. My ride was not dependable. Don't want to have that happen again.....besides, I don't own a car anymore. Don't want to be making payments on something I can't drive.

Sandy

SCHWEITZER · 06-28-2003, 10:21 PM

I'll tell ya what, every day I go without a seizure is a beautiful day. However, there are those days and I think I have a good idea of what you are experiencing. Not being able to drive and relying on others to be there for you is a pain in the short run. We have to remember that driving is a priviledge though and by driving before we are ready we are placing ourselves and others in danger.
I have a coworker who was riding with her boyfriend when he had a seizure and flipped the car when his arm jerked to the left. They both ended up in ICU for a few weeks and are both still recovering.
If you feel that you need help feel free to write me at this site. I help people with their physical therapy and understand that recovery is not something that occurs overnight. If you stick with it though, you will recover in time.

mleah2 · 07-06-2003, 07:10 PM

It's been 18 months since my car accident. I now suffer with seizure disorder and have lost my privilege to drive. I know that it's important to be certain that you are seizure free before getting behind a wheel, it's just so hard to lose your independence and rely on others to take you places. Just today I thought how nice it would be to go to the mall and shop, then I remembered that unless I had a broom that I could fly on, at home I will remain.