Posted by Michael J. Mullarkey on July 11, 2000 at 20:36:44:

In Reply to: Seizure clusters and living alone posted by Melba on April 16, 2000 at 01:41:58:

: How do other people cope with living alone? Or staying safe during seizure clusters?

: I have simple partial, complex partial and secondarily generalised seizures. Sometimes, they're not too troublesome-- but I tend
: to overwork. And then my seizure frequency goes thru the roof.

: Several years ago, I had a status episode; it left me with with further brain injury. (The people I was with didn't take me to
: hospital until it was far too late.) Needless to say, it's not something I want to happen again.

: When my sz are relatively well controlled, I don't worry about it. When they're not, tho-- I do. And I don't really feel safe living
: alone.

: There's noone in my life who can be relied on to stay with me during periods of increased sz frequency. My family are abusive,
: and my friends all have busy lives and families of their own.

: I think about getting someone to live with me. It would be safer, certainly. That said-- there are things I really *like* about
: living alone. Having my own space. And I like my studio/office (ie the second bedroom)-- something I'd have to give up if
: someone else moved in.

: I don't think there are any easy answers to this one! But I'd certainly welcome your feedback, and any suggestions...

: - Melba
: - Melba
: Aside of room mates, I found the possiblity in service dogs (seizure alert/response). It happened when my mother was killed in an accident & I was forced to live alone, in '96. My father died in '81, from cancer, & my siblings (2) want no part of epilepsy.
: I've found these dogs are expensive ($10,000 -$15,000) but the organizations are willing to work
with your budget. If you wish to do any research on it, check out UofF at or there is the EFA.
: If you want to know further of these organizations through me, please contact
Sincerely, Michael