Hi, just stumbled on this board for the first time when doing a yahoo search for info regarding juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. I was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy last November when I had my first grand mal seizure (at 32) at work. My employer at the time was great and let me change my work schedule since the most important thing with JME is to get plenty of sleep and wake up slow since most seizures occur in the morning after waking. Since then, I have moved about 50 miles away and changed jobs 3 times. I am on 300 mg of Dilantin a day and have it very well under control, with the exception of about 4 times during the year that I have had the myoclonic "jerks." Because of this, I never thought it relevant to reveal the JME to my employers until now. The Dilantin does not allow me to wake up in a hurry, instead it's a very slow process of waking up, and in this job, I am expected to be here early, never late (not even by 5 minutes) and to work on some Saturdays. I haven't said anything about my cocondition because I didn't want it to seem like I was whining/being a princess or trying to make excuses for being late, but it is taking its toll on me. I understand that it is illegal to fire someone because of a medical condition so my question is this; should I reveal my medical condition to my employer, and if so, how? In writing or just an informal conversation? I would like to hear from anyone who has been through this because I am really kinda clueless and am at my wit's end!!! Thanks!!

Dianna
Irving, Texas

• Re: Notifying new employers of epilepsy condition janet 01:53:03 12/09/00 (0)
• Re: Notifying new employers of epilepsy condition Karla 06:56:35 10/27/00 (0)
• Re: Notifying new employers of epilepsy condition Lisa B. 12:44:46 10/25/00 (0)