Hello!!

[kristysweets]

Epilepsy is something that has dominated my life as well. It all started when I was 12 or 13 with little jerks or spasms in my arms. My family dismissed it for lack of sleep. When I was 15 I was diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and was prescribed Lamictal, which worked so it seemed. After a while on Lamictal, I had a seizure. I withdrew myself from Lamictal about a year later and was seizure free for quite a few years.
After I had my first child, I had another seizure, due to lack of sleep and stress. Recently, however, my local DFCS officials placed my child in temporary housing with my mother, because of my absence of treatment for my epilepsy. I am now in the process of getting treatment to get my child back into my life like she should be. This process is draining me emotionally and physically.
One thing I have noticed over the years, is that my epilepsy isn't just purely based on physiological factors, but also on those menacing psychological thoughts and feelings.

Epilepsy is one interesting topic in my opinion and I would love to study this field and the also interesting field of psychology one day, seeing how both have played such an important role in my life.

Although I am doing everything in my power to get my child back into my life, it seems as though the DFCS officials are looking at my epilepsy in the wrong manner. I'm sure you can all guess how much help the DFCS officials are to me. Yes, you guessed right, little to no help. They look at me like I am putting my child in danger and gave me no time in order to cooperate with them. Sorry for the introduction. I have no one to talk to who understands the effects of epilepsy on one's life and one's family.

Sincerely,
sweets

[Nakamova]

Hi kirstysweets, welcome!

It's terrible that you are having to fight to get your daughter back. Is there anyone else who can help advocate for you? A doctor or therapist?

Best,
Nakamova

[huskymom]

Welcome Sweets! I am so sorry that you are having to fight to get your daughter back. Sometimes people can be so ignorant! Do you have a good relationship with your mom? Is she able to talk to DFCS in your behalf? Let us know how you are doing.

[Miss Choccy]

Hi Kirstysweets!

Hi kirstysweets, welcome!

It's terrible that you are having to fight to get your daughter back. Is there anyone else who can help advocate for you? A doctor or therapist?

Best,
Nakamova

I ditto what Nakamova is saying. Just what I was thinking!!! Thinking the DFCS are being very overly cautious and discrimatory (spell?). Hoping you get your child back very soon - wishing you the very best of luck on that score!

Miss Choccy

Susan

[Endless]

Sweets,

I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through to get your child back.

Where do you live? In the United States? If so, I'd get a good lawyer who will take your case on contingency. They can tell you whether you may have a good case for a discrimination lawsuit. Epilepsy on its own isn't a reason to take a child away from its mother.

Hang in there. I don't blame you for not getting treatment for epilepsy. Sometimes I wonder if the treatment isn't just as bad as the disorder.