not sure what to do

darkprince · #1 08-11-2011, 04:22 PM

I was in a car accident about 20 years ago and spent some time in the hospital, including operations on my head (but not my brain).
I got through it and things have been good with nothing noticeable in my behaviour and only a scar on my head.
Recently, while being quite tired driving home one night (I'd had 1 beer all night), I had something that could have been an absence seizure (or something else altogether I guess) that lasted about 2 or 3 seconds. Nothing happened but it freaked me out.
I'm not sure what to do now. Part of me knows I should go see a doctor but part of me is scared that as soon as I do I will likely lose my driver's licence immediately. I need my car and licence to do my job and would lose it if I lost my licence.
In the last 5 years I've been told a couple of times that I sort of "spaced out" but it wasn't much and I never thought anything of it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

**Nakamova** · #2 08-11-2011, 04:43 PM

Hi darkprince, welcome!

Get checked out by a doctor. Your symptoms may be related to cardiac or circulatory issues, so it's a good idea to rule those out. If they are absence seizures, then yes, it's possible you may temporarily lose your license. The law varies from state to state, so your doc might not be obliged to tell the DMV, in which case it's your call to make. When you make it, consider the consequences if you have a car accident while "spacing out."

In the meantime, be proactive about your overall health. If you think fatigue is a trigger for your symptoms, get plenty of sleep. If you can, make notes about the other times you've spaced out -- maybe you can identify a common factor.

Best,
Nakamova

jyearta · #3 08-11-2011, 06:33 PM

Hi DarkPrince. Welcome

I agree with Nakamova. You do need to get to a doctor.

I know that can be scary, cause we don't what we might find out.

But it is better to know what is going on.

I hope you get the medical care you need.

valeriedl · #4 08-11-2011, 08:32 PM

I also agree, you need to go see a doctor inorder to find out what is going on.

Loosing your license may feel like the worst of it, but if you end up in an accident, you could end up killing yourself or others.

You'd be supprised how many different ways there are to get around without driving yourself.

scott001 · #5 08-11-2011, 10:30 PM

Hi Darkprince. I am new here too, but welcome.

I too had to face the loss of licence issue. I was actually in tears about it and I'm a 41 year old man. In my part of Australia, following a seizure, it is a mandatory 6 months suspension, then when I come off my medication, it is a further 12 months.

Because it has been almost 3 months since my seizures, which were the first time they have ever happened, it looks as though it may have been a 'once off' incident. I know, however, that just because they have only happened once, I am by no means in the clear. I have to admit that the passed 3 months have flown by.

In my state, it is not mandatory for the Dr to notify the DMV. It is a condition of my licence that I should notify them. To be honest, I have not informed them, however I do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary, and only short drives. My work also relies on my being able to drive. I have arranged with my employer to give me jobs close to my home and when necessary, just catch the bus, or because I am now working close to home, a cab.

I don't know if it is mandatory for your Dr to notify the DMV or like my situation, it is up to me to notify them. Either way, believe me, now that I have accepting the driving issue, I could not give a hoot about it. I am just so happy to have been checked out, placed on preventative meds, and given a clean bill of health. The feeling of being checked out, far outweighs the worry of not being able to drive.

Good luck to you. I hope it goes well for you.

darkprince · #6 08-12-2011, 09:15 AM

I know I should go get checked out by a doctor but where I live it is mandatory for the medical professionals to advise DMV. And I live in another city from where I work with no public transit possible nor taxi service.
I do appreciate the possible consequences but I am very scared. I have made an appt with my doctor who may refer me (that's how it works where I live) so it may be a couple of months before I see anyone.
In the meantime I avoid driving when I am tired and am trying to keep my spirits up, eat healthy, stay hydrated, etc. as I understand these are all bad things (for anyone I suppose).
This may sound odd, but I have noticed that I have been "healing" lately. I used to have a fairly prominent indent on my head that is now very much less so (others have never really noticed but it always made me self-conscious). I wonder if this could have something to do with recent events.
Again, I welcome comments.
Any thoughts as to how I should approach this subject in general with my doctor when I meet with him?

**Nakamova** · #7 08-12-2011, 09:27 AM

Your doctor can help you best if he has all the facts. You don't have to tell him that you think you may be having absence seizures. That may be one of several possible diagnoses. Do tell him of any sensations/symptoms you are having -- very brief zoning out, fatigue, etc. Let him know how often, and if they seem to be escalating in frequency.

Do you have any history of heart disease or diabetes in your family? Any other health issues that might be relevant? He may ask about these along with your own health history. Let him know about the change in your head dent -- if it seems relevant he'll have it checked out.

Kayleigh · #8 08-12-2011, 09:56 AM

I know it's probably not what you want to hear but if it is absence siezures it is possible that it would impact on your license however in terms of the epilepsy it can be controlled. When I was younger I suffered from this type of epilepsy and was put on medication (first epilim and then lamictal). My doctor and I came to a decision that I may have grown out of it and therefore decided to stop my medication. Whilst on my medication I had experienced no absence siezure and without medication, until recently (when I suffered a grand mal), I was fit free for two years. I hope this is not the case for you as like others have said it may not be Epilepsy, however I thought it may help to hear that I have been through it and had it controlled.

darkprince · #9 08-12-2011, 10:40 AM

Is it odd for me to have had this for the first time at 41 years old?
I've read that absence seizures are generally found in children and even its incidence in adolescence is relatively uncommon.
This all makes me very sad because I have overcome some difficult life obstacles and I was hoping that I was finally on the right track and then this.
I guess my doctor is the one who will ultimately provide the best clarity for me.

jyearta · #10 08-12-2011, 11:11 AM

I can head in your words, the you feel so discourage. We have all been there in some way. I know that saying that, it does not take away your feeling of frustration.

Take that stress off and get the peace of mind in knowing what in fact you are dealing with.

I wish I could say it will get easier with the driving or getting rides. But you might suprised if you tell your co-worker, friends, that they will be glad to help.

Keep us posted.