Some people

[Lisa]

Last month I had a seizure at work. It was no big deel, but security spooked and called the squad. Well my employer wouldnt let me come back untill My neurologist wrote a release. So when I called his office he was on vacation and the other neurologist didnt feel comfortable realesing me because he didnt know me. So I had to be off untill my neurologist came back. All in all, about 2 weeks. So today my co-worker was complaining how he never gets a day off, and looked at me and said "well maybe if I have a seizure I can get a day off." I was shocked that he said that. Im still shocked, and hurt I guess. I wouldnt wish this on anyone.

[RobinN]

You know the truth... so play with him and tell him to "Go for it." He can pay for the ER bills, and try to find a decent neurologist to write him a letter.

I think once people are on this crazy rollercoaster ride, they too will learn that it is not a fun ticket.

Hang in there Lisa.
Perhaps you can get a letter from your neurologist that says if your seizures aren't longer than "X" minutes, they don't need to call "the squad".

[Lisa]

The problem is most people think seizures are what they have seen on tv. Luckily? I have complex partial seizures that rarely generalize. So when people see me dazed and confused they dont know what to think, even though I printed out a "what to do" sheet on complex seizures. I know it is others ignorance, but it still makes me feel like a freak. My dimented BF told me to look on the bright side. Since my out of pocket is paid the rest of the year is free.

[Meetz1064]

what a TWIT you have for a co-worker! Tell him that until he walks a mile in someone else's shoes, specifically YOURS, he needs to can it. Or, he can have all your medical bills, prescription costs, etc. If doesn't want them, then he can stop.

As for the ignorance, well, there's only so much that you can do. Just keep trying to chip away at it.

And your boyfriend......he sounds like a hoot. He has the right attitude! (Keep the chin up)

[Bernard]

...So today my co-worker was complaining how he never gets a day off, and looked at me and said "well maybe if I have a seizure I can get a day off."

"Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true."

KARMA

[RobinN]

The problem is most people think seizures are what they have seen on tv.

Yes I was most likely a part of that crowd at one time. Learning about Rebecca's disorder has allowed me into the lives of many, and now I am more prepared and less ignorant. It wasn't intentional, just total lack of knowledge. Even now I might not recognize all 40 types of seizures.

I see this as our time to educate with kindness.

[Lisa]

To be honest Robin I was in that group. Even the first year after being diagnosed, when a dr. would say something about epilepsy or seizures, I would say I dont have seizures and dont know why they keep saying that. I never remember, but no one had ever told me that I fell to the ground. Even today if I end up in the er Im asked if I have wet myself or bite my tongue.

I dont know if I could reconize 3 different types!

[RobinN]

Yes they make a note of the incontinence and biting of the tongue with Rebecca too. Someone even made note that she isn't rigid.

Even though there are 40 different types, withing those catagories I believe that there are individual mannerisms for each and every person. We get into our head that this is text book science class, and I have learned it is far from it. As much as our thoughts, movements, speech patterns, etc are unique, so will our brain patterns be.

Just remember all the years that you were seizure free. What you want is to return your body system back to that state of health. That is your goal.

[Cint]

Lisa,
I've had them all, simple partial, complex partial, tonic/clonic and wet myself, bit my tongue etc., have had brain surgery and people still have the gall to say to me that I am so fortunate that I don't have to work. Who ever said I DON'T WANT to work? I used to work in the airline industry so I could fly and see the world. Now I can't even drive!
The audacity and ignorance of people on the outside!! I do agree with Robin and see it as an opportunity to educate!!

Cindy

[tinasmom]

Maybe you should put together some information about Epilepsy for your co-worker. You could print off information on what happens during a seizure, the long term effects, the stigma, the side effects of drugs, loss of independence (not driving) and how it impacts your family also. Ask him to read it and then ask him if he really would want to have seizures, just to get a day off of work. It's like saying "well, maybe if I had a heart attack or stroke, I could have a day off." I don't think he really would want to have something that impacts his life forever.

[brain]

...So today my co-worker was complaining how he never gets a day off, and looked at me and said "well maybe if I have a seizure I can get a day off."

"Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true."

KARMA

Ditto @ what Bernard posted!
Sufficient enough is that one 'hellish' nightmare
that one endures; but for one to desire for one...

::::: shudders :::::


He can have all of mine, I'd be glad to Fed-Ex it
overnight! I'd do anything to get rid of them, then
it would become HIS problem and for once I'd be
in a world for a change - E-Free!

(I'm not posting this to be mean, I'm just posting
this to point out a fact; just how many people would
be WILLING to ship it over at their own expense, IF
IT WERE POSSIBLE! We hate Epilepsy for all its worth
and would get a rid of it any way possible!)

[skillefer]

Well, sounds like you work with a true cretin. An unfeeling clod. Considering that according to the CDC, 1 in 100 adults have epilepsy, who knows, maybe karma will bite your coworker in the behind.

[renee97]

Brain,
I second your posting 100%. Anybody who would prefer to have generalized tonic/clonic seizures and be out cold for up to 10 to 15 minutes just to get off work can have mine. I would give anything to be able to go back to work full time and not have to worry about having a seizure ever again. I will also send my epilepsy UPS overnight to anybody who wants it. I've been without a job for over 30 months now and can't even get an interview. I don't know how I am going to survive because I have been officially informed that I will not be able to collect disability because I am "better" enough to go back to work. Being "Better enough to go back to work" does not guarantee that work will be obtainable. There are a few heads I would like to have on a platter!
r97

[haird18]

It sounds like people in office need some more education on epilepsy, because they are violating your rights! Calling security and the was just over board ypou know . That just shows theor ignorance when it comes to epilepsy
David

[Crazy Monkey]

I am about to list my Epilepsy on ebay - BUY IT NOW for a penny if your boss is interested, the postage is free.

I wish people weren't so ignorant towards Epilepsy.

[jgbmartin]

My father had grande mal seizures when he was my age and my roommate's brother also had grande mal seizures when he visited us. In my mind, I only knew those kind of seizures, so when my doc first told me I was having seizures, I told him I know what seizures where like and I was NOT having seizures. I was in denial.
Boy, I never knew how little I knew about seizures. And I really don't know a whole lot more than when they told me about my EEG results. This board has been a wealth of information

[Cint]

I had posted the other day that I witnessed a young male having a grand mal seizure and how the others around re-acted. Later, I decided to email, friends & family info from the epilepsy foundation website about seizures, what to do & not to do. I was surprised from the responses I received. My siblings said they would not have known what to do if they'd witnessed that type of seizure! I guess that's because I didn't start having seizures until I was 23 years old. At least I taught my own 2 children what to do, and they've seen them all.
I once had a complex partial in my endocrinologists office and the nurse in that office didn't know what was going on! And, another time I was having an EEG, the tech said to me, "You don't look like you have epilepsy." What is a person with epilepsy supposed to look like?!! I wanted to say to her, "You don't look STUPID!" So my point is, even though a person is educated in a particular aspect of health or whatever, it is my job, to speak up and educate them on my health situation. Knowledge is my weapon!

Cindy

[tinasmom]

Cindy -
It's sad to know that people in the health field are not educated on seizures. Even many EMT's do not know what to do. Our Epilepsy foundation here has trained many EMT's. My friend at the foundation told me that the ER here actually bruised someones ribs during a seizure because they did not know how to do a sternum rub, they were pounding and not rubbing. I work at our local hospital and have recently joined the Wellness Committee. We have Lunch and Learns where we have speakers come and talk on different subjects during the lunch hours. On the 11th of September, we have scheduled one on Epilepsy (my idea) and I am just praying that we have enough interest so it is not cancelled. I'm working really hard at trying to spread the word for people to sign up. I actually have the Safety and Risk Coordinator signing up and the Security Guard Supervisor.

[Lisa]

Today I printed out info from the epilepsy foundation on complex partial seizures. I told my co-workers not to call the squad because the last 10 minute ride was over 800 dollars. The 2 guys were making jokes about how complex partials sounded like them having a bad day. I wasnt offended, because they are nice guys. They asked questions about what they should do, and said they would help me out if I happened to have one in front of a customer. The coworker that made the original comment about him getting a day off rolled his eyes and shook his head. I dont know what i did to make him mad. I look at people as people, not what they have, or what they believe ect. Most days I am so tired from my medicine I wish I didnt have this

[salright2baredneck]

Sadly, I chose to hide my seizures from my work. While they know that I had a tonic clonic and am on seizure medication, they do not know about my daily aura's. Only someone that is very observative or knows me well would know that I am having one, and I try very hard to hide the after effects of one. I know that this is wrong, and will one day bite me where it hurts, but I do it out of financial security. I am a journeyman training to be a pressman by trade, run presses and other equipment, and am pretty sure that my job would be over if the powers that be did not think that my seizures were 100% controlled by my meds. While a big part of my job also involves graphic design (I work for a small print shop), I was hired to run the presses. If I am unable to do so, they would have to replace me. I am the only one making a living right now, so in this economy the loss of my job would be devastating.