Do you live by yourself?

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Penny

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I live independently, in my own apartment, but it is in a complex of many apartments and we al check up on each other regularly which is ok but I feel smothered. I received a call from an apartment that I had put an app into a few month ago on Thursday and they have an opening the first of March. I'm excited but now alittle afraid too. I know nobody around where I would be. What if something happened? Maybe I should stay where I am. Do you all have those thoughts or do you live with someone. This is all knew to me as unti 2 years ago when I had my seizure I was always very independent. Then the seizures started right after. Any thoughts? Thanks! :)
 
I've lived by myself for 5 years now. I don't know too many folks who live in this big apartment complex. But I was so used to being alone a lot of the time 'cause I used to be married to a pilot who flew overseas often. I was home by myself quite often with two children, so had to deal with CPs and some TCs, too. Unfortunately, so did my kids.
Back then, I had a Lifeline box, but never used it. Now I just wear a MedicAlert bracelet.
http://www.lifelinesys.com/content/

If you do move, you can tell your apartment manager about your condition. That's what I did.
 
I moved in my own apartment years ago.It was my first place of my own and my mother insisted I move back home when my seizures increased and I lived home for years to come until I moved out again, and I met my hubby and we dated later married.

I've always had seizures so I always live somewhere I can get around.
 
I've lived alone since the onset of my seizures 15 years ago. (My seizures were actually precipitated in part by stress related to the end of a long-term live-in relationship). I've always been independent, and I've been lucky enough to maintain that independence, primarily because my seizures have been more-or-less controllable with medication (and I can drive, at least for now.)

Since I wasn't sure what my future seizure history would involve, I made the decision 8 years ago to move to a location that's in walking distance of supermarkets, drugstores, and public transportation. And I also moved my office into my home.

I have had seizures in my home, but with no major consequences. I have friends and family I can call if I need a ride to the ER. I know that not everyone feels comfortable living alone or has the support resources to do so. Each person has a different choice to make.

Do you think you could make friends and acquaintances in the new location? If so, then the benefits of the new space may make the move worthwhile.
 
more or less for 3-4 years now

me and a pack of bicycles.
 
I've lived on my own in the same place since 1999, my seizures returned in 2002 & although my parents worried they knew I wanted to keep my independence so were happy for me to continue living on my own.

I live in a block of units where there are 5 units on the block. I am particularly close to one of the tenants, a lady in her 80s who has been on the block as long as I have. I am close to this lady, I don't see her every day as I am out most days but I know if I am ever in trouble she is there. My parents live 30 minutes away so I think it helps my Mum not stress so much when she knows my neighbour is there if I need her.
 
I think my biggest fears have been made by my kids. They live in the same town I do so they can check on me if they want but I don't want them to feel "burdened. They are 20 and 22. I have been told by other that ridiculous but....

I also cant drive anymore. There is mass Transit in this town luckily. It is a slow service but for a town of only 1,200 that's great. ITS $30 a month unlimited service in town and includes 1 time month to city which is 55 miles away to go shopping all day (I go 4 places) and 2 times month 2 a town10 miles away that has a walmart. So a good service! They are not open weekends though.

I Am leaning toward putting my notice in tomarrow. I will let you all know for sure then. I am so nervous. I really want to though. I know I have a lot of family opposition. Not my kids but others. You would think at 50 I wouldn't mind but my family is very controlling. Always has been. Im lucky to no longer live near them, lol:)

Thanks everyone!!!!
 
I live alone. If you feel nervous you can always buy a life alert system until you feel comfortable. It's basically a mini gps/phone you wear around your neck and can press a button if you need help. I don't have one but my father does and it really did work when he needed help.
 
I live alone in a small apartment building that has on sight security, building managers (one of whom used to be a nurse. how's that for luck?) and a system in each flat for calling emergency services. The latter wasn't something I specifically looked for. It's just kind of standard in my country to have a security/medical emergency call out because of the crime level. I have never really worried too much about something happening to me while I'm alone. I really value my independence but in the last few months I've really struggled because I've been feeling so ill on my anticonvulsants. Now that I've started having seizures again on top of that, I tend to spend a good 20 minutes each morning with my head in my hands shaking and thinking, "How the hell am I going to get through this day?" I am within walking distance of every store I could wish for, but I have to say, when feeling so ill, that walk is hard, especially on the way back with 6 kg's worth of parcels. Then there's the fact that being independent means working like a healthy person, which I am struggling with. There is the isolation, too. I rarely have the energy for friends, so those conversations with neighbours in the corridors are invaluable to me.
 
kirsten said:
I live alone in a small apartment building that has on sight security, building managers (one of whom used to be a nurse. how's that for luck?) and a system in each flat for calling emergency services. The latter wasn't something I specifically looked for. It's just kind of standard in my country to have a security/medical emergency call out because of the crime level. I have never really worried too much about something happening to me while I'm alone. I really value my independence but in the last few months I've really struggled because I've been feeling so ill on my anticonvulsants. Now that I've started having seizures again on top of that, I tend to spend a good 20 minutes each morning with my head in my hands shaking and thinking, "How the hell am I going to get through this day?" I am within walking distance of every store I could wish for, but I have to say, when feeling so ill, that walk is hard, especially on the way back with 6 kg's worth of parcels. Then there's the fact that being independent means working like a healthy person, which I am struggling with. There is the isolation, too. I rarely have the energy for friends, so those conversations with neighbours in the corridors are invaluable to me.
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A lot of what you have said has got me thinking. I have always valued my independence too. I have a disability too that I have been on since 2000. I receive SSDI for it. I am not able to work. After thinking about what you said even though I don't like all the hassle of everyone here I'm sure I would miss not having anyone as I am a social person. I cant stand to be always alone. One disability would make the other worse. I too am closer in walking distance (if transit is not open to stores and such) where I already am. I believe I will stay where I am. Thanks everyone for helping me. I might change my mind in the future but I best stay here now. Love to all! :hugs:
 
Penny, I too have SSDI resulting from E and other issues from Brain damage. But you wouldn't know it, i walk/talk and look normal and am complimented on my intellect often. So it is hidden. I was able to buy a Fixer-upper old house in town (small city) near bus and shops, when i was married. Divorced now and able to afford the house (AND FOR SAFETY) I have house mates. Two older men that would do something if i passed out etc. I do not feel good about being solo, as i was most of my life before 2000. My last seizures have been sustained (likely fatal if not treated. ) I also am a social person and do not want to isolate so being with people is right for me. I think you made a good choice to stay around others.
 
My SSDI is resulting from Classic Manic/Depression and Complex PTSD. I'm sure I could get the stroke and epilepsy add on but I don't think I need to. Because of the first 2 alone I feel I really feel I need to stay around people as well as the epilepsy. I have always still been on my own until the last few years even with my disability diagnosis. Everything just is seeming so different now. Nobody can tell by looking at me that I suffer these disorders. I get told by those who find out that they would never have known.
 
I live alone in a condo complex. My next door neighbor is 81 and also a widow. I've told her that if she ever hears banging on the wall to come in. She has a key. I am also a very social person and do not like to be alone. My son lives 5 minutes from me. I am also very frightened of what could happen when I am alone. But what choice do I have?
I'm thinking of selling the condo and buying a little house and having my other son move in with me. He is also alone, but is bipolar and will not take meds. It might end up too stressful in the long run.
Lots of important decisions to make. What is the right one? Only You can know for Yourself.
Good Luck!
M
 
Penny, I completely get that. I just hate it when people act like I am just lazy or having self pity, because I look fine.
 
This last group of seizures that I've had to deal with, it is rough and to be by myself... I am pretty sure I would not be thrilled with it. While I do not want anyone around when I have a seizure, knowing that someone will be home, that I suppose makes me feel safer - not sure why though, just that it does.
 
Reading this and all who does live alone but has others somewhat near, I kept thinking, but in the midst of a seizure, wouldn't those around you not know what is happening; would they hear?
 
I was just married and had moved to a different state than my family. Seizures started I was home alone while husband at work. Was not familiar with seizures and was not sure what had even happened. This happened several times before finally one happened in front of him. Not knowing what was going on did not say anything to anyone. So even though I did not live alone it did happen while I was alone. This was 30+ years ago. I am now divorced and my two children are grown and have moved on. I have had them happen when others are there and when alone. My feelings are whatever happens will happen. One of the worst times was when at work and many people around me. Hit my head and had about 9 staples put in my head which I will not let them do again. They can do stitches but do not do the staples in head again.
 
good question Cadsgi, my housemates would probably know it is a seizure but not know what to do or if it is ongoing "sustained" . If i just die than that would be no better than being alone.
 
Janus said:
Penny, I completely get that. I just hate it when people act like I am just lazy or having self pity, because I look fine.
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I understand that too. I would love for them to walk in my shoes for a day. My days are so up and down. I can wake up fine and by mid morning be a mess and secluded to the house with anxiety. My anxiety has actually gotten better on the anti seizure meds I'm on. lol. I havn't taken any Xanax for a few weeks and my psych is impressed. :rock:
 
Cool Penny! I have heard of side effects of Xanax that are long lasting. Meditation helps me a lot and i do that at a Buddhist place up the street from me, so i get out to see people there.
 
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