Need Advise.

[p59]

Hi all,

I am new to this site and hopefully I can get some answers here. My name is Neil and I am 36 years old and I currently work as a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona. I was diagnosed with Complex Partial Seizures in 2008 after I had a Tonic-Clonic at work. I was off work for 3 months and then resumed my normal job functions while taking 1000 miligrams of Keppra XR daily. In August of this year I had at least 11 seizures one of which was a Tonic Clonic that was witnessed by my wife. Needless to say I informed my supervisor of the incident and was removed from patrol duties. I am now working in an administrative role pending a medical retirement. While at work this month I had what I can only describe as an Atonic Seizure one minute I am standing up and the next I am coming to on the ground. My question is does it sound like a medical retirement is a good thing to pursue in this matter? Any advise would be great.

 

[neilB]

Welcome

:twocents:Hi Neil,

Well, a medical retirement is a big choice, and I really don't know much but it sounds like your seizures really aren't under control so this is a risk and being in your position is tricky. I had a T/C at work earlier this year and fortunately I'm back to work but i'm sure I am viewed as a "risk" and my Neuro even asked if it is affecting my work. HR has hit me with the usual "need a letter to get back to work" stuff and sometimes I wonder if retirement is a good thing (I'm 50). You are young and it sounds like you just need to talk with the Neurologist to see if you can get these things under control. I also have Complex Partial and I'm taking Keppra as well (not XR) at 2500 mg/day. Not sure if this answered your question but Welcome and I'm sure you'll have lots of inputs from the great people here.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Neil, welcome to CWE!

I assume your ability to work in your current job depends on the requirements of the job itself, and also on your prospects for bringing your seizures under control. It's hard to know whether you might achieve seizure control in the future -- everyone responds differently to meds. Sometimes it can take a while to find the right medication and dosage. Has your neurologist responded to your recent seizures by making any modifications to your dose, or suggesting a different med?

 

[p59]

Nakamova,
My new neuro has me on Depakote XR 1250 miligrams a day and weaned me off the Keppra Xr. MY concern is what happens if I have a seizure while performing as a law enforcement officer and I hurt or kill someone knowing that a seizure can trigger at any time.

 

[p59]

I agree. I talked with my superviors and H/R department and they seem to think that I will have no problem getting a medical retirement since I have been on as long as I have and that there is no cure for E and just knowing that a seizure can trigger at any time. I have also noticed that since I am in a low stress work area I have not been having as many seizures as before I will still have a couple a week but luckly none of them have gone secondary.

 

[Nakamova]

That's the big question isn't it? A number of CWE members have been in the military, or have applied to be. Unfortunately, having a seizure disorder has been a deal-breaker, for the reasons you mention above.

Although there are no guarantees, a guesstimate of future seizure control is often made after an individual has gone seizure-free for 6 to 12 months. Most states, for instance, require that you go at least 6 months seizure-free before resuming driving. You could wait and see if you hit those milestones before making a retirement decision. On the other hand, if you and your doctor feel that the risks are too great to continue in your current job, then the retirement will give you peace of mind.

 

[epileric]

IMO I think you should wait & discover your personal borders & what you can & can't do pertaining to the job. If your neurologist can control the seizures then you may not have any more limits than before. It sounds like medical retirement is an option but it may not be a necessity.

It's true epilepsy is non-curable but it can be controlled & I think you should base your decision on how yours is controlled & what side-effects you have (if any). I think knowing those 2 things will give you the answer you're looking for.

 

[Endless]

Hi, Neil,

What a big decision. I'm facing it myself on and off.

If medical retirement will leave you in a good financial position, then it may be a good option for you. Some places let you medically retire and still take another job elsewhere. You may also qualify for social security.

You are so young - so much life ahead of you. Are you ready to be retired? Would they let you stay on in another capacity?

If you could have any outcome you wanted, except for being an officer out in the field, what would it be?

On the meds... how long have you been trying to get things under control? Have you tried many meds? Is your doctor sincerely and actively helping you get this under control? You never know. With the right combo of meds you may be seizure free for life. Many people are.

 

[p59]

I want to thank everyone that has posted in response to my question. The bad thing is that I cannot work as a law enforcement officer in any other capacity in my department due to us being in a budget crunch like every where else. I am not ready to be retired but I am concerned if I have a seizure while on patrol and hurt or kill someone that is going to be a big liabilty on mine and the departments part. I know that the meds can keep things in check and yes we have been trying different things but the seizures are still there. Yesterday for instance I had two or three absence seizures lickly I was not driving and that is my big concern is having one of them hit while driving. The good thing is that if I do get approved for retirement I will be able to get another job so it would not be that hard to keep money coming in. Thanks to all who have posted here.

 

[Endless]

Your response is so responsible and compassionate to others. You are a good person.

I worry about you driving and hurting yourself, facing someone who is shooting at you and you have an absence seizure, or in the middle of target practice. Police work is dangerous anyway, and especially so for you now. We want you to still be here on the planet.

 

[p59]

Your response is so responsible and compassionate to others. You are a good person.

I worry about you driving and hurting yourself, facing someone who is shooting at you and you have an absence seizure, or in the middle of target practice. Police work is dangerous anyway, and especially so for you now. We want you to still be here on the planet.

Endless,
Thanks for the response. My safety I do worry about but as you know my job has it risks that I accepted many years ago or I never would have worn the badge for along as I have. When I was first diagnosed I thought I can handle this disease because I survived Staff Infection that just about killed me when I was a teenager. I read all I could about Epilepsy and learned pretty quickly that it could progress into secondary generalized seizures. I have now expirenced those and the absence seizures coming more and more I just thought that this was the right thing to do. The day after I was pulled off of the road I told my Captain that if I was worried about the repercutions of me infoming them of the seizure I never would have. I know what was going to happen and it has and the thing is I am at peace with it. I just got done submiting my medical retirement package and now the waiting game starts. I really do appreciate everyone's posts and comments and do not know you guys or ladies but is great to know that their are people out there that just show support and offer advise the best they can. God Bless Everyone of You!
The Will of God will Never Lead You Where the Grace of God Cannot Keep You.

 

[neilB]

Hi Neil,

Thanks for the compliments and it must've been a very difficult decision. And as the saying goes, When one door closes behind you another opens, just don't get stuck in the hallway!