Understanding

[Ashley]

Hello Everyone,

I have had epilepsy for about 8 years now. I haven't really ever thought about joining a support group before. However, lately I have been finding it hard to hold it together due to everything that my epilepsy effects. I recently graduated from college on a Massage Therapist degree and I needed to get my registration with the College of Massage Therapist of Ontario. I finally got all my paperwork done and they said it would be 2 weeks, tops. Well, that sort of turned into 3 months. I eventually got an email saying that they will not register me until I provide them with information about my condition..... I think that through me over the edge. I guess its a good question to ask but i had to wait 3 months just so they could reject me application. I finally got that mess sorted out but the problems keep coming up such as my license. I am trying to get it back. I almost got it but then had another seizure and they took it away. It is impossible to get to my job unless I get a ride from someone. I looked every where for ride programs... but there are none in my area. I hope i get a chance to talk to some of you guys because I think the biggest thing is the fact that no one understands what I'm going through. No one in my family has ever had epilepsy so I understand that people don't really know what to say to me at times so I don't hold that against them.

I hope I get to chat with some of you guys, thank you for listening

 

[Sandie]

Hi Ashley and welcome. You know, everyone here understands your frustrations because we all have them in one form or another so you have come to the right place and you are among friends. Not being able to drive is a real headache. I do hope you have luck getting it back but you do have to consider safety first. It is a really difficult position to be in. I hope you have success in your endeavors and I am sure you will enjoy being part of this forum. Take care

 

[Fedup]

Ashley

It is very hard for other people to understand and if it is hard for others imagine what its like for the people who care about you, but you have to give some understanding back to your family so they can try and understand you. This way you might be able to bring them to seeing it a little from your point of view. Having said that when it comes to others there is fear on there part, this is from a lack of knowledge about epilepsy. From my point of view there is nothing being done by any government or institute to highlight epilepsy, thus you have fear of the unknown. Let me ask you a question, 10 years ago how much did you know about epilepsy, would you have given anybody with epilepsy a job.

People try and make others aware of epilepsy but it is not easy without the help of bigger organizations. Take this sit "Coping With Epilepsy" if this was not started by a caring and loving individual where would I be or you, this beautiful place was set up so we could cope by someone with no strings attached, no conditions, so people effected by this could get together and help each other. Do you see what I mean, it is people who have or are affected by epilepsy who understand and try helping to change things. Everybody here understands and will try to help but do not think this happened only to you, its all of us in some way.

Sit back with a cup of coffey join in and help or ask questions and try to figure another way around the problem.

 

[Chelsea]

Hi Ashley, it's nice to meet you. Congratulations on your Massage Therapist graduation! This is a success in and of itself--I know you battled constant adversity to attain your degree. Having a revoked license is a drag; family members' misunderstandings suck; dealing with the medications is difficult; and raging receptionists are a battle unto their own. However, you'll find wonderful support here that will help you to keep balanced despite the odds.

I encourage you to do a search for some of the challenges you are having, and the forum will bring up those thousands of threads and responses written by people who genuinely understand how you feel and what you are up against. The people on CWE encourage me to move forward, even on the most difficult days. Instead of calling 211 (the help line), I'll jump on and look at how people's day have gone across the globe. It's rather cool to think people across the globe come online and help each other through one of the toughest battles that could be bestowed upon man.

My license is also revoked; a week ago my mother said, "We should try your driving together on the rural roads out of sight." Talk about misunderstanding. The last thing I would need would be to be driving on a revoked license, and/or crashing into a tree. I don't own her foolishness; she just has little understanding of the many areas of life E affects. The effects are devastating.

I wish there were a bus system or some thing for you, and that you could get back and forth to a job (which I know you have a passion for). Picking up the carnage after a seizure, both physically and emotionally is tough. Let me know if there is any thing I can do.

:hugs:

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

Welcome to CWE Ashley. You came to the right place, I think being misunderstood is something we all deal with. Its almost impossible to relate in certain ways with people who don't deal with seizures.

That sucks about your license and you would think they would have something to help people that need rides. Hope you get things taken care of and best wishes.