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Returning To Work After Seizures

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Diego, CA

Hi,
I have been on maternity leave then on disability for an addition 4 months. I have had two major tonic clonic seizures during sleep since being on leave and am now back on meds. I am still having simple partial seizures during sleep. I have a job that requires me to drive all day and sometimes transport children by myself. Should I disclose the new seizures and my history of epilepsy to my job before returning in 2 weeks? I don't want to lose my job or my benefits I have a newborn son.

August 8, 2015
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I feel that you should report it so they can have it on the books. They can’t fire you but maybe they can give you a desk job or more of an inside job. It’s like when you go get new insurance you have to report it to them. At least that’s what I do here in texas and I had a job as a driver for about two years and all went well.

July 29, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

This is a hard question to answer. I live in Texas and it’s just 3 months seizure free and back to driving is allowed. I myself have been having them at night. I just keep taking my medication as instructed and keep praying that God protects me while driving. I myself have a 16 year old son who needs to be driven to school and back. I have had to depend on neighbors to help me out with him when one pops up and back to the drawing board we go again. Don’t loose the faith I know it’s harder said than done. I will keep you in my prayers because this is something I would never wish this upon anyone to have in their lives, God bless you.

February 18, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I agree, see if there's another job duty, then i think they should have FMLA, I was put on that from a job a while back, It's was for when my sick leave ran out, but worked out and full benefits, a piece of advice,

October 23, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Cali,
The ADA should protect you. Even if you live in a right-to-work state, I’d bet a month’s pay they wouldn’t fire you over a medical condition. They’d be afraid of the lawsuit!
The thing here that’s scary is you aren’t only driving yourself, you are transporting children. It would be totally irresponsible for you to not say anything and then one of those children got hurt! I think you really have to disclose your condition and have them find a job within your company that doesn’t require driving… or find a different job. It’s a new way of living not driving - believe me, I know! I almost had a head-on collision having a seizure at the wheel. It was only the sound of the oncoming horns that made me turn away. I hit a car on the side, but better than a head-on. Don’t wait for that to happen! ❤️ Good luck!

July 5, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I would disclose. You will not be protected, if not. I used to only have them at night and then it changed when I had less sleep. It could change for you, if the same is happening to you with a new child. I don’t drive anymore due to it. My cousin lost her life having one on the highway.

March 27, 2023

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