I've had epilepsy for 6 yrs now. My first seizure hit out of nowhere and was a grand mal. I was put on meds that kept things under control for 4 1/2 yrs. I couldn't drive for 4 months but did have my license reinstated.
18 months ago, all hell broke loose and I was no longer controlled with the med I was on. This started my year and a half of experimenting with meds that made me so horribly sick, or, that I was allergic to.
I've had my independence taken away from me, again no driving, and I can't work anymore. So, I am trying to make lemonade out of lemons so to speak. I'm trying to be realistic and face facts that at almost 60 yrs old, I'm probably not getting my license reinstated. 6 weeks is the longest I've gone without a seizure...and this is after VNS surgery, still on 2 meds, and CBD oil. Don't get me wrong...I'm happy about getting 6 weeks relief. It's better than severe seizures once a week. I used to honestly believe I'd be driving again one day. Now, I couldn't imagine living with myself if I hurt someone in the car with me or God forbid someone in another car because I had a seizure. I never get auras. Just go unconcious.
So...no more feeling sorry for myself or looking back. My car sits and sits and I see it every day which saddens me. I've developed an absolute love for baking and cooking and it's actually therapeutic for me. I've decided to sell my car and put the money towards a new upscale stove and oven that I've had my eye on for many months, and any other kitchen items I may need to keep my inner cook/baker/ decorator happy! See? Making lemonade out of lemons!
It's just another bump in the road of life. I've had tons of numbs and dealt with them. I refuse to be defeated. I put a smile on my face each and every day. Sing, laugh, bake and cook! THAT is who I am...not someone who is defeated by epilepsy. 🙂💜

I always look back on my accomplishments. If something is a long ongoing processes with to many obstacles, i look back on it like a college degree for example, i’ll ask myself was it worth it and would i be at with my career today if that didn’t happen? Useually i do things that are worth it and be around family and friends that support me. I recently learned how listening to music helps me when life gets tough

I think the hardest thing for me with the seizures was the Ictal Psychosis. I lost most of my friends and some family members because my seizures caused a psychotic side in me each time I had one. Getting through that and feeling like a normal person and trusting I wouldn't be abandoned was the hardest thing I have ever had to overcome. I am a strong woman for all of it though and I just love myself that's all we can do. It's not like we're evil beings we want to be loved too. Epilepsy has been a roller coaster with me, but Ive learned not to let it control me or my life mine as well be someone else's. You can have a life and live with this, it just takes time, patience, and effort.

Epilepsy has interfered with my life on so many levels. I have very few seizures per month, and anticonvulsants never helped at all.

Employers weren't too keen on extending contracts because they'd be worried when the next seizure would come. I said this before, that Canada has Employment Equity Programs that are there for statistical purposes only. They don't keep us after the contract has been completed.

It has been a pain in the butt!

Def hard, but then there are always ppl way worse so I treat every day as a gift