Wants2know Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 Well my update is very boring. Essentially everyone agrees this was most definitely a seizure, and that low potassium played a role. Although they have taken me off the culprit diuretic, no one really thinks that caused the plummet in potassium since I've had it for 14 years with no problems. I had a sleep deprived eeg. Normal. But that essentially means squat in the world of seizure disorders. It just means my brain was acting normally at the time they did the test. Doc will not suggest meds because I would more than likely need to be on them for the rest of my life. And they are a big deal. (I had already decided against them before she told me her opinion). Mostly, the attitude is that I need to "wait and see". And that also means no driving for six months. Which, is challenging to say the least. In a pathetic sort of way I'm praying that if I'm going to have another seizure that it come sooner rather than later so that I will 1. Not be driving, and 2. Be able to start meds sooner and not prolong the inability to drive! In the meantime I'm on a health freak binge... why not... and hopefully figure out why my potassium went down...
Calm Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 (edited) Where do you live? Is it okay for you to start biking? Maybe even get a three wheeler for both stability and holding groceries? If not will busing and walking allow you to get out and about? If not, do you have young women or men who can drive you around? If you can't afford to pay, talk to their leaders about using it as a service project. Access your visiting teachers too. Most people dolike to help, some will even want to do it on a regular basis...And don't forget to get a medical alert bracelet or necklace and wear it constantly...well worth it to get a comfortable one. My daughter refuses to wear one because of discomfort, but she has an obvious pump so medical people will know she's diabetic. It is a bone of contention between us though...comes up every year or so.Not to be depressing, but my sil is still taking her meds because even though it has been over 20 since she has had a seizure (and the cause has never been determined, she can drive because she only has them when asleep) because research shows that one can have a seizure even if it has been over a year off meds. Hopefully they will figure out how to get you back driving. I am so sorry for you though, it can really feel like you are trapped at home when you can't drive (I stopped myself because of one drug just threw me off enough for several years and I won't now if not a good day). I recommend turning your home or at least one room in it into an oasis with your favourite things that comfort you around so when you are home you enjoy it and being pushy enough to ask to go along with others on their shopping days and such, maybe do an exchange service where you cook a meal for them.Good luck making it work for you. Edited July 10, 2014 by calmoriah
bluebell Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 I just saw this thread. How scary! I'm glad you are ok but I totally get just wanting to have another seizure now if it is going to happen again, so you aren't left in limbo to long.
Wants2know Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 Thanks cal and blue bell. I'm still terrified for the "when" of the next one. I've had to prepare my employees and kids for seizure first aid. They all say they will call 911 so not to bother teaching them. Lol. I'm confident it will all work out... and maybe it's not a bad thing that others in my life take on more of the responsibilities? I'm threatening to get chauffeur caps for my drivers. My oldest son gets his permit next week... what timing! And although I live too rurally to bike or walk anywhere of v alue...I can walk to the beach.... and I had planned for three day work weeks this summer anyway. So it will work. I think ;/. Everyone is offering rides and I will take them up on it. I just have to plan better because there is no room for last minute drops to the grocery or bank... life is quite a ride isn't it? Could be much worse. I know this. I haven't whined in probably 6 hours! 1
Tacenda Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 I drive a friend of mine to her drs. appts, grocery store for shopping, to get a bite to eat, etc. She can't drive because of her diabetes and extreme neuropathy. It started where several people would be on hand to help drive her through RS announcements and that's how we became friends. Look at the bright side, you're going to possibly meet some new friends through their wanting to help you. Helping my friend has helped me feel needed at a lonely time in my life. But soon enough I'll bet you'll be on the road again, it's possible. 1
rpn Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 In most states your dr will tell you not to drive for six months. (I think GA may be a dr mandatory reporter state, where the doc has to write and tell the DL dept about it. Some states are, some are not, but virtually all states allow docs to report even if you do not want them to or agree to the disclosure and they will report if they have reason to believe you are continuing to drive after they told you not to. The six months is generally cast in stone. They use it to find out what the cause of the seizure is and whether it can be controlled. If they find out that it was the type of seizure that you have advanced notice of and isn't incapacitating, they will likely return permission. If they discover the source of the "seizure" and it is identifiable and removed or otherwise eliminated, they will give it back. If you follow the doc's directions, and no more seizures occur, you will likely get it back. If you drive when you know you had one seizure and you do not know that it has been fully resolved, you will likely go to prison if you have any accident because it will be reckless or intentional conduct. This is very very hard for the people involved. But it does protect them, and it is why most communities have at least some public transit for those who are prevented from driving themselves.
Wants2know Posted July 11, 2014 Author Posted July 11, 2014 Yes Tacenda, there's,always a bright side! RPN I assure you there is not one iota of public transportation within 60 miles unless I was on Medicaid. And unfortunately for me I did not even have insurance when this happened. I will rely on the good hearts of my neighbors and friends! I have no intention of driving no matter how tempting. I'm too scared of the what ifs to drive. At the same time there is no guarantee they will figure me out. And the kind of seizure I had unfortunately caused me amnesia and unconsciousness, with no warning. So... it is the deck I'm dealt. I'm grateful for the problems I don't have right now!
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