AmyBadd11 years ago

Hi everyone.

I have to say, I am always shocked when people say things on here about being discriminated against. I have always had good experiences, but I think maybe it is sector dependent. I have nearly finished a PhD in Statistics and just secured myself a job at one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the country. I have always been very open about my condition but I find that the well educated people that I have always worked with are happy to overlook illnesses and consider my assets before anything else.

Of course, I do also have the benefit of being quite well at the moment, not having had a seizure for a number of years, but still worry about it happening at work, so I always let those I work closely with know about it. For my new job, I did not initially mention it on the application or anything, but when I was asked at the lunch with the interviewers how I'd be getting to work, I admitted I couldn't drive and when asked why, I told them. I still got offered the job.

Pepsidol11 years ago

I'm not working because I have been a truck driver for34 years and I don't know much else with ought my h g v licence wich I lost because of the epilepsy

chaswold11 years ago

After a protracted length of illness , i was finally diagnosed with "late onset of epilepsy" in 2013. This has had a devastating affect on my life so far. Firstly loosing my driving license for 15 months and then within 3 weeks of getting it back I had a break out seizure just recently, so I have again lost my licence for a further 12months. I am currently in the process of applying for an ill health retirement pension as i can no longer continue my 30 year career as an engineer within the railway industry. Never anticipated having to stop work at 52 years old particularly as I very much enjoyed my job. Anyone else in the same situation? Oh sorry for having a moan but it does sometimes help to get it off ones chest.

llanarth7 years ago

Hi!

As a zero contract worker, after a second seizure the headmaster at a secondary school told me there would be consequences. Subsequently I was told to leave. This was not my only experience of this kind at a secondary school. One council tricked me into leaving by insisting I sign a form which stated that I accepted an emergency treatment Diazepam rectal gel, even though my consultant insisted it wasn't required. However after insisting I needed to sign this I signed this consent: the school then told me it was impossible to provide this (even though it wasn't required). The most positive experience in secondary schools is the children's attitude which is sometimes more positive than the teacher's. I have heard some teachers make derogatory remarks about children with epilepsy. Quite shocking.

However, at universities I have always had positive experiences and I have never had problems securing summer work with a contract. I have been asked to return to teach despite my seizures. This gives me some hope in humanity and the way people with disabilities are generally treated.

Although my confidence wavers as my epilepsy is not yet controlled (although I hope this will change) I am looking to begin my own business. No one should lose hope. I have found that meditating every day to help with any depression and to boost my confidence