Fashion student struggling with epilepsy.

[laceyloves]

Hi there

I am 25...fashion student and became epileptic when i was 18. Im on keppra and lamotrogine.

I have recently been suffering with frequent absent seizures (zoning out) and jerks. It has become alot worse over the wkend with sharpe head pains. I am sleeping an awful lot too.

i didnt go into uni today as with being a fashion student i am using different sewing machines and i didnt want to risk myself zoning out or jerking whilst using my machine. I have been offered to go onto a degree after my first yr in a foundation course. My main concern is do i continue this career path and have issues with my epilepsy or do i take a step back and look at plan b? My consultant jas arranged for my to have an EEG tmoro and is wanting to change my meds. In the past my meds have been changed which has been hard and lead to seizures. I am having to take time off uni and wprried i wont hand in assignments due to not outting myself at risk when using a machine.

is anyone out there in a similar situation and have any advise on this??

Thanks

jess.

[Gemgemsxx]

Hello Jess, your not alone at all in what you are going through as I've had a very similar journey.

My seizures came back when I was on my placement year which was a total nightmare and I had thoughts like you .I was only taking lamotrigne at the time so my neurologist increased this and I have been fine for 6 years.

I spoke to my uni and I had additional time in exams and also for assignments to make completing my degree possible.

Then my epilepsy came back 6 years later (Aug 2015) and my body can't tolerate any more lamotrigne so we added in keppra.

I worried about my career path but ultimately I didn't want the epilepsy to control my life so I've taken control of it. I make sure I get plenty of sleep, eat well, try not to worry or get stressed and I don't drink any alcohol. I am currently on an antidepressant as I am struggling to cope not driving and dealing with the fact my epilepsy came back as I don't want to cause myself any more seizures. I completely appreciate not everyone's epilepsy can be controlled.

What you need to think about is what is the worst thing that can happen if you have a seizure. How much damage can it cause to you or others? If the damage can be fixed don't worry about changing career paths if it can't then maybe you do need a change.

Keep positive x

[laceyloves in reply to Gemgemsxx]

Thank you for sharing your story.

my main concern is hurting myself when using a sewing machine if any kind of seizure happens. And thats a scary thought especially at the moment as i really arent feeling myself. My tutor is already calling a meeting for me being off. And if i dont oass this year they wont let me onto my degree. Then theres the chance of them changing there mind with my epilepsy not being 100% controlled as they wuestioned it at the interview.

So im rather worried at the moment. And i dont know what to do.

Jess.

[Gemgemsxx in reply to laceyloves]

I know not everyone epilepsy can be controlled but is it possible?

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi laceyloves

It’s a difficult situation to find yourself in. Trying to work out what is best can’t be easy.

No one can predict what the future holds. It may be with the medicine change, this could help control your seizures again. So maybe you could wait a while before making any decisions about your degree.

If you explain to the university what is happening, due to your epilepsy, under the Equality Laws they will have to support you as best they can. This would involve doing a risk assessment and if needed, putting things in place to help you complete your course.

epilepsy.org.uk/info/equality

disabilityrightsuk.org/how-...

If it would help to talk to one of our advisors the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 5.30pm.

Regards

Diane

Epilepsy Action Advice and Information Team