Absence Seizures

[Bookworm01]

Hi, I'm new to this, but not new to epilepsy. I had absence seizures as a child, they went away, and then when I started uni the seizures came back. That was four years ago now, and they're still not under control. I'm trying to start my life by getting a new job so I can move out, but it is so difficult, as I live in the middle of nowhere and obviously I still can't drive, but so many job applications require a driving license as part of the application, on the off-chance they'll need me to drive somewhere. Is there any advice people can give me? I feel very alone and I would love the chance to talk to someone who relates, as I've never been able to before.

[Jadorecats]

Sorry to hear that, it must be so frustrating 😔 I've been through periods of not being able to drive due to seizures so I understand how you feel.

Lots of jobs now allow remote (or at the very least, hybrid) working since the pandemic - what sort of roles are you looking at?

[Bookworm01 in reply to Jadorecats]

It is so frustrating, especially since I used to be able to drive! I drove for about a year (including learning), and then had to surrender my license.

Job wise, I’m looking for office and admin roles, because I need office experience for what i actually want to do. I’ve been looking at Tunbridge wells, as I can easily get a bus there from where i live, but I've had no luck so far.

[Jadorecats in reply to Bookworm01]

Are you able to apply to drive again after a certain length of time? My seizures have always been tonic-clonic ones so I've been granted my licence back after a year seizure-free - but I don't know how it works with absence seizures.

If you're happy working from home, I'd recommend searching online for remote working admin jobs, just as a short term measure while you get enough money to rent your own place.

[Bookworm01 in reply to Jadorecats]

Yeah it works the same for absences, annoyingly I was so close to being a year seizure free, like two months off, and I had another seizure 😅 very frustrating. And yeah that’s a good idea, though I’m struggling to find ones that are purely remote at the moment. Any recommendations?

[ChrisLyn]

Are you on medication for the absence seizures?

[Bookworm01 in reply to ChrisLyn]

Yeah I am, on levetiracetam 2000mg a day, but we’re thinking it’s now to do with my menstrual cycle, so trying a new medication alongside levetiracetam. I can’t remember what it’s called though 😅 but I’ve already tried ethosuximide and lamotrogine and both didn’t work.

[ChrisLyn]

Ok sounds like your dose might need to be increased slightly maybe chat to your neurologist. If you get your dose right you can get your license after 12 months being seizure free. I’ve had epilepsy for my whole life this condition can be controlled just need to find the right dose.

[Bookworm01 in reply to ChrisLyn]

Yeah of course, I’ve spoken to my consultant already, he’s getting me an appointment with a neurologist too which is good

[happy48]

I've never been seizure free. I was advised to use Access to Work for jobs which weren't accessible by public transport. This helps with taxi fares. Go to GOV.uk which gives details of this.

[Bookworm01 in reply to happy48]

Oh this is amazing, thankyou so much!

[happy48]

My pleasure. Hope this works for you. It will be interesting to know.