Can epileptic people drive by themselves, once they have been stabilized for 2 to 3 years constantly, or is it still a risk you taking??

[besterliz]

[Hidden]

Hi reference your query. Being stabilized and not having seizures for 2/3 years is two totally different matters. Being stabilized is only a control of seizures, whereas not having seizures for a period of 2/3 years is a total break and one is then seizure free. My medication has "stabilized" my seizures, but my epilepsy has not stopped. I still don't drive, and haven't driven since the age of 17, after having a seizure whilst driving. Luckily, no one was injured but the time can come when someone is. The decision is yours, but I would take this seriously and not risk the lives of others. It all depends on how well controlled your epilepsy is. Yes, relying on others is a bind, but it's worth it for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

[octavia-28 in reply to Hidden]

I wanted to do my drivers licence. how ever i am scared that i will put my self and other on risk. reading your comments i feel that i need to be confident and think positive at all times .

[Hidden in reply to octavia-28]

Hi Octavia-28, the decision to do your drivers licence is yours to make. Confidence and thinking positive is the key control to one's epilepsy. I have had epilepsy now for 40 years and no matter what, I won't look back! Go forward in life, remain positive and remember to live your life the way you want to!

[besterliz]

Thanks for the advice. I'm using the Gautrain @ the moment which is the safest option for me to use in this moment in time. Yes u right I don't want to put any other ppl lifes in danger!...

[Hidden]

Am pleased to hear you have another form of transport. The decision to drive is your choice, but I would stick to the Gautrain for the time being until you are seizure free. Have a lovely day!

[Hidden]

Just one small point... As an Editor for Epinews, Epilepsy South Africa's bi-annual magazine (Summer & Winter Issues), we are requested not to use the word "epileptic". We use the wording "a person with epilepsy" or "people with epilepsy". I hope you will continue to follow our path.

[besterliz in reply to Hidden]

So sorry lesmal, my apologies...

[Hidden in reply to besterliz]

Hi, no need for apologies. Have a lovely evening and a good day tomorrow.

[Tdevilliers]

Hi - The decision to drive is a personal decision and depends on how confident they are with their condition and knows and manages their condition well. If you are comfortable, confident and happy in your life, then I see no reason why you should not drive.

Some people may be triggered by anxiety and spend their time worrying whether they are going to have a seizure. This can place undue subcontious stress, which may well trigger a seizure. I choose to place all thoughts of epilepsy behind me in my daily life - until of course, I need to take my medications, doing something positive like responding to peoples questions, helping others, the volunteer work I do on the National Steering Committee for Epilepsy SA, etc. I have been driving for 27 years without any problems and epilepsy is the last thought on my mind when I drive. I have approx one seizure a year but I know my triggers and I have an aura beforehand, which helps.

FYI, I coordinate the Epinews with Lesley so look out for the next edition. If you wish to post your personal life story with epilepsy in the next edition of Epinews, please let me know.

Regards Tim de Villiers

[e-mail]

082 925 0404

[besterliz in reply to Tdevilliers]

hey there, i at least also get an aura, be sometimes it is too short to do anything like stopping. Thanks for your details will defnitely keep in touch. Lizelle Bester 074 200 1643

[Hidden]

As Tim says, the decision is yours. I get no aura and no warning signal before a seizure, and have one bad tonic clonic seizure almost every 3/4 months. I still prefer not to drive.

[besterliz in reply to Hidden]

Yes i tend to agree with you lesmal, well at the moment it is a bit risky for me to drive....so i will continue using the Gautrain, i love it, i listen to music and read alot and meeting new people...

[Hidden in reply to besterliz]

Am happy to hear of your decision. Enjoy the Gautrain, enjoy your music, reading and meeting lots of different people! If you have any queries on Epilepsy, please feel free to be-friend me on Facebook (facebook.com/lesmal or on Twitter (@lesleydonnelly1).

[ewinkler]

Ek was 11jaar skoon ek het nog al di pad bestuur sit net God voor by my en ek dank ons Vader elke dag. Het di 7de julie n fit gehaat maar is op mediskasie en bestuur nog elke dag