Hi @jakedduck1,
Your sentence "just because a person has epilepsy, it doesn't mean they have to stop living" perfectly captures how I approach life with epilepsy.
For instance, I haven't given up swimming because of my condition, though I've made one important adjustment—I no longer swim alone like I used to. It's a simple precaution that lets me continue enjoying something I like.
Looking back, I remember one of the first doctors I consulted after my diagnosis advised me to stop swimming, cycling, and even walking alone. Rather than filling me with confidence about managing my condition, this approach only created fear and felt unnecessarily limiting. I chose a different path—continuing my activities while taking reasonable precautions, which my current doctor supports. The only activity I have stopped is driving, which was the right decision for my safety and others.
I share some valuable resources about staying active with epilepsy that might benefit you and others in our group:
Epilepsy, Seizures, Physical Exercise, and Sports: A Report From the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy
https://www.cureepilepsy.org/news/epilepsy-seizures-physical-exercise-and-sports-a-report-from-the-ilae-task-force-on-sports-and-epilepsy/
Epilepsy and Exercise
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/epilepsy-and-exercise
ILAE Podcast: Exercise and epilepsy: Research and myths
[You'll need to add the URL for this resource]
Chris