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Am I disabled? Now what.
There are two significant questions I think we all have to contend with. Am I truly disabled? If I am, then how do I live my best life despite my disability? For me, I might be going along well, and I think I can tackle the world, and then BAM, I'll have a terrible seizure. Yesterday, I was writing a scientific article about how climate (humidity, temperature, and seasonality) can impact the onset of seizures. I barely completed my article, and then BAM, I was seizing and badly hurt my arm. There are times I don't feel disabled, and then I'm reminded that I am disabled. Additionally, since I am unable to drive, I believe this is a clear indication of my limitation. Can you relate to this? Do you face those same questions? How do you manage it?
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Hi, @krisleekay, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thanks for your message of hope for a life with epilepsy.
Congratulations on becoming a nurse and having a healthy baby while you were diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy.
What would you say has helped you most to maintain control in your life, despite your diagnosis?
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1 ReactionIt's worth noting that although epilepsy may cause some people to become totally disabled, it doesn't mean we can't have full productive lives. We only need to look at the lives of Christopher Reeves and Michael J. Fox to know a disabled person can accomplish a lot. Obviously, it's more difficult for the average person than someone with star power and mega bucks but we can still be productive.
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2 Reactions@krisleekay
Hi Kristin!
I loved your video, especially seeing you holding your sweet baby in your arms. Thank you so much for sharing that, and congratulations!!!
I'm also very happy to know that you're living a normal life with temporal lobe epilepsy and that your seizures are under control. This is so encouraging and brings lots of hope to many of us!
Surgery (ablation) was once discussed for my situation, but since my mesial sclerosis is on my left hippocampus (the dominant side of the brain), the risks could outweigh the benefits, so it wasn't recommended.
You mentioned your ablation was on the right side of your temporal lobe. Did you also have a mesial sclerosis? Are you still taking AEDs after the surgery?
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Chris
P.S.: For those interested in watching Kristin's interview on CBS News, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btWoBtsMuSY