Emergency Garage Sign

I am going to ask my emergency contacts to call me if I text them 911 or send a blank text, that may be a signal that I need help.

I have a Border Collie who is my ESA. He will sit and stare at me or climb in my lap before a seizure when I'm sitting and block my path if I'm walking. He drove me crazy one day until I followed him into our family room and sat on the couch, then he sat next to staring at the door until my wife came into the room. I had a bad seizure 10 minutes later. I'm guessing I was having minor seizures beforehand that I didn't recognize.

He is technically my service but he also serves my wife who is a diabetic. He will climb in her lap when she has low glucose a minute before her Dexcom alarm goes off.

HE HAS AN ISSUE - I'm hoping someone has an idea to help. He will run away when I have a violent seizure. He's been with us just over a year. The only thng we know is he served another person who was found dead in their home. We recently took him for a teeth cleaning, the vet found he had 2 missing teeth. The vet didn't know if they were removed by surgery or not. He had to have 6 teeth removed due to resorpsion which may be triggered by trauma or idiopathic (disease).

To me, he sounds more like an actual ADA-defined service dog and not an ESA. I think those of us who have service dogs need to make them distinct from ESA companions. I say that because I was with my service dog, Gabe, volunteering at the hospital, visiting patients, when this little, yappy ESA dog started to go after him. Barking to town and lunging at Gabe who gave him a quick bark, but I was mortified that he'd be vocal in a hospital setting. This is something he is not allowed to do, but the more I thought about it, the more I was reminded that ESA dogs can create numerous problems for those of us who have true service dogs. ESA's are great in the home and I know provide a ton of value, but....

Gabe does the same thing with me when he senses a seizure coming, like he did with me earlier today. When he was a puppy, I'd take items of clothing that I wore during a seizure and put them in his crate. He got used to that "seizure smell" and he also watches me intently all day so I guess he can see those nuanced changes in my behavior to indicate something is coming. He also has a very interesting behavior around people who have cancer. I've seen him cuddle up to them in ways that are not his normal behavior. I don't tell many people about this, but I know you all would understand.

To be honest with you, I wouldn't think much about his behavior when you have a violent seizure. Let's be honest, they are hard to watch for anyone, including our dogs. I believe there are difference in epilepsy service dogs. There are seizure response dogs, like you've described, and there are also seizure support dogs. Gabe is much more of a seizure support dog. When I have a seizure he does everything to ground me and bring me back. He will lick me, rest on my legs, and bark to get attention that I need help. Before the seizure he does the blocking and has pinned me to the wall so I don't fall forward. My suggestion to consider, if possible, is to have someone who is near you see if they can get him in the same room, or if not, in the same part of the house. The whole process of exposure therapy. However, the key is that you are kept safe versus his response. Quite honestly, he does such a great job I wouldn't stress over it. Shower him with love for what he can do.

Hi All,
One thing that makes me feel much more secure is the medical ID bracelet I wear daily. I've gotten so used to it that I even sleep with it on😂.
I was once in my Pilates class, feeling relaxed, when I suddenly had a seizure (complex partial). For several minutes afterward, I couldn't speak or find my husband's phone number on my cell phone to show it. My teacher was helpless, even though she knew I had epilepsy and was aware that I still experienced seizures occasionally. Since that incident, I've worn this medical ID bracelet, which contains information about my condition, emergency contact numbers, and other essential details.
Now, when I have a focal seizure away from home, I simply extend my arm to show my medical ID bracelet. It has been incredibly helpful and gives me a real sense of security. I believe @jakedduck1 has mentioned medical bracelets before and might be able to share more information about what models are available in the US.
Like @closetmonster93, I also never leave home without my cell phone, so my loved ones can always track my location through Google Maps if needed.
These adaptations have given me a greater sense of control and independence in my epilepsy journey, allowing me to continue doing things on my own.
Chris (@santosha)

This is great advice. I will order mine today. Where did you buy yours if you don't mind me asking? I hated too be identified but I think this is part of the whole acceptance we have to accept which I find I still encounter on a regular basis.

Hi Dan - @dannoyes,
I'm happy to share the brand of my bracelet with everyone: Self ID. However, this brand isn't available in the States (I'm currently living in São Paulo, Brazil). I'm sharing their website link below, though it's in Portuguese ( you can use Google Translate to view it in English). This will give you a better idea of the type of bracelet I use.
https://www.selfid.com.br/
I was initially resistant to wearing something that identified me as having epilepsy. But after my experience at Pilates, which left me feeling so vulnerable, I changed my mind. The bracelet is quite discreet and also marketed to kids and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Does anyone else in our group use a similar medical ID bracelet and could share some options available in the US with Dan?
Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful with US-specific options, Dan!
Chris (@santosha)