notes on seizures

I was seen by Dr. Miguel Fiol, a top neurologist in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area on December 17 and he confirmed the diagnosis of Non-Epileptic Seizure Disorder. He, too, expects the seizures will diminish in severity and number as my stress level comes down. I am now working with 2 therapists and a psychiatrist specifically targeting my stress and how to diminish it. The catch-22 is that much of my stress is now brought on by the seizures and related issues.

I now wear a helmet nearly all the time and have in place most of what I need to function with the seizures. On my helmet now is my name and instructions for others should they find me unconscious and unresponsive. This helps to give me more independence. I have many friends that have offered to give me rides to appointments or the grocery store, etc.

I am back singing in men's choir and have found other sources of joy that I have incorporated into my daily living. I decided that Caribou Coffee's mocha will get me through this disorder and that has now become a daily routine. I have also taken up reading, which is not something I have done regularly in the past. I find reading very relaxing.

For now, I continue staying away from my work environment. I miss the daily work routine and being around work friends, but know that I can't work with these seizures. I can't drive to work appointments and can't talk to customers on the phone. Seizing during a work conversation is not acceptable. I have filed for long term disability insurance coverage should this condition keep me away from work for more than 90 days.