Am I disabled?

Question

I recently got diagnosed with epilepsy - am I technically disabled? i really dont want to be.

i have only ever had 2 seizures that were very spontaneous.

Answer 1

Monkey...you have, I am sure, been prescribed meds that control these siezures. take them, be careful about what you do for about one hour after taking them, and at first, be careful about everything, for they make you drousy. You will become used to them in time. All siezures are spontaineous, most people don't get warnings, some do. IF you have another one, think back carefully about any thing you felt immediately prior to the "blackout." It may be that you will find patterns that will warn you of pending siezures...learn to recognize them if you have signs that you recognize..it won't be perfect, but ...it could save your life. Just sitting or laying down can prevent a serious head injury if you were to fall hard. You have no control over these things, so be very careful. Are you disabled...probably to some extent...you certainly do not want to be driving, and you certainly do not want a job using machinery, etc. But...keyboard work, anything to do with intelligence, etc. is within your grasp. We all have limits, you have limits due to epilepsy. I have limits due to age. Others have limits due to intelligence, and then their are those who have burned themselves out with drugs, etc. There is a price in life, we all must pay. Be thankful you have found out some of your limits before you seriously hurt yourself or others! I wish you the best in life. Peace from Goldwing.

Answer 2

Well, yes and no. You have a disability, but but if your medication controls your seizures you can live a "normal life" ( I don't advocate the use of the word "normal" though, I just can't think of a better word tonight). The Social Security Administration will give some people cash benefits for epilepsy, but only if medications and treatments can't control the seizures and they are unable to work because of it (it often takes years to get an approval though, and even after years of work on a case, an approval is never guaranteed). Remember Christopher Reeves? He was confined to a wheel chair, but the Social Security would have denied a claim by him, if he ever made one, because he was still able to work. He was in a few TV shows, and wrote a book, etc. So having a disability does not automatically mean someone is disabled. Follow your doctors advise, and live your life to the fullest. Good Luck to you!!

Answer 3

My daughter has epilepsy, it has never prevented her from doing anything. She was an honour role student, has always worked fulltime, is working as an accountant now, and is getting married this fall. She is very active. She also drives because hers is nocturnal epilepsy.

It is controlled by medication, as most epilepsy is, therefore there is nothing to prevent you from leading a full and active life, including working fulltime, having a successful career, taking part if any recretational activites you want to, getting married, having children etc.

You are not physically or mentally challenged in any way at all.

You have complete physical access to the world and there are no limitations in your life other than having to take a pill everyday, and wearing a medical bracelet.

If course you dont WANT to be disabled and you arent. Get out and enjoy life and thank God there is nothing that prevents you from doing so !!! Dont think of yourself as disabled.

Answer 4

Right now all you have is a diagnosis, your seizures are not impairing your life in any way, but under a broad definition you could be considered disabled. If your epilepsy isn't impairing your ability to work or drive or live your daily life then I wouldn't say you were disabled.

Answer 5

Epilepsy in its severe form can be disabeling. In milder forms its just one of those chronic conditions people live with. If your Epilepsy responds to medication and the seizures are not laying you up for a day, its more of an annoyance. There are many people who live, work, raise families, etc with conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or epilepsy. So, go and live your life and do teh things you want to do.

Answer 6

No, although it depends who's asking.

I'm epileptic too. When I'm filling in forms which ask directly, I always tick the 'hidden disability' box - that way people aren't surprised and overwhelmed if I have a siezure.

However, although my epilepsy prevents me from doing certain things by law (e.g. driving a car) it doesn't make me 'unable' to do any of the things I do in my everyday life.

Ask yourself this: is there anything you used to do before you were diagnosed that you can't do now?

PS Don't listen to the guy who said "it's up to your physician".

Answer 7

my husband is SEVERELY epileptic---he has the Vegas nerve stimulator implant and a twice daily cocktail of 4 different meds and is unable to drive due to his seizures, and probably could qualify for SSI but does not. I have a friend who has all these (implant and meds) but cant be laeft alone EVER because of the severity of her seizures. It all depends on how your sezures effect you and your family. It doesn't make you a freak or much different from anyone else, but you should let people know (family members and co-workers) that you have this condition so they dont over react when or if you have one around them. Good luck to you!!

Answer 8

It depends on the type of seizures you have had, and how often they occur. Some can be controlled with medication, some actually require risky brain surgery in rare cases. If you've only had two so far, I'm hoping you will not be to disabled by this. Ask you M.D. his/her opinion on this subject.

Answer 9

Epilepsy is pretty common, and society is fairly accepting of this condition because it is so common. Many years ago, I think people would have been afraid...and you would have been labelled and judged. With today's medicine and treatment options, I'm sure that you will live a healthy and happy life!

Answer 10

Yes, you have the disability epilepsy. Having this disability is not the end of the world. Do as your doctors tell you to do and your life will most likely go on exactly as it has been.

Welcome to the club!!!