I'm being bullied, I think it's because of my epilepsy and I don't know what to do
You may be being bullied because people don't understand about your epilepsy. It is important for you to tell someone what is happening. This should be someone you trust e.g. family, teacher or friend. Perhaps you could ask them to arrange for someone to visit your school and give an epilepsy awareness lesson.
This could be provided by The NCYPE Enquiry Service, The NSE or Epilepsy Action. Also there is some useful information on how to deal with bullying on the following websites:
My child has just been diagnosed with epilepsy. Will she have to go to a special school?
This is most unlikely, it depends on the type of epilepsy your child has and how it affects their learning. The majority of children with epilepsy attend mainstream school.
It is important for you to inform the school, in particular the school nurse, SENCO and tutor, so they can ensure all staff know how to recognise if your child is having a seizure and what to do. This will also increase their awareness of how it may affect their learning. The NCYPE can offer training to school staff on basic epilepsy awareness (click here for more details).
I have epilepsy and have been told I shouldn't swim. Is this true?
It is fine for you to swim provided you always have someone near to help you if you should have a seizure. This could be a relative or friend. If there is a lifeguard where you are swimming then let them know you have epilepsy.
Do not swim alone and if you are not a confident swimmer or your companion is not a qualified life saver keep to shallow water.
Take extra precautions if you decide to swim in the sea, rivers or lakes as these are less predictable than a pool. Swimming is fun and good for your health, so go ahead and enjoy yourself.
I had a seizure the other day after I had been to a party and got drunk. Does this mean I should never have a drink?
An occasional drink is unlikely to be harmful but too much alcohol can cause seizures and make antiepileptic medication less effective. It is important to get the balance right. Do not binge drink and have no more than one unit a day at most.
This would be half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine. Don't let alcohol or your lifestyle affect your eating and sleeping habits as this too can increase the chance of you having a seizure.
I've noticed I get more seizures when I'm having my period. Why is this?
This is not unusual and is a result of your hormone levels changing. Progesterone helps to protect against seizures and this hormone falls to a low level just before your period increasing the chance of a seizure.
I have epilepsy and I'm so scared. I don't understand what is happening to me and I'm tired of feeling scared all the time.
You are not alone. Many people feel very frightened when they are told they have epilepsy. It is important to find out as much as you can about your epilepsy and talk to people about it so you can feel supported.
An Epilepsy Specialist Nurse may be available to talk to, your consultant should be able to give you their contact details. Some useful websites include www.epilepsy.org.uk and www.epilepsynse.org.uk. Epilepsy Action organise a lot of support groups which you could join, they have a list on their website.
You could also talk to someone at the National Society for Epilepsy on their helpline (01494 601400) Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. Give yourself time to come to terms with your epilepsy and once you understand more and know how to manage it you will feel much less frightened.
I have epilepsy and want to learn to drive. Is this allowed?
Yes you will be allowed to learn to drive provided you have been seizure free for the last 12 months or have only had seizures in your sleep for the last three years.
You must complete a form for the DVLA who will then request a medical report from your doctor. Once you have passed your test you will be given a full licence that lasts for three years, which can then be renewed providing you are seizure free.
A full licence that lasts until you are 70 will be issued once you have been seizure free for 7 years. If your seizures start again you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
My brother does not want to bring his friends round to our house because I have epilepsy. What can I do?
Perhaps your brother is frightened about your epilepsy, maybe he doesn't understand what it is or what to do if you have a seizure. You and your parents need to talk to him and answer any questions he has.
He probably needs reassurance about what to to if you had a seizure to build his confidence about his ability to cope.
It is important to talk to him positively and help him understand that epilepsy is a physical condition that can be managed and should not be allowed to get in the way of living a normal life.
I want to go abroad on holiday with my friends but don't know where to find out about emergency medical treatment. Can you help?
If you are going to any country in the European Union, medical attention is free provided you have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). You can apply for this online at www.dh.gov.uk or by calling 0845 606 2030 or by picking up an application form from the Post Office.
A booklet called Health Advice for Travellers can be downloaded from the same website or obtained by calling 08701 555 455. Remember to take out travel insurance to ensure you get the level of care you need.
Click here to find the best insurance for you from Epilepsy Action. Remember to make sure that your friends know how to help you if you have a seizure.
I'm about to start my first job and I'm not sure whether to tell my employer about my epilepsy
It is important that your line manager knows you have epilepsy and also that someone you work with knows what to do if you have a seizure.
They will need to know how to recognise a seizure, what to do if one happens, how to look after you and what to do in an emergency. Click here for further information
I have heard about some jewellery I can buy to inform people about my epilepsy. Where can I buy it?
Jewellery is helpful as it can be easily seen, it's more difficult to lose than an ID card and people often think to look for it if someone is unconscious.
There are several companies that make identification jewellery and they include:
I don't know whether to tell my boyfriend about my epilepsy
It is usually best to let people you are close to know about your epilepsy. You will be able to judge when it is the right time to tell your boyfriend. All good relationships are built on openess and trust.
Your boyfriend would feel quite hurt if he found out about your epilepsy from someone else and would be quite frightened if he was with you when you had a seizure and he did not know what to do.
My friends are really into sport and I'd like to join them but I am worried exercise might trigger off a seizure
Exercise is very good for people in many ways, physically, mentally, emotionally and socially and in itself is not usually a trigger for epilepsy. It is important that you don't overtire yourself but normal regular exercise will have positive benefits.
It is always important for everyone to assess the risk of any activity they do and take precautions if necessary. You can take part in most forms of sport with the exception of scuba diving (at the moment) and motor sports where a seizure would have serious implications. Generally, for most adventurous sports, such as rock climbing, it is a good idea to go with a friend.
Make sure someone you are with knows about your epilepsy.
I want to join my local swimming club but I'm worried they won't let me because of my epilepsy. What can I do?
Any decent swimming club should be more than willing to let you join as swimming is perfectly safe for people with epilepsy. It is important to inform the lifeguard about your epilepsy so s/he is aware and prepared in case you need help.
If possible it would be good to go with a friend who knows you well and can take care of you if you do have a seizure.
I have just been diagnosed with epilepsy. I usually cycle to school and to see my mates, will I still be allowed to do this?
Cycling is a risky activity for everyone not just people with epilepsy. Make sure you use a safety helmet and if possible plan your route using bike lanes and quiet traffic areas. If you can, try to cycle with a friend. If your seizures are frequent or unpredictable it might be better to avoid cycling until they are more controlled.
Click here to get hold of some information that explains about epilepsy and, if she'll let you, sit down and explain it to her. Discuss how it is treated and how to help you if you have a seizure.
Tell her how much her friendship means to you and hopefully you will get your friend back. |
