Hi Shauni!
Welcome! This is a caring website to be a part of! I'm normally in the lupus forum, but I have a seizure disorder so I check in here relatively often.
You have had a lot to deal with in the last few years haven't you. I'm sorry to hear about all the ups and downs. I know how scary it can feel to wonder if you're going to lose your license. I would let the tegretol do its thing and then your neuro will reasses you and see if you can drive.
I have simple partials that are a result of a stroke that I had in 2002. I was only 28, but due to my lupus. I'm 33 now. I can drive no problem because my simples don't cause any convulsing or loss of conciousness. I remain 100% aware. But they are the weirdest things to experience!
Stress is a major contributor to seizure activity. Try to eliminate as much stress out of your life as possible. Learning good coping skills is important. I think with everything you have been through and are going through, stress is way up there eh!
Just let the Tegretol kick in and see how you make out. Your neuro will know if you can continue to drive. Just be really honest about what the seizures are doing to you. You don't want to risk yourself, your children, or others on the road!
Talk to you soon!
Ginny