Jean Ann,
I've had EP since 1979, only had ONE (1) grande-mal seizure since then, all my EEG's showed seizure activity in my lower left tempral lobe.
In in Dec.2002, I pulled in to a Wal-Mart parkinglot and just as I pulled in to a parking spot, Someone must have been looking out for me because I just came off the highway. I must have passed out because all I can remember is the front bumper of my car (brand new) was "kissing" the bumper of the car in front of me, my car was still in drive with the motor still running. The lady in the car in front of me just happened to be a nurse and she opened my door to see that I was OK and then turned off the engine. She told me to stay put as she had called an ambulance after she noticed that for a moment I couldn't speak and she noticed my medic alert bracelet. I noticed that I was also foaming at the mouth.
Since the police were called and a report was filed, I had my licence suspended for an indefinate length of time.
Now I have to get my blood checked once a week so it can be closely monitored before I can get it back. I have to go seizure free for 2 years (controlled by medication).
It's like having my freedom taken away from me.
Do you know how humiliating that is especially when you've been driving your whole adult life?
That just goes to show you that it stays with you your whole life but can stay dormant in your system and cad hit you at any time when you leaste expect it.
This is one main reason why you should stay on your meds. even if you think it's gone.
I'm from Ontario, Canada, Our transpotation laws may differ from yours.
I've had EP since 1979 controlled by medication so reported at that time to the "Ministry of Transportation" that I was controlled by medication, no questions asked and I didn't lose my licence.
I must have slipped through the system because in ALL cases you must go seizure free for 2 years even if controlled by meds.
I drove without a problem until Dec/02 during an incident in a parking lot(I just came off the highway).
Now my blood levels are being checked each week but the Ministry of Transport has tightened up the rules in this area in an attempt to reduce traffic accidents so that is making it more difficult to get it back. But if I do get it back (which I don't think) I still won't drive and risk the lives of others. I think that is the more resposible way to handle it and set an example for others.
It's just like driving drunk-you're taking a major risk.
At first I felt that some of my freedom was taken away but I've gone almost 2 years without it and I'm starting to accept it a little easier.
Randy