[Dan M.]

Hi all my name is Dan and I live in AZ. In 2002, I was in a horrific car accident which required them to actually cut me out of the car. When I was in the hospital, the Dr's did a CAT scan and an EEG to see the damage done. I had bruised the left frontal lobe of my brain. I was, of course having seizures, that were triggered by a number of things. As easy as the sun glinting off of the pool to watching police sirens. The Dr's are unable to tell you what YOUR specific triggers will be but keep a journal of the type of seizures, what triggered them, how long they last, what were the symptoms (i.e. did you feel it coming on) and how you felt after the seizure was over. Most importantly log each seizure date. I did this for over two years, during which my neurologist tried different medications like Dilantin, Topomax, and a few others. In Sept 2006, I was admitted to the EMU unit at St. Josephs hospital which is adjacent to the Barrow Neurological Clinic and spent a week "hooked up and monitored" and although I did not have a seizures caused by inteference to the impulses to the brain, I never the less did have seizures that were captured on the video tape. The doctor started me on Lamictal and it has gotten better. I'm saying that Epilepsy is treated differently than a seizures disorder and PNES (also a disorder) is treated differently than both of the others. If the seizures affect your employment, please jump over to the Social security chat and see what I did and how long the process takes.

[Ellie]

Hi Dan and welcome. Thanks for sharing your story and for being so helpful with the SS information. I've heard so many bad things I just figured I wouldn't even bother with anything and cross my fingers my savings account doesn't run out before I do.

[Dan M.]

I'd be more than happy to assist anyone with Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders/PNES with the Social Security process. Please remember that you paid social security for the years that you worked. Social Security is INSURANCE! Do not use your own money, your own resources or pay for medical insurance if the government will pay it for you. I have worked since I was 13...I am now 49. My accident was in 2002 and I just had my ALJ hearing February 22, 2007. I am awaiting the results. My medical record is about 7 inches thick! I don't want anything in return just the feeling that comes when you can help someone else get through the "system" with the least amount of frustration.

[Julie]

Hi Dan and welcome!

[vodpop]

Welcome aboard Dan! This is a great site with a lot of wonderful people. Glad to have you here.

stef

[Tiger_lilly07]

Hey Dan, Welcome!! I'm from AZ too and back in 2000 and I believe in 2002 I was over at St. Josephs(Barrows Neurological) for monitoring and for brain surgery too. I know that social security takes forever to approve you, it took me sometime and because I live with my parents they don't give me enough money to move out and live on my own. Sucks. I've had Three right temporal lobe surgeries for Epiliepsy and might be having a fourth. Anywho, I'm very glad your doing better with the lamictal!! Your in my prayers.