Hi I do not want to seem as I am in any way complaining. I just want to share here where hopefully folks will relate and not judge. though I think some may relateto my post.

I have had epilepsy for 39 years. Feel I have dealt with it fairly well. Had my struggles. Particularly keeping long term close friends except for a few. Who either can see me or who I am not what I have. I have a wonderful partner who has never thought to leave, for this I am very lucky. Most find it hard to deal with so decide to move on. Their loss!

Work has been a longtime struggle,due to different issues all related to my seizures have made it hard to keep up the hours, demands of job or to just feel safe in the environment from being chastised for having Epilepsy. Between the stress, fatigue, anxiety and emotional toll it all takes to deal with having epilepsy let alone all the reactions and expectations.

So mostly in the last 18years I have done part time work where I could pick my hours, honor my bodies needs on any given day. Sure I pushed to burn out a few times. But now I try to avoid this though can never work a steady number of hours a day or week without alot of fatigue much from the drugs I take which does not even control all the seizures or sensations or de j vues(sp) I have. Which is fusturating as I need the money as we all do.

I now I am learning I can apply for disability though long process could help me some. So I am looking into this route.a few times, I had read on the Social Security website and thought I did not qualify. Found out this may not be true.

though I had never really wanted to think I was Disabled, my Pride I quess. I realize as I get older that I do deserve the support that I am learning is out there for us with Epilepsy. So I am trying to stay hopeful that there is truly help available for us all.
Thanks for letting me share. Best to you all.
Cedar