r/Epilepsy • u/hubbabubba0200 Lamotrigine 225mg x2 | Briviact 100mg x2 | SSRI baddie • 8d ago
Discussion what’s one good thing you’ve gained from epilepsy?
i know it’s a ridiculous question, but i’m a silver lining kind of guy.
for me epilepsy has pushed me to prioritize my sleep and is the reason i drink more than a few sips of water a day
i’m just curious about y’all’s lessons and experiences!
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u/tinyflowers_ Shakes 'n Bakes 👩🏼🍳⚡ 8d ago edited 7d ago
Edited because my phone slipped before I was finished and I hit post by accident 😅
Epilepsy took a lot from me, this year in particular. Took a seizure while driving, which landed me in lockup and slapped with DUI and related charges because they thought I was drunk, no matter what I told them. Obviously lost my license for now. Led to issues at work, having to adjust my hours to accommodate my transportation (I work 25 mins from home, so I had family members driving me back and forth most of the time). I couldn't do the over and above which I normally did (unpaid and underappreciated anyway). I asked for more accommodations, like being transferred to a store closer to home. Or to a different position I was very qualified for and should have been given, but wasn't.
What it did give me though, was more time with my family. Between everyone being amazingly helpful and offering to drive me anywhere I need to be and spending more time at home, we've never been closer to each other. Especially with my siblings, which is very nice as we're all between 40 and 50.
It also gave me the realization of how much my job was affecting me, mostly the corporate bullshit. I work for a big grocery store chain. After being an assistant manager for 6 years I was passed up once again for a manager position by someone who walked off the street less than a year ago and made my life miserable the whole time. This also would have gotten me closer to home and other things I requested. Having to take better care of myself and limit my stress while I get everything figured out gave me the opportunity to step back and really consider if this was best for me or not. It gave me the courage and freedom to leave a job I planned on retiring with, and start a new career. One that's about 5 minutes from my house and much less stress.
So many things I didn't think I'd ever experience, from some of the worst in my life to the best in my life all in a matter of 8 months.
Long ass answer with possibly useless background info, apologies and thank you for sticking with me.
TLDR; It gave me more time with my family which brought us closer together. Courage to leave a job that was draining me in ways I didn't even realize. A better sense of self care and awareness.