Technically, individuals are supposed to and usually don’t. Doctors aren’t required in Virginia. I looked deeply into the liability ramifications if down the road I ever had a breakthrough seizure and got in an accident and hadn’t declared my seizure history. I consulted a lawyer. Insurance wouldn’t have to cover any accidents caused and my house would be on the line. So now, I’ll be in paperwork hell for the foreseeable future (in VA you have to be seizure free 10 years and get re-approved to drive by your neurologist and the board every 6 months otherwise). I’m also not sure I’ll be insurable (or that I’ll be able to afford it) since companies tend to treat seizure suspensions like DUI suspensions even if you jump through all the DMV hoops. But if I DO succeed in driving again, it will be very, very legal and I will actually be covered.
It is so difficult to make the transition from your identity being linked to what you DO to who you ARE. It takes time and exploration. Life is taking you there (out of necessity) at a much younger age than most.
Some of what I am reading is a natural let-down after the EMU stay, and a re-evaluating/reorientation of life's meaning and direction. What is impressive is how you relate your process to discerning your priorities and how you have settled on that based on a modest amount of information, and much uncertainty. Some of your questions haven't been studied, and we know we don't know. Known unknowns. This is a lousy place to be not just for us the patients, but also for the doctors themselves who want to give the best answers possible.
Lean in or lean out - what you are doing is nothing less than brilliant. Keep it going!
Are you required to report seizures to the DMV in your state?
Technically, individuals are supposed to and usually don’t. Doctors aren’t required in Virginia. I looked deeply into the liability ramifications if down the road I ever had a breakthrough seizure and got in an accident and hadn’t declared my seizure history. I consulted a lawyer. Insurance wouldn’t have to cover any accidents caused and my house would be on the line. So now, I’ll be in paperwork hell for the foreseeable future (in VA you have to be seizure free 10 years and get re-approved to drive by your neurologist and the board every 6 months otherwise). I’m also not sure I’ll be insurable (or that I’ll be able to afford it) since companies tend to treat seizure suspensions like DUI suspensions even if you jump through all the DMV hoops. But if I DO succeed in driving again, it will be very, very legal and I will actually be covered.
It is so difficult to make the transition from your identity being linked to what you DO to who you ARE. It takes time and exploration. Life is taking you there (out of necessity) at a much younger age than most.
Some of what I am reading is a natural let-down after the EMU stay, and a re-evaluating/reorientation of life's meaning and direction. What is impressive is how you relate your process to discerning your priorities and how you have settled on that based on a modest amount of information, and much uncertainty. Some of your questions haven't been studied, and we know we don't know. Known unknowns. This is a lousy place to be not just for us the patients, but also for the doctors themselves who want to give the best answers possible.
Lean in or lean out - what you are doing is nothing less than brilliant. Keep it going!