nick205
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| posted on 16/3/16 at 02:37 PM |
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Epilepsy travel concessions
Finally some good news around having epilepsy!
I have today received a disabled persons railcard, which gives 1/3rd off rail fares. I have also applied online for the same type of bus pass, which
should reduce my bus fares. Both will save me some cash on commuting to work 
Of course it doesn't rule out the danger of having a fit whilst travelling and doesn't allow me back behind the wheel just yet, but it is
very welcome none the less.
ETA...experience to date has shown passers by to be more than willing and able to stop and help when I have suffered fits. This goes a long way to
instill confidence in not sitting at home, but getting out there and doing stuff.
[Edited on 16/3/16 by nick205]
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MikeR
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| posted on 16/3/16 at 06:53 PM |
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Great news. Silly question, what should you do when you find someone having a fit?
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nick205
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| posted on 16/3/16 at 07:06 PM |
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My experience so far suggests make sure they can't hurt themselves (fall badly etc) and stay with them. My fits seem to last a few minutes and
start without warning. I generally come around a little dazed and confuse, but alright apart from that. I have found that other people are
exceptional in their care and attention when dealing with me in that state. I've fitted at home, at work and in my local shop. Each time those
around me have made sure I'm safe and called ambulances. Strictly speaking an ambulance shouldn't be necessary, but when people
don't know what's going on it's probably an instinct to call one and make sure - I have to say it's appreciated on my part!
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craig1410
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| posted on 17/3/16 at 12:31 AM |
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I witnessed a colleague having a fit at work one day and as per above, we just made sure we minimised risk of her injuring herself by falling or
striking corners of desks or bumping her head on the ground etc. You shouldn't try to actively resist any convulsions and don't go trying
to lever open the mouth but do keep an eye whether the tongue is at risk of obstructing the airway or being bitten badly. Try to stay calm and be
reassuring to the patient when they come around. Try to discourage everyone from gathering around and defer to any first responders or first aiders
once they arrive. Obviously an ambulance should be called and try to roughly time the length of the seizure to tell the paramedics when they
arrive.
That's my tuppence worth but I'm not a medical professional so could be wrong.
Nick, good to hear you got some assistance with your travel costs. Continuing to wish you a full recovery. 
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nick205
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| posted on 17/3/16 at 08:42 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by craig1410
I witnessed a colleague having a fit at work one day and as per above, we just made sure we minimised risk of her injuring herself by falling or
striking corners of desks or bumping her head on the ground etc. You shouldn't try to actively resist any convulsions and don't go trying
to lever open the mouth but do keep an eye whether the tongue is at risk of obstructing the airway or being bitten badly. Try to stay calm and be
reassuring to the patient when they come around. Try to discourage everyone from gathering around and defer to any first responders or first aiders
once they arrive. Obviously an ambulance should be called and try to roughly time the length of the seizure to tell the paramedics when they
arrive.
That's my tuppence worth but I'm not a medical professional so could be wrong.
Nick, good to hear you got some assistance with your travel costs. Continuing to wish you a full recovery.
Thank you Craig - good advice on dealing with a fitting person, the same as I've found with bystanders around me when it happens.
There's a definite learning curve involved having not had it for 40+ years. I have to admit to passing through anger and being honest
disappointment with it, but have now reached a point where I've realised I can't change it so finding ways to live with it is more
productive for me and those around me. One thing I have taken to doing is informing more people about my condition and what to do if I fit around
them. Most if not all people are glad to be told and to know what action to take.
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