[nagdu] guide dog users with seizures

[Lyn Gwizdak]

Hi Bibi,
I have a family member and a friend with seizure disorder.  Both are pretty 
well controlled with medication and keeping their stress level as low as 
possible.

My friend has a guide dog as well and does really well.  Her dogs learn to 
recognise when she is about to have a seizure.  When you are about to have 
one, your chemistry changes and the dog can smell that.  they learn that 
when they smell a certain oder from you, something bad happens and they get 
protective.  My friend''s dog would try to prevent her from moving if they 
are out on the street.  Having a dog is very doable for you.

It's a real drag when people freak out from someone's seizure.  Not me, I'm 
used to seeing them and I just go and sit with the person and make sure they 
are safe until they come out of it.  I've turned the person on their side as 
well.

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire" <orleans24 at comcast.net>
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:13 AM
Subject: [nagdu] guide dog users with seizures


> Hi, all,
> I know my topic may sound sound ludiquris and crazy, but here it goes.
> I was wondering if there were any guide dog handlers on list or who may 
> know of other users that have seizures?
> I'm interested in being able to communicate with them directly and how 
> they were able to work with guides despite the medical condition.
> If so, they can contact me off list at:
> orleans24 at comcast.net
> The type of seizure condition I'm dealing with is called convulsive 
> grandmal.
> I am currently taking medication for it and so far, things are going well 
> for me.
> Despite the medicine treatment, I can't say that another one won't occur 
> because convulsive grandmal seizures can strike without any given warning.
> I know that some people would be concerned about me working with a guide 
> dog because of the unknown that can happen and that's their right to be 
> unsure.
> Although the convulsive grandmal seizures are scary, that doesn't mean 
> this condition is going to stop me from accomplishing my goal of finishing 
> up school at some point, but mostly so I can have another four-legged 
> furry partner by my side.
> I'm not afraid nor will I put myself in denial of sharing about my medical 
> condition and it doesn't embarrass me either to do so.
> Some people may fear being around an individual who has any form of a 
> seizure, mainly because of the unknown.
> They probably haven't been educated or never had the chance to get to know 
> people directly with this daily condition.
> Seizures are not contagious and no one can come down with them.
> The most anyone should do if they witness a friend or love one having an 
> convulsive grandmal or other type of seizure is to remain calm and lend 
> their support with being there fore them.
> They can be learned about through the Epilepsy
> Foundation's web site.
> I'll be happy to share with anyone off list via private email if they want 
> to know more or just want to be educated on awareness of this on-growing 
> medical matter.
> Well, guess that's enough from me for now.
> Bibi
>
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