[nagdu] guide dog users with seizures

[Tami Kinney]

Bibi,

You rock! I had a friend years ago with really bad grand mal seizures,
and she and her family did not let her or them stop from living their
lives and doing good things. The midcations back then weren't what they
are now, so the regular seizures did have a big impact on them all at
times, requiring frequent hospitalizaoins. They were pretty open about
it, too, and I never did understand why some people would get so freaked
out by just knowing she had the condition. Sigh.

I don't have any groundbreaking information about how the disorder would
affect your getting a dog through a program beyond what Lyn already
said. If I do run across anything useful, I will let you know!

Best, 
Tami

On Wed, 2011-07-06 at 09:13 -0600, Criminal Justice Major Extraordinaire
wrote:
> 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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