Epilepsy Talk

A New Life — From Epilepsy to Brain Surgery

April 23, 2019
16 Comments

Leanne Chilton, triumphant author of “Seizure-Free: From Epilepsy to Brain Surgery, I Survived and You Can, Too!” is a proud survivor and has a wealth of wisdom to share.

“We can’t control the future,” she says. “But we can make every attempt to improve the quality of our lives.”

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research
Tags: brain surgery, drug resistant epilepsy, intractable epilepsy, patient satisfaction, quality of life, seizure frequency, seizure-free, survivor, transformation, underutilized

Brain Surgery – Questions to Prepare Yourself

April 19, 2019
10 Comments

How many times have you heard: “Well, it isn’t exactly brain surgery.” Well this time it is.

And it’s your brain.

It’s a scary trip into the unknown. Thoughts are swirling around in your head: What will happen to me? Is this the right thing to do? Is this really the best surgeon for the job? What if it doesn’t work? Maybe I should put it off…

It’s really hard to be prepared for something as radical as brain surgery – either physically or emotionally. That’s why it’s important to gather all the information you can, before hand.

Remember: Knowledge is power.

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: advance directive, benefits, best doctors, best hospitals, brain surgery, complications, experience, insurance, living will, neurologist/neurosurgeon, options, post operative care, questions, recovery, risks, second opinion, skill

Who’s at Fault?

April 13, 2019
59 Comments

Instead of humane and compassionate treatment, doctors, hospitals and the legal system are treating epilepsy patients with little or no regard for their condition.

Here are some chilling examples:

Posted in Epilepsy, News
Tags: abuse, accused, assault and battery, authorities, crime, danger, death, doctors', Epilepsy, hospitals, laws, malpractice, negligence, protection, suffering, trauma

Anger and Epilepsy: WHY ME?

April 8, 2019
30 Comments

Suddenly, you’re feeling edgy.

Lashing out at loved ones for no reason at all.

It’s not anybody’s fault. It’s that old familiar enemy.

Epilepsy. Again.

Why me? Why now?

It’s not fair.

Posted in Epilepsy
Tags: angry, dirty little secret, edgy, enemy, havoc, outbursts, pariah, secret, seizure, warning

The Isolation of Epilepsy

April 4, 2019
25 Comments

You’re reluctant to go out. Because having a seizure can be so unpredictable and embarrassing.

You think: “What if I have a seizure? What will people do? What will they think of me?”

Those and many other self doubting questions run through your mind.

Posted in Epilepsy
Tags: discrimination, embarrassment, Epilepsy, fear, isolation, perception, stigma

Depression is Quiet…

April 1, 2019
68 Comments

You would be surprised how many people in your life could be going through depression at this very moment.

People hide it like a paper bag over their heads out of fear of being judged. Made fun of. Seen as weak. Or just not taken seriously.

Anyone can fall victim to it. And then there’s the lie. “I’m fine, don’t worry.

”No one can detect it. Sometimes, even yourself.

Posted in Epilepsy
Tags: depression, hide, lonely, love, potential, purpose, support, weak

FREE Legal Resources

March 27, 2019
28 Comments

I think that pro bono legal aid is perhaps more difficult to find than almost anything else in this country, except perhaps, FREE medical care.

But here are six resources where you can find FREE legal aid and assistance.

It’s tricky, because each state has its own laws.

But these organizations can help guide you to the resources available in your area. (The other option is to Google your local Legal Aid office.)

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: assistance, free, legal aid, legal issues, low income, pro bono, resources, state

Epilepsy — Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits — Straight from the Source

March 24, 2019
15 Comments

If you suffer from epilepsy and wish to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be able to prove that you meet the criteria of the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s Blue Book listing for the condition.

The Blue Book is a guideline created by the SSA for disability adjudicators to follow when approving or denying disability claims.

A copy of the Blue book can be found here: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook

If you can prove through medical documentation that you meet the criteria of a listing, it will increase your chances of receiving an approval of benefits during the initial stage of the application process.

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: Convulsive Epilepsy, How to Appply, medical documentation, Nonconvulsive Epilepsy, Social Security Disability benefits, SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, Supplemental Security Income

Medical Care — Free or Reduced Cost

March 22, 2019
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Believe it or not, there are still places where you can get FREE or reduced cost medical and dental care. Plus assistance with your prescriptions. Just read below and find the resources nearest to you…

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: dental, federally funded, FREE Health Centers, FREE medical, hill-burton act, hospital, no insurance, treatment

Hospital Bill Relief for the Uninsured

March 21, 2019
9 Comments

One of the best-kept secrets in the healthcare industry is that there are financial and charitable aid programs available to lighten the staggering financial and emotional burden caused by medical expenses.

Believe it or not, that financial aid department can become your best friend.

They have the power to make your bills more manageable…consolidate them…discount them…and work out a payment plan at reduced cost.

But first, you have to ask…

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: charity fund, financial aid, hill-burton act, payment relief, uninsured