Any epileptic cyclist out there??

[Wahine]

KT, I have had several friends with epilepsy, most of them drive and lead perfectly normal lives, they just have to take med.

One friend developed epilepsy related to a head injury from a car accident. Since then he has gone on to do Race Across AMerica 7 times and holds the 2 person mixed team record with his lovely wife. They now have a 9 month old daughter and he's training for a 575 mile race coming up in October.

They'll get it all sorted out. It'll take some time but you'll be able to lead a very full life.

[snowtulip]

luv2ride,
I am epileptic and would love to talk with you about anything that you are concerned about, please PM anytime.

I live a pretty normal life, sometimes there are cycles where I'm not as active, but I look at that like anything in life. (work makes you not as active, family, etc).

I mountain bike regularly, I drive (although there are times that there are driving restrictions), I work (too much), etc.

The key for me was finding a good doctor and finding good medication. I have been through quiet a few different meds and have finally found one that is great, but meds work differently for everyone. It took some adjustment time.

I recommend finding a supportive environment (like TE), I went to a few epilepsy support groups during some of my dark days and had to stop because they were too depressing, same with the epilepsy support boards; too depressing that they were sucking life out of me rather than shedding some light on my life.

When I was tired, instead of doing long mountain bike rides, I started going to the bmx track and learning how to jump, drop, etc. As hard as it might sound, look at the glass half full (I know it can be difficult).

Please let me know if you want to talk about any of this, it can be scary, but hopefully some of my experience will help you.

I'm off to mountain bike!

[Tuckervill]

I recommend finding a supportive environment (like TE), I went to a few epilepsy support groups during some of my dark days and had to stop because they were too depressing, same with the epilepsy support boards; too depressing that they were sucking life out of me rather than shedding some light on my life.

+1 for that.

For some reason, sometimes "support groups" become dominated by the people who just can't overcome, and there is nothing positive going on there. The positive people who do come can't carry the group and the weight of their own battles, so they move on. I see this on weight loss boards. Lots of people with no real commitment spend all their time talking about it instead of doing it! That can make inspiration and motivation hard to come by.

So, Katie, be careful where you get your information. If it doesn't lift you up, find something that does. You're a 'can do' kind of gal--don't let anyone tell you you can't.

Karen

[Mr. Bloom]

In my teens, I had a seizure disorder that remained undiagnosed, but I was medicated for epilepsy. I'm perfectly normal now - at least physically.

But, it caused me to have to do considerable research on epilepsy and fI f
found that it's a very misunderstood disease.

Don't let this "shake your confidence". But, if it does, move your workout indoors so you can rebuild confidence in a less threatening environment.

You WILL be OK, You will NOT have to quit doing things you love. You just need to prove all that to yourself.

[silver]

I'm perfectly normal now - at least physically.

Mr. is NOT currently, nor has he ever been PERFECTLY NORMAL!

Jeez! anyone who knows him knows this!

But even though he's not "perfectly normal" he is handsome and very charming!

[luv2ride94]

A few days ago the word EPILEPSY scared the crap out of me. But after reading all the stuff on here and talking with a few people who know what it can really be like and that still do things that I love I know ill be alright. Its still a little scary and im still hoping its not the final diagnosis when i go back monday. But if it is oh well. Life goes on. You all are the the BESTEST!

[silver]

Keep up the positive thoughts! Have you had more blackouts? Were you able to do anything fun today? silverSon has his 14th birthday tomorrow.

What are your injuries from the wreck? And what's the word on the bike?