Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

Original poster

To take time off work?

18 replies

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 07:46

I’ll start by saying I work in retail, in a job in which I really enjoy.

On Sunday I had a grand mal seizure, completely out of the blue. I do not have epilepsy as far as I am aware and have never had this before. Obviously I was taken to hospital, and now have to wait a few months on an appointment for tests.

Thing is, this has REALLY terrified me. I took Monday off work, and told them I would be back for my next shift which is today. Now that the time is getting closer, I am terrified that I have not given myself enough time to recover and I’m scared that this happens again. How do I get over this?! Would it be unreasonable to take a few extra days off?

OP posts:

Mumsymcmumface · 06/03/2018 07:47

Do you drive?

Original poster

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 07:48

I do, but I’ve been told I’m not allowed to drive until I get these tests done now - which could take a few months. So I think I’ll be relying on public transport

OP posts:

Original poster

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 07:49

It’s ridiculous really - I’m just terrified incase it happens again in a public place and I’m scared nobody phones an ambulance because they assume it’s normal to me or something.

OP posts:

Snog · 06/03/2018 07:50

This has obviously been a shock and has shaken you up, good call to take a day to recover. Maybe it would be best to face your fears and go in, that way you can get on with life again. There is no reason at the moment to think it will happen again.

Sausagerollers · 06/03/2018 07:52

Have you had any blood tests yet?

Make sure your iron levels and salt levels are decent and get lots of sleep, these things can help to prevent another seizure.

Don't let fear stop you living your life, you will be surrounded by people who have fits but use medication to stop them, but if you still feel I'll or tired have another day off.

Take care.

Mumsymcmumface · 06/03/2018 07:52

Even after the tests you won’t be allowed to drive for a minimum of six months after it happened, regardless of what the tests show.

I had one, went to work the next day, and have never had one since (five years). Totally unexplained and worrying at the time but has never been an issue since.

Fingers crossed yours is the same.

Having no license was a pita though.

MoistCantaloupe · 06/03/2018 07:52

Oh poor you, that sounds horrible - you must have been really shaken!

I agree with Snog, it's the anxiety of it getting in the way now, so best idea is to go in and face it straight on. The fear of it happening again won't really disappear until you that.

LifeBeginsAtGin · 06/03/2018 07:54

You can self certify yourself sick for seven days - take some time off and recover. Don't rush back to work.

Original poster

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 07:57

Thank you guys, I think you’re all right. I need to get back and not let this scare me from doing anything.

It’s actually so reassuring to hear from someone who had one out the blue too, and then never again. Fingers crossed!

I think it just shook me up a bit - but like you all say getting back to normal will help me forget about it

OP posts:

Purplevicki · 06/03/2018 08:05

Take the time!

My first seizure resulted in me sleeping for 24hrs straight. I described the feeling as though I had run the marathon and then been run over, with the driver whacking the car in reverse and having another go.

Rest up, sleep and try not to worry (easier said than done!)

Thelampshadelady · 06/03/2018 08:10

I would go in (providing you feel well enough) and face up to the anxiety. Scary, I know. But I often think we can delay doing things which makes them even worse when eventually, we have to do them.
Good luck.

Original poster

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 08:24

I feel good I must admit, apart from the fact every bone and muscle in my body aches. This seizure happened on concrete stairs which has hurt a few parts of my body BUT other than the pain, I actually feel really good compared to how I felt before and after it.

OP posts:

Sirzy · 06/03/2018 08:27

If you are worried about people not knowing how to react if it happens again then perhaps talk to a trusted colleague you are working with or manager and make it clear to call an ambulance if it happens again? And carry a card on your person asking for an ambulance to be called? Although I think most people would rather be “over cautious” and phone for help than not if they saw someone having a fit.

Hope you don’t have to wait too long for the tests

Iwouldratherbemuckingout · 06/03/2018 08:56

I agree it’s best to go in, but also talk to your colleagues to say that if it happens again they are to call an ambulance for you. In reality though, no one would ignore a fit and think it was normal, people would call for medical assistance.

Good luck, that must have been so frightening and hope you get some answers soon.

Original poster

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 10:27

Thank you all for the great advice and encouragement. I think I will speak to someone at work as suggested just to put my mind at rest, but like you say, I doubt anyone would ignore it anyway.

Thank you all

OP posts:

blastomama · 06/03/2018 10:30

I would definitely take time off.

(Just fyi, grand mal is quite out dated terminology and isn't used any more, its not very accurate as a seizure description. You'll probably hear it described by hcps as a tonic-clonic seizure?)

Original poster

Bullet991 · 06/03/2018 12:37

Ah sorry! I’ve never really known anything about it, but the two ambulance men were a bit older so maybe that’s why

OP posts:

blastomama · 06/03/2018 14:29

Don't be sorry, I just thought you might want to look up the more common terminology now, you might find better information. I have a child with epilepsy, but a lot of people have a one off seizure and never again, so its not classed as epilepsy unless you have had multiple seizures. best of luck with it.

Flip