Epileptic teen & independence

[eggwyneth]

My daughter is 19 and has epilepsy, she's been taking seizures since she was 10. She is at university but living at home, can't drive, doesn't have a great lot of friends because she can't commit to plans, can't safely cook...

She's getting more and more upset that people her age she knows are getting more and more independent, and is asking for different things she could do to increase it, but I don't really know what to tell her?

I feel horrible and like I'm not doing enough. Anyone else gone through this?

Yes, I have, but I can’t give you any answers!

Are her seizures controlled with medication or is she having them frequently or just occasionally? Would an epilepsy support dog give her more confidence? Would it be possible to give her some cooking lessons, just a few quick and easy recipes?

How often does she have them ? My brother has epilepsy but is well controlled. Does she get any warning before a seizure so that she could turn gas off etc?

I take it you've explored all the treatment options. Also any support options available. Make sure you get all the support you need or can.

They're currently being 'controlled ' by lamotrigine but are still quite frequent. We actually have a budgie who really cheers her up!

The cooking lessons are a great idea, something like pasta.

No aura or pre ictal warning really, although me, my husband, and other close people can see them coming.

My brother has epilepsy, when he was younger he used to cook using a two ringed portable electric hot plate and oven with a timer plug. It would cut off every half an hour.

Here is a modern type; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brennenstuhl-Countdown-integrated-adjustable-protection/dp/B09M78B9L5?crid=TJ7VLQMAD6RU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.n1IhQE2wnwJ5DJQj18Eyu2gtR6VATfk_VZdb71ldzARHPZrrVn2v1haO-WUl323q2iz52XU9fUTWCK0uFFHT7BeEW6cQblY_EZDJ8_i8Ok52pz2J-MT4gmDNicztaZ-rtrgHBoBrvpcChb8d8GAZwy3SPJE0qxfxyrIk2l8anl4s5YadpKz7NitQcQ9zK6pB7Cu_H5oudYICUCrxRNHv_Q.dscJ8J_0HDCRqLnrRNWWxeaUkZTf6qmgOohMLd-7UP8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Brennenstuhl+Electronic+Countdown+Timer&qid=1781665994&sprefix=brennenstuhl+electronic+countdown+timer%2Caps%2C433&sr=8-1

have you investigated a seizure alert dog? My friend has one, single parent to 2 children and the dog knows minutes before he does. Alas his wife died so just him and 2 kids aged 2&4 at the time, he did everything. He has a few short seizures daily but the longer ones are rarer as the meds control them.

my dsd has severe epilepsy which medication just helps a bit, multiple seizures a day including ones last several minutes, she has lds and lives with 24/7 care - short term this could be an option for her to learn to manage without you.

How often are her seizures? If they're not being effectively controlled then her consultant needs to review her medication. Lamotrigine didnt work that well for me. Is your daughter worried about her seizures? She should be able to make plans without worrying about committing to them - if her friends know what to do if she has one, that would be enough. The Epilepsy Society website has lots of information for making adjustments to carry on living independently. All the best!

Can she cook things in an airfryer that turns itself off when finished

Just to add - depending on where you live, not being able to drive isn't so awful and she can get a bus pass etc. If you are rural it's obviously trickier but she sounds as though you are giving her really great support. Hope it all goes well.