Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Houston, Tx
Car Accident Posted: 10-11-04 22:35pm
I need your help.
My son who is now 20 has had grand mal
seizures since he was 12. Fortunately,
his seizures are well controlled with
meds. Unfortunately, since he turned 18
and basically is responsible for taking
his meds, he has had several seizures. It
has always been after he has "forgotten"
his meds for 2-3 days and his blood levels
drop. Each time this happens he swears
it will never happen again.
Several days ago he had a seizure while
driving and had a major crash at over 50
mph. We are so blessed that he survived
an no one else was seriously injured
but I am terrified. I have tried every
way I know to ensure his responsibility
and we have discussed over and over the
horrible things that could happen to him
and others if a seizure occurred at the
wrong time. He has a pill reminder box
and we have discussed ways at length that
would make it more difficult for him to
forget, like keeping his meds by his
toothbrush, etc. He no longer lives at
home and is not in favor of moving back.
I really need your help. Any advice?
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kayak2mom
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 14 Location: CT
Posted: 10-12-04 09:36am
How frightening! It is so hard when you
do not have control over them anymore!
Especially when he lives away from home!
The pill box is great, he can see at a
glance that he missed. Does he use an
alarm of some kind? I have a watch that
alarms and have set my cell phone to alarm
for my 15 year old daughter. If she does
not take it right when it goes off, she
often forgets. It is easier for us since
I can still be around her to nag! (but
she still ignores and skips sometimes!)
he needs to get into a habit...Sounds
like he has things set to do that with
where he keeps meds etc....
Did he lose his license over the accident?
Has his neuro lectured him about why it
is so serious to skip meds? Can you get a
picture of that wrecked car? It may be
that seeing that could remind him what it
almost cost him. (not to make him feel
overwhelmed for a major goof, but to show
a reason why this is so important!!)
you deserve some hazard duty pay!!
Hang in there....
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Sprout
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Houston, Tx
Posted: 10-12-04 15:41pm
Thanks so much for the reply. The alarm
is a great idea and I will discuss with
him tonight.
Yes, his neuro (and i, and the emergency
room doc on the last seizure before this
one ) have all talked
our heads off about the consequences.
He has seen the truck and I gave him
copies of px of it, hoping the
significance will stay with him.
Although we have not yet received the
official notice,he is not driving and in
our state he will lose his license for 6
months. There were 2 people who had
stopped to help him who were injured in
the 2nd part of his wreck. Fortunately
they were not seriously injured and will
be ok. They both have expressed a strong
desire to meet him, in part because they
could not believe he survived. I think
that would also be so good in so many ways
and have him see how not taking his meds
can affect others. He has not yet decided
on that and unfortunately his dad does not
support the idea.
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kayak2mom
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 14 Location: CT
Posted: 10-13-04 20:50pm
I hope the time not driving helps him
understand the importance of daily meds!
Hang in there. So glad that you have had
doctors give the lecture too. I think
that can help more than mom...Sigh...Or
dad, sigh...
) have all talked
our heads off about the consequences.
