Good.

Don't be scared, there are worse things, honestly. Everyone here is
testimony to the fact that, even if you ARE diagnosed with the 'Big E' you
can still function as a husband and father with not too many alterations to
your life.

I also have the 'Big C' and know many others who do, we also learn that it's
not like having a fatal heart attack where there's NO chance of a future :-)

Earning your living might well be a problem - but not an insurmountable one.
Who knows what other talents you have? I can't help you in that regard but
no doubt others who've been in your situation will be able to.

There are very good reasons why you shouldn't be doing the job you do if you
are affected by epilepsy, I'm sure you understand that. You wouldn't want
others to do it, would you?

Do keep posting here, tell us what happens and what the results of your
tests are. When more is known there'll be more approaches to try.

But also keep reading the posts, eventually you might be able to support
others.

Hugs to you and your family,

Mary

  I can't tell where you're posting from (possibly U.S.? ).    Most
employers here (Canada) carry long term disability insurance that would
cover income after 1 year off work.  Short term insurance usually covers
first year -- either from state or province, or possibly also by employer.
Rules vary by Country and  Laws of the area, and I don't know how or if
Similar is available (yet) in the U.S.  .
   In Canada,  I had 'extended disability insurance', that topped up what
was covered by Canada Pension Plan and Employer's insurance -- from the
initial Encephalitis I had -- before the seizures.   The Longer term
insurance didn't kick in until I had been off on 'short term leave' for one
year.

   Second -- IF your seizures are classed as Minor and become Controlled by
medications, there's no reason you couldn't still carry out the work you
might have been qualified for.   Many of us are either Fully Controlled (I
am) or Largely Controlled after an assessment is done of where the seizures
originate from, and when there are pills that will control that type of
seizure.

  That's good and extremely **Fast for you to get an MRI.  Many places
people can wait up to 3-5 months, because of backlogs or people waiting for
access -- even in areas here where the MRIs are running 24 hours.   Sounds
like you finally found a Doctor who's trained.    That also is good to have.
G./

So good to hear you have a doctor in the know.  I laughed when I read
that he will straighten out the emergency room doc.  Good for him.

Don't be afraid.  Try to look at this in a positive way.  You need to
find out what is wrong so it can be treated properly.

Take care,
Julie

Pierre, we were all scared while we were being diagnosed and while we were
undertaking the tests! I remember I was! The same applies to close relatives
/ partners. They are scared as well. The period of  testing and finding out
whether or not you are having epilepsy sucks. It is an uncertain period and
you will need all help of your friend / colleagues and of course
relatives/partner. The tests are not that hard to undertake but waiting for
the outcome will certainly give you a hard time.

It is true that a drivers license will be suspended including a job like
yours that needs special safety instructions. It is the best thing to do
because without doing so, your three kids may end up having no father at
all!

From logical point of view, I agree with Mary Fisher's statement that in
"worst" case scenario, finding yourself another job is not an insurmountable
one -even while you have specialised qualifications which do not really help
applying for other jobs. She told me similar things months ago regarding my
suspension of my drivers license. I however agree that at this point, right
now, you do not want to hear this. Finding yourself another job while you
liked the one you currently have so much, suck big time.

However, with a proper diagnose, doctors can start with treatment which may
result in full control of your epilepsy. which may be acceptable for your
employer (read: law). Also note that it is good that you are now being
diagnosed because untreated epilepsy can develop itself from bad to worse.

Best of luck.
Marco