Im very worried about my health and how it will impact my childminding.

For the past month, I have been to doctors and after a number of tests I am now being checked for Frontal Lobe Epilepsy. Just waiting for appointment with a neurologist to be diagnosed, or given a clue to it being something else.

I was wondering if anyone else suffers with this and if so how ofsted are with them? PM me if you want to be confidential.

I contacted my development officer today and she said to contact ofsted, which I did. Had to give notification of the condition, and need to inform them if diagnoisis is confirmed. It is likley a manager will call me to ask for more details.

I love my job so much and dont want to have to give it up. I can stop driving and walk, thats not a problem. (doctor knows Im a childminder and not told me to stop working or driving, I did ask that) Ive just worked so hard to have to get here.

I honestly don't know but I think you need to wait for your condition to be confirmed before you start worrying.

Most medical conditions can be managed by medication and diet etc and do not impact on your working life.

If you are diagnosed you will be given lots of advice - at that point you can decide what to do for the best.

Sending hugs xx

Thank you Sarah, I really appriciate your comments. Im am just worried Ofsted will have their big book of "thats not allowed rules", that says I am unsafe to work with children. I am trying to keep positive. Thanks again x

There is no reason that you're condition - if indeed its confirmed - should be a big issue. Your doctor will advise anyway but i know loads of people with epilepsy who lead normal lives with normal jobs.

In the meantime try not to worry - we are all here to support you anytime.

I wouldn't worry yet, especially as you have been told that you can still drive...I'm sure even if something is diagnosed & you feel it is worse case scenario with regards to work, I'm sure you could still work around it...for example working with another childminder or an assistant...that way you are not alone IYSWIM?!:)

I also would not worry yet

Hope you are ok though sorry to hear you are poorly

Keep us posted

Good luck

Angel xx

You poor thing!

You know worst case scenario if they did say you weren't to be alone with the children because of this you could always register an assistant, I really don't think it has to be the end of your minding

Big hug :)

I hope you don't have to give up minding. As a lot of people have said if need be just register and assistant. Hope your ok.

Ofsted called today: they have assigned me a case number :panic: and I have a designated inspector who I need to refer any details to now. Its all so official! I tried to say im worried about the consequences and in good old ofsted inspectors style with no emotion, she said we will look at the case in detail. Just waiting for docs to get me an appointment with neurologist and fingers crossed it will all be nothing.

Will keep you all informed x

If you drive and have had any fits you have to surrender your licence for 12 months from last fit, so if you are fitting until they get your meds right, it's taken from date of last fit if you see what I mean. Please don't drive again if you have had fits.

If you have had fits your GP SHOULD have told you this.

Good luck with Ofsted
If you want anything let me know, my hubby was diagnosed with Epilepsy at age 35 a year and a half ago albeit a different kind ( there's about 40 I believe?) xxx

Ofsted called today: they have assigned me a case number :panic: and I have a designated inspector who I need to refer any details to now. Its all so official! I tried to say im worried about the consequences and in good old ofsted inspectors style with no emotion, she said we will look at the case in detail. Just waiting for docs to get me an appointment with neurologist and fingers crossed it will all be nothing.

Will keep you all informed x

fingers crossed for you :)

I would ask the neurologist how it would affect your job if the worst is diagnosed.

I have a friend who has has medical problems and ofsted have been fine with her so dont worry too much.

Keep smiling

Carol xx

I hope things work out ok xx

Thank you all again for your comments. I did check about driving and doctor didnt tell me to stop. I have told ofsted this aswell. I have a list of things I am going to ask the neurologist and wish they'd hurry up and get in touch. Thank you all for your support, its so nice being able to share it with you. You've taken alot off my mind.

Sorry to bang on :blush: but you really do need to get in touch with DVLA as it's up to them if you can continue if you are having fits Katie. After a first episode of fitting you will be told you cannot drive for a year and will need to have a medical review before you can start again.

Especially important as you are carrying other peoples children. I'm concerned your GP didnt tell you this as you could be putting yourselves and others at risk.

Im very worried about my health and how it will impact my childminding.

For the past month, I have been to doctors and after a number of tests I am now being checked for Frontal Lobe Epilepsy. Just waiting for appointment with a neurologist to be diagnosed, or given a clue to it being something else.

I was wondering if anyone else suffers with this and if so how ofsted are with them? PM me if you want to be confidential.

I contacted my development officer today and she said to contact ofsted, which I did. Had to give notification of the condition, and need to inform them if diagnoisis is confirmed. It is likley a manager will call me to ask for more details.

I love my job so much and dont want to have to give it up. I can stop driving and walk, thats not a problem. (doctor knows Im a childminder and not told me to stop working or driving, I did ask that) Ive just worked so hard to have to get here. hi katie good luck be fine x annmac

Hello Katie, it was a real shock to both of us when dh had his first seizure in 2003 so I can imagine how you must be feeling right now. Do you get any warning (some people see lights/get headache or altered taste/smells) before a seizure? What kind of seizures have you had? Do you remember anything afterwards?

DVLA p.17 (http://www.dvla.gov.uk/medical/ataglance.aspx)

It might be helpful to write out a risk assessment - consider the type seizure you're having, how it feels before and afterwards and the possible risks while childminding. Seizures may be a full tonic-clonic seizure where your body relaxes and falls to the floor, then goes rigid before going into spasms. If these are the ones you're having then I don't recommend you childmind alone any more. You have to consider the potential consequences now, from having a seizure while doing something simple like taking a bath or lifting a baby out of a cot. Sometimes you only get the tonic (rigid) part or the clonic part (spasms). There are other types of seizures that involve short periods of absence, mechanical movements or altered sense of taste. If you're not having the full tonic-clonic seizures and remain conscious then the risks aren't quite so severe IMO and that might be why your GP has not advised you to stop driving.

http://www.sueschildminding.co.uk/documents/Seizure Diary.pdf I've just done this for dh. Sometimes helpful when talking to gp/neurologist. Especially when you get one like ours that spent more time on his mobile than listening to dh. :angry: Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, you might find it useful to show Ofsted/prospective parents as people tend to associate epilepsy with the full tonic-clonic seizures. One in 20 people will have a seizure at some point in their lives - they're not all tonic clonic and they don't all develop epilepsy.

Feel free to pm if you want to chat.