All Entries / Deanna Sets Record After Losing Ability to Drive Because of Epilepsy
On the evening of December 23 and 31 of 2008, I had two grand mal seizures. These are the most dangerous types of seizures. When I went to my neurologist and diagnosed as epileptic, I was told that per Florida State law, I could not drive for six months. The news devastated me to the core, because my profession requires me to drive to visit my clients. I was so concerned and worried about how I would be able to get around and still be able to fulfill my duties as a sales professional.
I use to live in Spain before, where I did not have a vehicle to get me around. I relied solely on public transportation to get where I needed to go. When I received the diagnosis and the news that I could not drive, I turned to the Miami Dade Public Transportation system to get me to my appointments. It was difficult as first because I had to learn how to navigate the Metrorail, Metrobus and Metromover system. I was determined not to let my diagnosis to curb my enthusiasm, because I love the company that I work for and my profession. I was able to plan out my sales appointments with the help of the Miami Dade County 311 phone system, that guided you with trip planning with Miami Dade Transit. I call the phone hotline, inform the representative where I need to go and arrival time. The representatives are so helpful in planning my transportation via Metrorail and Metrobus. I am able to know exact time a metro or bus will arrive at a specific stop, and plan out my fare. I would consult the Miami Dade County Transit website for my routes. I even had the Miami Dade County Transit on speed dial on my cell phone!
Also, there would be times when I would need to connect to Broward County Transit or Tri-rail system, as I have several clients in the Broward area as well. I would call the Broward County Transit Hotline or consult the websites and plan out how I could connect from Broward County Transit to Miami Dade Transit or catch the Tri-rail. One day, the Broward County Transit bus driver dropped me off at a Tri-Rail station and let me know that I could get a discount, transferring from bus to rail--something I was unaware of. I even went to Boca Raton on Tri-rail. Broward Transit and Tri-Rail hotline was on my speed dial on my cell phone.
After my six months were up in June 2009, I was able to drive again. I would still take public transportation from time to time to get to downtown Miami, because it is so awful to park there.
However in October 2009, I had another seizure while I was driving at night on I-75. Thankfully, I did not get into an accident and I was safe--I know God was watching over me that night. Again I could not drive for another six months. And again, I was devastated, just as I was starting to drive again.
But I was not going to let this stop my determination to keep going and do whatever it is I had to do to get to my sales appointments. Once more, I relied on public transportation to get me to my meetings.
On April 17, I was able to submit my paperwork to Florida Department of Transportation to lift the suspension on my driver's license, since I have been seizure free for six months. The next few days to my surprise, my regional sales director sent out an email to our Southeast region that I had the highest sales for the month of March.
I could not believe it!
With my determination to not let my epilepsy or condition bring me down, I was able to be the best salesperson in the region. I am in the process reinstating my license, and I am waiting for the decision from the Medical Board Review. I am still taking public transportation until reinstatement of my license.
But, if had not been for public transportation, I would not have been able to be the best salesperson, reach my goals and learn about myself that you can accomplish anything by not focusing on the obstacles, but overcoming the challenges.
Plus on my way to a sales appointment, I saw the billboard on Miami Dade Metrorail today about this contest and I knew I had to share my story.
