Handling The Crazy Epilepsy Life Changes

Life would be a breeze for everyone without challenges thrown their way. Who would have thought epilepsy would have found its way into my life. Life plans change in a matter of minutes. Some of those changes are amazing while others are ones that affect one’s life for years to come. Epilepsy has changed my life, but I’ve learned how to live with it.

Not An Easy

When I had my first seizure, I knew it was time to go to work. Nothing about epilepsy was going to be easy. It was going to take a toll on my physical and mental health, test how I adapt to a changing lifestyle, and more. After 18 years, I can say that I was right from day one. Epilepsy has handed me hundreds if not thousands of seizures. It tested how I would adapt to handling school, sports, etc. What I can say is that it brought me closer together with my family and friends. After spending weeks in the hospital getting tests done, I enjoyed spending time with my family and friends who came by. Epilepsy gave me so many experiences in college and up to now. I would not wish epilepsy on anyone. It’s only given to those who can handle it on a daily basis.

The Rough Days

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had some bad days while living with epilepsy. Having partial seizures, I can get clusters occasionally. Before switching medication, I dealt with a lot of these. These clusters offered me between 20-30 seizures in a span of a few hours. They would wipe me out at night with headaches sometimes. Partial seizures can sometimes seem like they aren’t as bad. However, everyone's epilepsy is different and you never know what they’re going through.

To Be Afraid To Fail And Try

I was raised to never be afraid of failure and know it takes time to be successful. This absolutely goes for epilepsy. I’ve gone through more “second opinions” than probably the majority of epilepsy patients. Has it been worth it? Yes! I found my doctor who has been keeping me on what I call “streaks” of seizure free weeks. He’s constantly looking for new medication and technology to help my seizures. For 18 years, it has been trial and error. I’m happy where I am and know better days are ahead (self driving cars!).

Look Back And Smile

Epilepsy is a challenge we all have to deal with. It’s important to take a minute and realize that even with epilepsy, there’s plenty to be grateful for. Odds are, epilepsy played a role in it. I know my epilepsy has brought me closer to my family, friends, and coworkers. My epilepsy is something I have to navigate, but there’s always something to smile about. I can hop on social media and chat with epilepsy friends from around the world. To me, that’s absolutely amazing and something I wouldn’t want to change. Look back and smile, you’re totally worth it with your epilepsy!

Your life path is never a straight one. Everyone has challenges they have to deal with. Epilepsy may seem like too much sometimes, but there’s always something to be happy about (even in 2020!).