"You have epilepsy", three words that changed my life forever. I can't remember what the neurologist said after hearing that, about medications and controlling seizures as I was in a total state of shock. Me, an epileptic, surely not. I was an 18 year old girl, healthy, athletic, I had an amazing family, friends and a boyfriend, there's no way that I could have epilepsy, I was fine. I simply didn't want to believe it. But, apparently it's true, I am an epileptic and that is a fact.
The first seizure I ever had, well the jokes that were made that day! I was 16 and it was a normal school day, boring (until break and lunch of course) but I was so excited as I had the best weekend planned, cinema Friday evening to watch the new Harry Potter and an 18th birthday party on the Saturday. I was stood outside of my Philosophy classroom with my friend, eating a chocolate bar as I am the worlds biggest chocoholic and bam, next thing I know I'm in an ambulance. Paramedics stood over me, my Mum stood by the side of me crying, but it was so vague, it was like a dream. The only thing that was clear was the excruciating headache that felt like nothing I had ever experienced before in my life and then I was out again and I didn't wake again until in a hospital bed in A&E. In between my conscious and unconscious state, doctors and nurses did their usual blood tests etc to find out what the deal was but came to the conclusion I had 'fainted' which all young girls are allowed to do once, so off I went home to sleep it off. I also had a beautiful bump on my head! Going back to school on the Monday, the joke was I had choked on my chocolate bar and fainted, it certainly made light of the situation!
In the next 18 months, my brain began to do weird things. I struggled with my memory but had no idea why, things that I always used to be good at such as exams and academics became a battle for me and it became extremely frustrating and upsetting. I started blacking out frequently, having conversations with people and just going blank and having no idea what they had said to me. My sister used to get so angry at me because she thought I wasn't listening to her but I genuinely had no control over what was happening, but I didn't know how to explain it so I didn't even try. My sister and I laugh about it now of course, however maybe it was a blessing when she was boring me (only joking Em). I became increasingly tired, my body struggled to do the everyday activities that I used to be able to do with ease and no matter how much sleep I got, I never felt refreshed. And the regular headaches I got, well they were enough to drive you insane! I knew something wasn't right but I just didn't know what.
In November 2011, I dropped out of Sixth Form, something I never wanted to do. I was diagnosed with depression. I look back now and I'm unsure if I really was depressed at that point, I know I couldn't deal with the changes happening to my body but I don't know if depression was the right diagnosis but hey ho, antidepressants it was. After about a month, I came off the antidepressants as I felt a whole lot better in myself, I had just turned 18 (had an eventful 18th birthday party which my parents still talk about to this day), had been with my boyfriend for a year and my friends were extremely supportive so I felt in a good place. I started working full time in a hair salon where I had worked as a Saturday girl since I was 14 and I loved it, my boss was like a second Mum to me, one of the kindest people I have ever met. Things were good and the next 6 months flew by, happy Alice, forgetting about these changes to her body and just getting on with them.
Then, life took a turn for the worse. I had been out for the evening to a nightclub in Bath with my good friend, boyfriend and his friends and then the next morning got up and was on my way to take part in Race for Life. This is when everything changed. The last thing I can remember is talking to my boyfriend in the car and then the next thing, I was in an ambulance, ah we have been here before! Next, I am in a hospital bed in A&E (all too familiar). All I can say is, I hope to god I never have to have a lumbar puncture again in my life, one of the most painful experiences! The doctors were amazing and so thorough to make sure they didn't miss anything which meant MRI scan, CT scan, blood tests and the dreaded lumbar puncture and fortunately they found nothing! However, this doesn't explain the seizures so I am then referred to a neurologist.The night in the hospital was certainly memorable though.
Waiting for the appointment with the neurologist was the longest wait ever. It felt like the couple of hours on Christmas morning when your parents say you aren't allowed into their room until 7am (thanks for that Mum and Dad) but you're awake so early because you're super excited and it feels like 2 hours have never gone so slowly. But, the day finally arrives, both my parents take me and my boyfriend comes too as he witnessed my seizure. We sit in the room that has white walls, minimal furniture and an overall unwelcoming feel, very hospital like I guess. The neurologist begins talking, asking for all the details, looking over the medical information from the A&E department and then the conclusion...
From this moment on, I was an epileptic, I would take medication everyday and I would have to be careful with my way of life to ensure my seizures were kept under control. From this day forward, my life as I knew it, would never be the same again.
Am One of the happiest woman on earth since my son was cured from the problem of seizure,which he has been having for eight years now,he do have the attack two to three times a week,which is affecting is education and his life.i got the contact of a doctor from the post of one Mr paul thanking him for curing his seizure problem,i got the contact and contacted him then he made me to know that the medication is a permanent cure, and that was how i got the medication which i used on my son,and for six month now there have been no sign of seizure in him again.any one with such problem can contact him on his email drwilliams098675@gmail.com
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