Epilepsy has been my friend for 60 years. Not so friendly in the first 10 years, but as I learned more about myself, this condition and the medications that I was taking I found strategies that were respectful of the effects of epilepsy. Being a loner, an introvert, I learned I am just someone who feels more comfortable in small groups. I learned to say no to many things, or always knew when it was time to get quiet. I have not tried to chase epilepsy out of my brain - not possible. I’ve read literature about surgical removal of epilepsy and found that it is more complex than just having surgery. Suffice it to say it’s not like fixing a broken arm or leg.
Today is Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness. I need to be aware of, and respect, the possibility of seizure activity every day. Now we are quite comfortable with each other. However I know that as the 60 years since diagnosis becomes 61 and onwards, who knows whether our comfort level will change. After all my joints have gotten fussier over the years, why not my brain?
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’ possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
~ Francis of Assisi
*Author’s note: 1 in 26 is the most recent statistic about the incidence of individuals with epilepsy.
