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Does Anyone Else Feel This Way?
Sun, 02/21/2016 - 20:22It's been extremely frustrating lately because my grand- mal seizures have really been kicking in again, and I feel behind in every way possible. My roommates and my boyfriend try to understand but they will never truly know the first hand experience. Because of my epilepsy and medications, I am also diagnosed with depression and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder.) I'm falling behind in school because I can't focus because my thoughts drift off and I completely loose track of thought. For example I should be doing my homework right now but I just can't. I feel stupid because my memory is so bad. I fell lost too because all I was known for through out school was how great I was in school. Never had a 'B' in my life before I had my first seizure. Looking at my laptop or phone too long also gives me seizures. I'm just frustrated and more than anything alone because I don't know any else who can fully understand what I'm going through. There's more to Epilepsy than just seizures, it's learning how to live with (not only the seizures) but the side effects from the medications and everything else as well. I just want someone who can empathisize with me for once. Oh I forgot to add in there I'm 20 years old with juvenile- myoclonic epilepsy but I have absence seizures and grand- mal seizures as well.
- Gabby
Hey Gabby, I'm currently in
Submitted by DerekG on Tue, 2016-02-23 - 21:31
Hey Gabby, I'm currently in college, a senior, have grand-mal epilepsy, as well as ADD. I've had three seizures in the last six months, the last one breaking my shoulder. It was a little different for me regarding feeling alone, my best friend actually had two seizures through sophomore, and junior year in college and got diagnosed with gran-mal epilepsy. I'd have to say the chances that best friends getting diagnosed for the same epilepsy, in a two year span, are probably rare. Regarding grades, I did get a C+ last semester, but I also broke my shoulder, was in the hospital for a week, typed a 11 page paper one handed, and completed a 10 min. presentation regarding that paper, just for one obstacle. I know you feel alone but you're not, I came on here because my mom made me realize most people don't have a friend in college to talk to about this, so I'm happy I'm here to talk to you. I can't say I have the same triggers for seizures, but I've had four. Regarding not being focused, just talk to your teachers and keep them in the loop, they actually helped me a lot more than I thought. I also suffered from insomnia with Lamictal, and switched to Kepra, suffered a seizure because my Lamictal dose was actually too low. But, now I'm doing good, and on a steady dose. Gabby, overall, my biggest advice to you is to keep a glass half full mentality about everything. I know it's hard to do that but it helped me the most. Remember, everything will get easier with time regarding you're lifestyle changes. Also, remember the person you're destined to become is the person you decide to be. Be happy, do you're best, and don't let epilepsy define who you are.