It’s been more than a year since I was first diagnosed with epilepsy.
When I was first diagnosed, I cried for a really long time. I didn’t even quite know why I was crying.
To be honest, I didn’t have the slightest idea what epilepsy was. The only experience I’d had with the condition was learning how to spell the difference between epileptic and ecliptic.
I also felt – unjustifiably, I should say – that there was a huge amount of stigma around being an epileptic. I hated having to wear that label.
Eventually though, I stopped crying. I know, it seems like an over-reaction, but let’s just say the whole diagnosis was a tad shocking.
Here are some really ace people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. (Post continues after gallery.)
Epilepsy
I was able to learn more about my condition (epilepsy is actually really diverse and interesting when you get you know it. I was diagnosed with absence epilepsy). I still don’t know exactly why I have it, but that’s okay. My neurologist was able to get me started on medication and life continued on pretty smoothly.
I say pretty smoothly because the period of time where one goes from never being on medication to always being on medication can, for many people, be a bloody nightmare. And, that’s an understatement.
But I prevailed. My body got used to it and I got used to it and medication just became part of my day.
My medication helps out my brain cells that work too hard during seizures, and ultimately, has eliminated (or come really close to) eliminating the seizures that I have. I’m fortunate to have access to medication, to have the financial means to continue buying it ( because let me tell you, it’s not exactly cheap), and I’m fortunate that I can speak openly about it.