5 things epileptics battle that the outside world does not see.

There are many things that people may know about Epileptics. But there’s many things people do not know that epileptics face because they cannot visually see it.

                                

1.     The medications side effects

Battling epilepsy isn’t just battling seizures. If it was, I’d take that over what I battle with my medication any day – no seriously. Every medication you take has side effects whether they are minor side effects or major side effects. It can range from feeling fatigue to losing hair. From feeling moody to suicidal. From gaining weight to losing a ton of weight and the list goes on and on. The side effects of my medication that get me are feeling moody to depressed. I feel fatigue all of the time, I have lost weight (not such a bad side effect, LOL) and I have lost hair. (Woman or man, losing hair can bring many insecurities.) I have battled many side effects, all the way to suicidal thoughts.

2.     Top notch relaxation is out of the question.

You know those bubble baths everyone dreams about with the lush bath bombs, and a candle lit? Yeah, out of the question for me. I can’t even get a shower without someone home because yes, I’ve had one in the shower before. I also cannot swim by myself, or lay out by the pool to get a nice tan by myself. So that thing called privacy? That ceases to exist. Health is first, of course. I understand that and only want that for others as well. Finding relaxation is something that’s hard to find in an epileptic’s life and yes, stress and exhaustion can cause seizures too. So we have to find another outlet.

3.     Feeling like a burden, 75% percent of the time.

In the state of New Jersey, you cannot drive unless you are seizure free. Praising God for being 4 months free so I’m almost there (crosses fingers). Becoming an independent adult is hard for someone who has to depend on others for rides to school, work, events or obligations. No one likes being a taxi driver. So sometimes you tend to not ask anyone to hang out, and stay home.

4.     Waiting to see a doctor after a recent seizure, or medication glitch.

Anyone with a neurological disorder or disease would know how extremely hard it is to move up an appointment with your neurologist. So you could sit for months waiting for a phone call about an “opening” only fearing that worse could go down before hand.

5.     Worrying about people’s feelings around you.

Being an epileptic isn’t a choice, obviously. But it tends to weigh a lot of stress, time and patience on those around that person. It brings upon fear to those hanging out with you, or your family. And yes, WE (epileptics) do notice the anxious thoughts and stress. We’re more than happy that you care, BUT we wish that it wouldn’t make you feel that way. It stresses us out, to know your stressed.

So if you just read all of those points, know I did not mean them out of negativity. I want to share with the world what we, with epilepsy, go through that even though you may not see. Next time you see someone who has a chronic illness like epilepsy, instead of thinking, “Dang that stinks.” Pray for us. If you see us stressed, try to understand. If I get a tad moody, you’re allowed to make a joke about my meds, make me laugh.  It does get hard being an epileptic, and all of those points only lead us to fear, and that fear leads to death. Yes, those fearing for their loved ones with Epilepsy or a chronic illness also—I’m speaking to you, TOO. Use with all of your might to drop your fears.

For those battling the mood swings, suicidal thoughts, hair loss or weight loss, talk to your doctor about taking Vitamin B-6 and how much you should take with your dosage of your medication. It has worked like a charm (When I’m in stock of it. LOL)

To those battling Epilepsy or any neurological disease/disorder that can relate:

Yes medication stinks, but theres Vitamin B-6! Just make sure your house is always stocked with it, because I just went three days without and it was a pretty tough three days. Yes it's hard to relax because privacy seems to not exist with us. BUT there are MANY other outlets for relaxation such as art, music, cooking, dancing, etc. Search for yours! Yes, feeling like a burden also stinks, but YOU AREN'T. (Btw, I'm speaking to myself at this very moment with theses sentences. You're not alone.) There are people out there who love you and will help you with rides BECAUSE they love you. If others complain, they're either not worth your time or, you could try seeing it from their perspective as well. Remember, you're never entitled to others time they're putting aside for you. They have lives and things to do, too. Yes, I'm sorry I don't have a solution to waiting for neurologist appointments to speed up just yet. But I do have a solution to fearing while you're waiting... Why are you allowing your fear to dictate your life and only make you miserable in the waiting room? Go out and do something to get your mind off of it. Surrender your fears over to the one who created you. And last, YES, it absolutely stinks worrying about others feelings and seeing them stress because of us.. but aren't we the luckiest people in the world to have those who actually LOVE and CARE for us enough to worry about us? Don't let it stress you, be thankful. Say thank you, and reassure them that you will be okay, because you will. Know that. Theres always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Now onto our fears -- 

WE have the control of allowing that fear to dictate our lives. Stand up with all of your might and fight back. You’re stronger than this disease. Instead of letting fear and this disease/disorder control you, control it. This may be an everyday battle for us, but hey, if we choose to fight back, then we’re winning it everyday. Together. You’re meant for greater things in this life than to live it in fear. I’m rooting for you.

“For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and sound mind.” USE IT.

2 Timothy 1:7

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Contact us at any time to share your story, for advice, or a listening ear.

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