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Helping my brother cope...
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 10:31My brother Joseph (19) was dignosed with epilepsy a little over a year and a half ago. He still has problems admitting that he has it, and it's very hard for him to actually say the words, "I have epilepsy."
Over the last year and a half though, he was done a lot to help himself control his seziures. He exercises daily, eats healthy, and trys to get plenty of sleep. (the only problem with that is his meds make him have bad nightmares, every night.) Within the last five months my brother has lost around 55 pounds, and is more physcially fit than I have ever seen him in my life.
Joe is to the point in his epilepsy where hes still angry at all the stuff he can't and won't be able to do until his seziures are under control. My brother loves to cook, hunt, drive...and so much more, and I know he is frustrated that hes not allowed to do anything.
I want to let my brother know that it is alright that he has epilepsy, that he will be okay, and that he can still live his life. I just need help reassuring him that he will eventually be able to stand on his own to feet.
I love my brother Joseph very much, out of all five of us, we are the closest. Ever since he got disnosed, we have become even closer, and my brother is my best friend. He tells me all his thoughts, fears, and stories, and vice versa. I want to do everything possiable to help him through all of this.
Any advice on helping out my brother would be great.
Shenoah Norem
(16 yrs old)
Re: Helping my brother cope...
Submitted by CarolinaBrittany on Fri, 2009-01-23 - 18:48
I am 29 and had my first seizure at 3 days old.I am able to lead a normal life.Yes some things you can't do because of safety like driving.It's not the end of the world.Choosing between safety and getting somewhere I'd choose to be safe.There's always family,friends,and public transportation.I believe you can do anything you put your mind to.You just have to change how you do things.Modify your way of doing them.Many people with epilepsy go to college,have jobs,and raise families just like anybody else.I actually cook my own meals every night.It is not impossible.I have to live with my parents for safety reasons and because my seizures wipe me out and I cannot function after one.That results in me not holding a job.But I'm not everybody that's just my situation.Every person is different.Albert Einstein is said to have had epilepsy.Look at all he accomplished.I graduated from high school in 1998 and have cried and been upset too.I look at all my sister,brother,and classmates have achieved while I have achieved nothing but staying at home.But since I graduated technology and internet has opened alot of options.I may not be able to go off to college but these days there are online classes.He shouldn't concentrate on what he can't do.Think of all the things he can do.People will only be happy if they think of what they have and make the best of it instead of looking at what they don't have and wish they had more.He is very lucky to have you there for him.