Some Advice

Hi Staci I'm so sorry you're having such a tough time. This is the right place to look for support and ppl who will understand. I don't have epilepsy myself (my son does), but I know of the terrible feelings and pain you experience when ppl think there's always something wrong with you. I've been there my whole life. I was diagnosed with four incurable, but not terminal, diseases (Endometrioses, Gilbert's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastric Reflux, plus some kind of receptor problem in my brain which causes me to faint). And I was diagnosed only after school, while I've suffered their effects for about my whole life. I too always had to give excuses, feeling like everyone thinks I'm making it all up to get attention. Everyday a new problem. A new excuse. And while I SO much wanted to be normal and healthy, like everyone else. All I can tell you, is stick it out. It does get better after school. (I'm 15 years out of school now). And my life is WONDERFUL now. Except for my son's epilepsy. I've excepted my diseases, I'm controlling them as much as I can. And NO one tells me things like "there's always something wrong with you" anymore. In part because I can handle it now without anyone the wiser (something you CANNOT do in school), and partly because everyone else has something wrong with them too now. Or with their kids, etc. People learn and understand as they grow. Your friends and school mates will too. And they'll remember how they laughed, and they'll be embarressed. All you can do is keep your head high. You haven't done ANYTHING wrong. This is the hand that was dealt to you. It may not be what you would've chosen, and it may be difficult for the other kids to understand, but you have to keep going. You WILL handle it. You WILL go on. It's what humans do. Believe me, it DOES get better. SO much better. I still have all the diseases. I still have all their effects. But it's not my life anymore, like it was in school. It's a small part of me. And now everyone tells me : "Oh, now we understand". When they didn't, in those days. You will get there, believe me. Take care, and keep us posted, Essie (mom to Nian(5))

Staci I am sorry you have to go through this. It can be rough in school. I know I had some in school but never had a problem with the kids. When my kids were in grade school I decided I wanted to tell about epilepsy in their school just so I could help a child if they were going through a similar problem. It would be able to teach about epilepsy for about an hour for each class. I was afraid the kids would make fun of my children because I had epilepsy. But instead they said only positive things about me and what I taught to them. I would suggest talking with some of your teachers about how you are feeling or your counselors. Either you, your parents, teachers or counselor teach them. Get info from your local epilepsy foundation to help you gather pamphelets info, video tapes to help with your discussion. It truely will help you. Take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/

Staci I was in your exact position once but don't let others get you down. Do a speech on epilepsy to help others in your class become more knowledgeable about seizures and first aid. Remember people only judge others because of ignorance. I am not saying that having epilepsy is easy but it will be easier to handle once YOU fully understand the condition and can take a negative situation and switch it around into a positive one. I would recommend you become an advocate for epilepsy and once you are able to speak freely about your seizures to everyone this will help you get a handle on your life. I promise : ) Heather "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." Maya Angelou