5 years ago my life changed forever, I came down sick with a simple sinus infection. I thought I could treat it myself with over the counter drugs. I was wrong! it quickly turned into the deadly virus menigitis. After much therapy and hospital stays along with lots of medications and testings. And my gosh the spinal taps -- the pain was horrible. Although I lived through it all I was left with epilepsy as well as other minor side effects.

I used to work for our local electric company reading meters. I couldn't even keep numbers straight anymore, I was forced out of working after I seized and tetered my company work truck over the edge of a cliff while reading an oil well rig meter. The seizures came more often and more powerful as time went by. After several tries with medications my doctor was finally able to find a combination of medications that worked fairly well.

My husband moved us to a one-story ranch floor plan house from our 3 story townhouse so I would be more able to travel from room to room safer. I was no longer able to drive,and sleep came rare and only for a couple of hours at a time since I was seizing at night in my sleep. My 11- year-old son grew up very quickly and became my babysitter. Although it wasn't fair to him he never minded one bit nor complained ever.

There came times that I felt I was losing my mind with each uncontrollable episode. I still, to this day, live my life as though I live in a glass house. Ever so careful of where and what I am doing. Yes my medications work, but there are times when breakthroughs happen and the side effects like stomach cramps just get so depressing. I now shop in stores with my husband at 3 and 4 in the morning just to avoid crowds of people and public viewing. It's embarrasing when it happens in front of strangers. The last place I ever thought I would have a seizure was in church but it happened. Although my fellow members were so very affectionate and understanding it still doesn't change the fact that my dress ended up over my head and my bodily functions well you know...Sorry don't mean to get graphic, but it's a part of life now and I have to deal with it

I had to have teeth pulled and reconstruction on jaw from hitting a door knob as I went down near the kitchen of my own home... the one place I still feel the safest. And swimming. Oh how I miss swimming, but it's no longer something an epleptic should do... I thank god for my doctors, my family and my friends what few I have left from lack of socializing anymore. And I thank god I'm alive. I know some epilepsy patients can live perfectly normal lives and go on about everything without problem, and I am so happy for those survivors. I have relearned to work those parts of my brain that were affected by the virus in most way but the challenges are ongoing and the limitations do keep my family and I on our toes... my advice to those of you with this problem: please don't ever stop taking your meds just because you think you feel better and can live without them, it's those wonderful doctors and medications making you feel that way. And find replacements for your limitations don't just sit there and feel worthless like I did, get up and find something that works for you! Talk to people and find a mentor... although I live my life as sheltered and safe as I can I still find therapeutic things to help me heal. I miss driving, swimming, horse back riding, working, and life without so many darn pills, but I have a life and it sure is worth living. God bless all of my fellow epilepsy patients...and keep working towards your comfort zone... its there!

Thanks for reading,

Jami