Don’t Let Epilepsy Hold You Back
By Andrew Harp
I was born in 1992 and have lived with epilepsy for most of my life. I was 9 years old when I first started showing signs of epilepsy, but it wasn't until I was 10 years old that I was officially diagnosed. I was outside and ended up having a tonic-clonic seizure. My mom took me to a local doctor, and they referred us to a child neurologist.
The doctor did the tests necessary to diagnose me with epilepsy. When I learned about all the things that I wouldn't be able to do, I was angry, upset, and scared. Most importantly, I felt alone.
Over the years, I have struggled to determine what I felt was the real trigger for my seizures. I think I finally realized that stress is my main trigger. The greater the stress I am under, the greater the chances that I would have a seizure.
I have always let my epilepsy hold me back from doing things I love to do. With support from my mom, dad, and wife, I have been able to overcome my fears and have done things that most people would shy away from.
You might feel alone if you have epilepsy, but you are not alone. There are people out there trying to spread awareness and help people with epilepsy. It also gives me hope that one day there will be a cure for epilepsy so other people do not have to experience what I have.
No matter how hard things are, keep pushing forward and never lose hope that you can do the things you want to do. Things can and will get better.
Reviewed By: Sara Wyen