How I Succeed Despite the Limits of Epilepsy

It has been hard to accept that I have had epilepsy for a long time. I became ashamed of my disability as soon as I found out about people’s reactions. People get freaked out when they see me convulse. Once they witness it, they start to avoid me. I am scared to stay alone with my kids. I had one incident where I stayed home with my son, and he saw me convulse. When I woke up, he was scared to get close to me but as he got older, he better understood my condition. 

Having epilepsy limits me from doing a lot of things, and I hate how it interferes with my memory. Most times when I have a seizure, I forget everything I have done the day. I once had a seizure when I was leaving work. The next thing I knew, I woke up a block away from my job and I was bleeding from my head. I returned to work, cleaned my face, and walked back outside when an ambulance stopped me. They told me they were looking for me and explained I was hit by a car. I once had a seizure when I was riding my electric bike to work when I woke up in a hospital bed in a lot of pain. They explained to me I had run into a car. I had bruised my face and broken five facial bones. Due to these experiences and more like them, I am often afraid to walk outside by myself.

My biggest challenge has been feeling like a burden to others. It has been very hard to get a job with epilepsy, and I have been denied many jobs because of my condition. I have had jobs notice my condition after hiring me and try to get rid of me or limit my hours, but I cannot give up because of that. I have found it helps to accept epilepsy and the limitations that come with it. It is hard to accept, but it is best for others’ well-being and my own. I do not want to hurt anyone else.

I have overcome my negative experiences with the help of my supportive wife who helps my self-esteem. She has helped me not to be ashamed, accept who I am, and acknowledge my limitations. She has encouraged me to continue my journey, and I know she will be by my side regardless of my condition. I have found that true lifelong friends will come when I need them most and accept me for who I am too.

I am sharing my story because I feel that it is hard to live with epilepsy because of how you are looked at. I pray and hope that my story motivates someone else. Never give up because nothing is wrong with you. Yes, some people will look at you differently, but you are normal like everyone else. You can do anything you set your mind to!