Never Give Up Hope
My story started with a single tonic-clonic seizure when I was 17 years old. It was a very scary time for my entire family as we had not experienced a health crisis like it before. I was placed on a six-month trial of medication, and I only suffered one other minor absence seizure.
After six months, the neurologist told my parents that I likely “grew out of epilepsy” and could stop the medication, and I proceeded to live my life. I went on to graduate with a bachelor's and master’s degree in social work. I got married and I have two wonderful children.
Everything was great until epilepsy reared its ugly head again when I was 36 years old. This time, I was treatment-resistant. My family’s life was turned upside down, along with my career and my independence. I went through 15-20 medication combination trials, multiple injuries from drop seizures, a VNS placement, and finally, brain surgery that left me temporarily paralyzed on my left side.
I required six months of therapy after my surgery. My doctor was determined and convinced me to not give up hope. I ended up on disability for three years, which was horribly disappointing for me.
However, I have been seizure free almost seven months on a good combination of medication and a modified Atkins diet. I started a job for the first time in over three years providing therapy to compromised medical patients, as well as Veterans and first responders. My work as an Epilepsy Awareness Ambassador has also been very rewarding for me!
My message is to never give up hope. It is also important to have a great epileptologist that will work with you as a team and help you to remain positive throughout your experience.
Reviewed By: Sara Wyen