Sharing My Story to Educate Others
By Cheri Compton
My son was 5 years old when he witnessed my first tonic-clonic seizure. After I came to, I heard him yelling, "Mom!" I was 28 years old at the time and finishing my bachelor’s degree in business administration. After my second tonic-clonic seizure, I was told I had epilepsy.
I was shocked, and I didn't know what to think. It was difficult to move forward, but I tried my best.
I had a resection in 2016 which stopped the seizures that left me conscious-impaired. However, the focal unaware seizures and auras continued. Then, in 2019, I had a neurostimulation procedure.
One of the most painful things I experienced was being escorted from my boys' school during parent-teacher conferences after I had a seizure. Even though the teacher knew I had epilepsy as I had previously explained how they manifested, I was told I could not see my other son's teacher that day.
Despite all the challenges I have faced, my biggest worry, however, is making sure my children have a happy life.
It can be incredibly difficult to live with epilepsy or to care for someone with epilepsy. Unfortunately, my focal unaware seizures have only worsened. My epileptologist and I continue to work together to find a solution for seizure control. In the meantime, I volunteer at my children’s school to add value to my life and to give back. Through it all, I explain my story and use it as an opportunity to educate others.
Reviewed By: Sara Wyen