My Experience (My Experience of Epilepsy)

Name: gemrichardson

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Product:	My Experience of Epilepsy
Date:	19.02.08 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Doesn't affect day to day life much

Disadvantages: Would rather not have it

Before you read this and assume you or someone you know as epilepsy, please please note that this condition varies from person to person and can only be properly diagnosed by a doctor. This is my personal experience of epilepsy.

I am a 22 year old woman and was only diagnosed last year at the age of 21 that I had this condition. I had suffered for ten years prior to this of severe migraines and was always off school and attending regular tests etc at the doctors as the severity grew. I was given tablets to stop the pain but nothing ever seemed to stop the actual migraine from occuring.

Last year, one Monday morning in December, I got up for work as usual, went downstairs only to feel extemely sick. I felt very heavy and exhausted all of a sudden. I went back upstairs and went to the bathroom and basically collapsed next to the toilet. Bearly having the energy I shouted for my mum. She came with her boyfriend who by the time they got there had to wake me up. They picked me up and put me to bed and I slept for 14 hours before waking up.

I felt very unwell the following days and eventually went to the doctors. After this I was sent for endless amounts of blood tests and urine samples were taken etc but they were not sure what it was.

I have private medical insurance with my work so went through them and had a MRI scan, another blood test and a ECG which concluded I had a very mild form of epilepsy.

During this time I had to have three months off work although I only passed out a total of three times but couldn't travel to work for safety reasons as I commute to London every day.

I have on a very low dose of tablets which I take three times daily and funnily enough - I haven't had a single migraine since!! Thats not to say to those who are reading this that migraines mean you have epilepsy. In my case it meant that.

Since then I have had two passings out but my family, friends and work colleagues all know how to look after me which is very important and after a couple of days I feel in tip top shape again!

The only way it affects my day to day life is that I am very light sensitive and don't like flashing lights. As these appear few and far between, this is easily combated.

If you have any worries or concerns regarding epilepsy in yourself or someone you know, please contact a doctor and speak to them about these concerns. The doctor will be able to help and advise you.

Summary: Speak to a doctor