Being a writer is wonderful, but being a writer with Epilepsy can sometimes be challenging.

I’ve had Epilepsy all my life, but at 18 it went from just being me staring off into space to me losing consciousness and convulsing. Though there is more to it than that, for me, it is like being electrocuted with a taser set on overload.

After a seizure I tend to have a hard time moving around and eating since all my muscles are stiff and sore on top of me always seeming to bite my tongue. And, I don’t mean like you bite your tongue when you bite wrong. I am talking about the type where it looks like my tongue was used as a punching bag.

As long as I take my meds, which I am struggling with since moving, keep stress down, and get enough sleep– since for me sleep deprivation is a mature factor in triggering a seizure–I am usually pretty good. Though once it hits, there isn’t much anyone can do other than try to make sure I am laying down and as comfortable as I can be and make sure I start snoring after it is over. I pity anyone near me after one of those since I sleep a good three hours after a seizure before coming to and snore much louder than normal.

When I wake up, I have a smoke, talk a bit, and have something to drink. I then tend to sleep for several hours after, though snoring quieter than right after a seizure. I struggle with insomnia at times and practically having Narcolepsy at the same time. It is basically a day to day thing on whether I am going to be high energy or comatose, though the meds and my diet have helped improve it.

I found out that the way I changed my diet was similar to a Keto Diet, which was originally designed to help those with Epilepsy. With that change, my memory has gotten a bit better along with my energy level (though I refuse to give up my caffeine).

It has helped give me a better perspective on things, though. I understand the despair someone with a chronic illness feels. Eventually, I just decided it could be worse, and that was going to be my motto going forward.

As long as I take my meds and eat right things go smoothly, though both could use some improving, I freely admit. It’s also made me realize that dealing with Epilepsy is a case-by-case basis, where what works for one person may not for another.

For instance, I know when my eyes start to feel a certain way, I need to take a break from whatever light source I am using, whether it is the computer or phone or tv and relax for a bit. Flashing lights for me are okay, though not for everyone so it is always good to ask someone you know with Epilepsy how they are affected by lights. Some lighting, though, in stores will affect my eyes, and then I know to step out of the store for a bit.

For some, it will be other things that trigger their seizures than what triggers mine. But, for me having my cat, Whoopster (I didn’t name him), has helped. Honestly, it is almost impossible to stay upset or stressed out when petting a cat. And, he is a welcome sight when waking up from a seizure as he is laying on my chest. Although once I wake up, he demands attention.

He also makes sure to be nearby when I am reading the news as well since he can tell it stresses me out at times, which is part of the reason I gave up watching the news on a regular basis. Reading the news helps enable me to manage my stress levels easier.

I’ve also learned that all I can really do is keep trying to put one foot in front of the other some days. I keep working at getting better, and slowly but surely it has happened. It will keep happening too, even with some setbacks. It is just a matter of taking the first step of not giving up for me. Then comes the hard work of doing what I am supposed to along with adjusting my lifestyle as I need to in order to be as healthy as possible.

I will overcome this and keep striving forward, that much I am sure of. Though there will be days that it feels like I am spinning my wheels in the mud. Those days I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and I know I will get there. Though hopefully not as one of those heads in a jar like on Futurama.

When diagnosed you have a choice: you can give up and let it define who you are. Or you can choose to not let it define who you are and keep trying to move forward. Though usually, it is a mix of the two at first. And, such as is in life there will be a lot of ups and downs along the way. For that, I recommend coffee and a good book. As long as you keep trying you will not be beaten by it.

*Tips his hat and walks out the door heading for a coffee shop*