Wow, I wish I'd participated in message boards years ago! This is exciting.
I just had brain surgery 3 months ago and I'm really psyched. I've had seizures all my life, really, but I was diagnosed at 19. So, I've had seizures for 15+ years. I had scar tissue removed from my right temporal lobe, and thus far, no seizures. I was diagnosed with complex partial seizures, but I've had grand mal and absence, and jacksonian (I think this is tonic clonic) seizures, too. Now I'm experience visual hallucinations, but this may just be an after effect of the surgery.
I am going through a major identity crisis now. I've always accepted the fact that I'd never drive, I shouldn't work, I shouldn't have children, etc. Now I see doors opening for me, and frankly, I'm scared to death.
Of course, I may continue to have seizures, and this doesn't really concern me. I joined the forum because my last batch of seizures -actually, status epilepticus - really scared me. I've been depressed and anxious since this episode; I'm suffering a bit from post traumatic syndrome (which I'm dealing with). I'm just interested in talking with and learning from others who have epilepsy.
I just had brain surgery 3 months ago and I'm really psyched. I've had seizures all my life, really, but I was diagnosed at 19. So, I've had seizures for 15+ years. I had scar tissue removed from my right temporal lobe, and thus far, no seizures. I was diagnosed with complex partial seizures, but I've had grand mal and absence, and jacksonian (I think this is tonic clonic) seizures, too. Now I'm experience visual hallucinations, but this may just be an after effect of the surgery.
I am going through a major identity crisis now. I've always accepted the fact that I'd never drive, I shouldn't work, I shouldn't have children, etc. Now I see doors opening for me, and frankly, I'm scared to death.
Of course, I may continue to have seizures, and this doesn't really concern me. I joined the forum because my last batch of seizures -actually, status epilepticus - really scared me. I've been depressed and anxious since this episode; I'm suffering a bit from post traumatic syndrome (which I'm dealing with). I'm just interested in talking with and learning from others who have epilepsy.
Yes, there are certain things like flying airplanes that we probably shouldn't do...but I don't think that we need to settle for second place lives and deny ourselves things like family, spouses, children, careers, etc. Each case is different...but humans are social creatures and need social and physical contact for a sense of emotional well being. There is so much that we can contribute to society. We just need to step up and do it. Myself, I have a wonderful husband, a baby on the way, a wonderful if slightly frustrating career, and have been blessed with a wonderful education and friends. It is time we step up and take our places in society. 