This post is part of the Epilepsy Blog Relay™which will run from March 1 through March 31. Follow along and add comments to posts that inspire you! Siblings are so often the unseen victims of epilepsy with it affecting their lives almost as much as the person with epilepsy. They are also the unsung heros of those living with the condition, so for this post today I look at how it affects the lives of those who are a sibling to someone with epilepsy and sing the praises of this superstar group of people. I dedicate this post to my own hero my little sister Steph. Our story: Steph The day I had my first seizure even as young as she was there was a shift in my relationship with my little (and only) sister. Those eyes that up until then only idolised me now watched me like a hawk, she was frightened, and that watchful gaze is something that even now I am 30 hasn’t changed. If there is a hint of me feeling unwell I can feel my sisters eyes burning into me, watching and waiting for the tell tale signs of a seizure so that she can be first there, the one to comfort and protect me. I have lost count of the times I have regained consciousness and she is sat beside me on the floor wherever we may have been like it’s the most normal thing in the world to be hanging out on the floor. She tells me that she doesn’t think it changed anything, because to her this is all she has ever known and she says that she thinks Mum and Dad shielded her well from it when she was younger. For her it was when the epilepsy returned that she really remembers things (I had seven years seizure free, I was 21 and she was 18 when it returned), she felt that it brought us closer because she understood it more as an adult and in turn wanted to protect me in any way she could. Whilst writing this Steph told me the most scared she has ever been was when I was pregnant and had a seizure and fell down the stairs at the tube station, she said it left her feeling helpless. She also added no matter how many times it happens that it never gets any easier seeing me like it but she knows I will always come out fighting. She plays a huge role in Noahs life because she knows better than anyone that sometimes I just need sleep or I am at risk of a seizure and she has stepped in so many times to give me a hand with Noah but she says its never a chore because he is her nephew, sometimes without me even saying she asks to have him and it’s the much needed recharge I need. For me its peace of mind that Noah is with the other half of me (because to me Steph really is part of me) for her it’s the peace of mind that I get the rest so sleep deprivation doesn’t trigger a seizure. In so many ways she became the big sister, I need her to look after me. I asked others to share their stories with me and this is a combination of sibling stories and parents telling me about younger children to see what the most reoccurring themes are in ways siblings are affected by the epilepsy, I will look at both the positive and the negative. The first and most obvious negative is that the siblings have all witnessed seizures, and this is something that has affected all the siblings I have spoken to and obviously, all have said how distressing they found it and how hard it was especially the first time. The follow on to this is some went on to say that they felt their sibling with epilepsy got more attention and they were ignored, the parents I spoke to reported on how difficult it is to balance time between the two. IN younger children parents told me that the children saw the child with epilepsy getting time off school, being rewarded for being brave during tests etc and saw it as unfair and special treatment, this was something that eased off from those I spoke to when the siblings were old enough to understand why these things were happening. Another common theme was how difficult it is to live with somebody who is moody, aggressive or acting out of characters either because of the medication and/or seizure activity. Again this was more so a problem for young children, because they would wind up the sibling they would react and then both would end up in trouble. Epilepsy affects all the family in that arrangements are cancelled/cut short or affected and at least half of those I spoke to said they had been resentful of this at times. Surprisingly a large proportion of those I spoke to said their biggest problem wasn’t their sibling having a seizure but the constant fear that it would happen was what affected them most. As I said I also wanted to look at the positives, because siblings play such a huge role in the lives of those with epilepsy. Siblings talked of opportunities that may have never arisen had it not been for the epilepsy, specialist nurses organising trips for families and so on. The praise heaped on the siblings by those with epilepsy was never ending, one parent summed it up perfectly and said “ I think it makes the siblings far more understanding, tolerant and empathetic towards/of other people” and this was something that was echoed by others. Almost everybody I spoke to spoke of how in many ways the epilepsy had made them closer and strengthened their bond, with those with epilepsy often stating they looked after themselves better in order to be well for their siblings. Those who were older talked as I did of how the younger sibling became the older carrying a level of responsibility beyond their years and it gave them a new respect for them and helped them become friends as well as family. The sacrifices made by the siblings helped those with epilepsy be more confident and calm. The major reoccurring theme in the positives was that the siblings never treated them any differently because of the epilepsy and on that I will leave the final word to my sister…“ With or without epilepsy you are my sister and that will never change. I love you for you.” To all the siblings of those with epilepsy let me say THANK YOU, you are so often our biggest champions and protectors and we appreciate everything you do. Contact me: Twitter: @fairyfaye1986 Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/739520702798749/ NEXT UP: Be sure to check out the next post tomorrow at http://www.epilepsydad.com/ for more on epilepsy awareness. For the full schedule of bloggers visitlivingwellwithepilepsy.com. And don’t miss your chance to connect with bloggers on the #LivingWellChat on March 31 at 7PM ET.
7 Comments
kim park
8/8/2017 09:51:30 am
THANKS TO DR EWOIG FOR CURING MY SON
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tamara barrow
22/2/2021 03:21:32 pm
I was diagnosed of herpes 3 years, and ever since then i have been taking treatment to prevent outbreaks, burning and blisters, but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr. VOODOO on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which i took according to his instructions for up to 2 weeks. After completing the medication i went back to my doctor for another test and the virus was all gone and i was completely cured, since then i have not had any signs of outbreak. I'm so filled with joy. With herbal medication Herpes Virus is 100% curable. I refer Dr VOODOO to everyone out there with the virus Email: [email protected] Add Dr voodoo on whatsApp +2348140120719
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kim park
8/8/2017 09:52:40 am
THANKS TO DR EWOIG FOR CURING MY SON
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jimm nancy
13/7/2018 02:17:08 pm
My son started having seizures, he had his first seizure at 6 year within 12 hours We spent 6 days in the hospital where different doctors looking at different things couldn’t agree on why he suffered a seizure… He has had genetic tests including a muscle biopsy. I used to wonder why my son were getting so many vaccinations shots at such a young age, Still the doctors wouldn’t admit it was the vaccination shots. After his 2nd seizure I wouldn’t allow my son to be vaccinated anymore but I believe the damage is done. It was during a casual conversation with a friend that I learned about Doctor Lawson Bryan i was so glad to know him on how his herbal product work, I contacted Lawson and explain everything to him and make purchase of his product. few days later i received the herbal medicine my son used it for 3 mouths i notice improvement in less than a month my son was totally cured of seizure now he have not experience any sign of seizure. Contact doctor Lawson Bryan on this 979 475-5130 or e-mail dr.lawson52@ gmail. com.
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Richard Paul
26/9/2018 10:04:52 pm
I've had epilepsy since before my teens and am now over 46. I'm married with four lovely daughters, have had fancy jobs, such as Design Manager at Oxford University Press, and am allowed to drive.This got me worried because i have a bright future that i do not want epilepsy to become a hindrance, i tried several doctors in Texas and none could help with an effective cure. I went on the internet and saw testimonies about a treatment for epilepsy which a doctor offered and i was interested, i got in contact with him and i was able to get the medicine for my self which i used for 2 months as he instructed and it has been over 5 months now i am doing fine without any allergies or aftermath effects. If you are suffering problem try to reach him too on via drlewishill247 @ gmail. com
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caroline scott
5/11/2018 11:57:02 pm
i’m indeed very happy for the great help that Dr. Godwin rendered to me, I am here to give my testimony about a doctor who helped me in my life. I and my husband was infected with epilepsy last 4 years ago, we went to many hospitals for cure but there was no solution, on till one faithful day , we saw a blog where by Dr. Godwin cured a woman who also had epilepsy affection,we (Me and My HUSBAND) decided to contact him which we did, he asked us to buy some items, unfailingly we sent him the money he will need in buying the items required , He caste the spell and sent me some herbs. He asked me to go for check-up after 3 mouths of casting the spell, Luckily for me we were tested epilepsy negative, now I believe all these Testimonies about him on the internet, he is truly a great man, if you are going through the same problem and you need help you can contact the great Herbalist ([email protected]) or call +2349063798253
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thomas janice
23/11/2018 01:34:59 pm
My son is 13 and has been diagnosed with a rare form absence status epilepsy. His seizures show no symptoms until the seizure has lasted for hours! The only warning we had was he started acting only tired at first then gradually he started acting confused and from there for 24 hours he didn't know what year it was, where he went to school, or even what grade he was in etc. his motors skills were perfect and he talked to everyone normal the entire time, he just couldn't answer certain questions. The hospital kept him overnight and gave him fluids and in 24 hours he slowly started remembering and they said he was good and sent us home. We know now that he was having a constant seizure the ENTIRE TIME of his confusion! Almost 3 months later he begins having the same symptoms when I woke him up for his 2nd day of school. we are sent for an EEG, which revealed at 10 am he was actually having what the neurologist referred to as the worst EEG he had seen) we then were sent to a different children's hospital where they observed him until 8:00pm, all this time my son passes every test, he is talking and his motor skills are completely normal! They finally begin his EEG around 9:00pm. It reveals he is still in seizure! They are blown away. Say they have never seen an absence case like his and they quickly gave him a big dose of adavan which immediately stops the seizure and he is able to regain his memory immediately. Does anyone have a child who has these same symptoms? His neuro doctor ordered a brain glucose test, but when we went for a follow up last week they said the test had been canceled and they had no idea what happened? When I asked if they were going to draw his blood and re do the test, they said that his medicine was controlling the seizures so far so they didn't feel the need to do the test! I need advice and some direction. I searched further; visited epilepsy websites, blogs. I find info about someone having the same symptoms. I was really determined. Fortunately for me, I stumbled on a testimony of someone who had epilepsy for several years and was cured through Herbal medication. I read awesome stories of people whose condition were worse. I was not a fan of Herbal Medication, because I once believed that they have not researched it enough. But due to numerous testimonies I was more than willing to try it…. I contacted the doctor, and my son used the herbal medication. It became a miracle for my son free from rare form absence status epilepsy within 3 months. The herbal medication worked without any trace of side effects on my son…. totally free. I decided to share my son story to tell people out there, that there is a hope for those with epilepsy using herbal medicine, and anyone who suffers from seizures can be cured.
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AuthorMy names Faye, mostly known for being a tea addict, swimmer and now Paralegal and part time student. I'm 36, married and I had my 1st (and only) child in June 2015. Oh and I also happen to have epilepsy. This is my story of Pregnancy, Motherhood & Epilepsy and the voice I have become for those with epilepsy. Archives
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