It is often said that when you start getting negative thoughts, you should consciously bring to mind pleasant experiences. I just have to think of members of our support group Samoan and I am filled with joy.

My life, with active epilepsy , has been very painful. Since childhood ( 2.5 yrs) I have been having seizures. At one time, I used to get 15 - 16 complex partial seizures a day. When I was studying in the 8th standard I had a severe attack in school and was immediately admitted to a Nursing Home where I had a CT Scan , X - ray, EEG and MRI. All reports were normal . Then I had the tension of appearing for the 10th Board exam. With a lot of effort I cleared this exam and started a degree course in Commerce. I could not cope with the same as the medium was English and I come from a Marathi speaking background. I then learnt typing, fabric painting and flower making.

I got to know about the Support Group Saman from Dr. P U Shah. I joined it immediately and then started gaining confidence in myself. At first, mom used to accompany me to the E-cell our epilepsy center. After she saw others with epilepsy traveling on their own, I too was given permission. I always carry an identity card and that has helped whenever I was on my own and had a seizure. Samoan members are most supportive of my work. I get orders for cards and flowers from doctors as well as other members. Our motto ' God helps those who help themselves ' is a constant reminder to keep putting in effort, to help myself.

Fortunately since July 2001 my seizures have stopped something my family would never have imagined, but hoped for, at the time I was getting 15 seizures a day. I do feel that epilepsy in my life has a purpose. After all, I would not have met wonderful people like Dr. Pravina Shah and Dr.Rash Shah, If it weren`t for epilepsy ! I think of them and my heart fills with love !.

Source : Sharing Experiences of Epilepsy with You, Aug 28, 2004. Taiwan