This is a short
story about my myself and my experiences as an Epileptic patient
suffering from Complex Partial seizures.
I was a happy
go-lucky child right from the beginning. I had always dreamt
of becoming something extraordinary, but fate willed otherwise.
In the year 1995 there was a sudden twist to my playful and
that was Epilepsy. Initially I never knew that I was suffering
from epilepsy because the attacks were minor and I never lost
consciousness nor did I fall down. The only thing that used
to happen was to stare at whatever I saw without blinking. This
was not known to my parents, as I myself never knew that his
was Epilepsy. But one fine day in November 95 my father himself
saw this when we were dining together, I was then taken to my
doctor. After a few tests he diagnosed that I had Epilepsy.
As the days
passed the attacks became more pronounced where I used to lose
consciousness and fall down. Soon I was taken to NIMHANS and
was referred to some well-known Neurologists. In spite of all
these I attended my plus two classes without any hesitation
or fear. Even though, there were many attacks during class hours,
there was nothing to worry , as my classmates never felt bad
about this nor did they stay away from me. One thing I observed
during such attacks was that, people around used to give keys
or insert a metal spoon into my mouth. One thing I wish to say
to an Epileptic Patient or their parents is that no one can
prevent or stop attacks by such measures. I have told many people
not to do this to me when I had attacks. In my case medicines
were of very little help, in spite of my taking them regularly
for over 5 years. My doctor had come to the conclusion that
surgery was the only way out, and as a result, I was admitted
to NIMHANS on 4th January 2001. Before the surgery underwent
various tests such as EEG, MRI, Video-Telemetry, Neuropsychology
etc etc. After this, the surgeon operated upon me on 1st February
2001. After the healing of the wound the stitches were removed
and I was discharged soon. The moment I came out of the hospital
I felt a great sigh of relief and everything seemed fresh and
new to me after a gap of nearly 5 ½ yrs. I really wish
to say that surgery has changed my life completely and has put
me back into my original life after 5 ½ yrs of suffering.
In fact I had never though that surgery. In fact I had never
even thought that surgery would be of such a great help to me.
Though I continue to take medicines, none of my family members
are worried about me as they know that I am completely free
from epilepsy and I am continuing medicines only because of
the doctor's advise. Presently I am not taking medication for
epilepsy and know that I will stop it in about a year or so.
Finally I would like to convey some important points to epileptic
patients, which I learnt from the Epilepsy Association
.
Source : Indian Epilepsy
Association, Newsletter - Bangalore Chapter (Oct 2001)
