Hi guys, I want to try out something a friend of mine suggested. Healthy mind, healthy body. Power of thinking positive. So, I want everyone to talk about how E has positively affected their lives. I know you all are thinking, "She's nuts. How can this be positive?" But I'm gonna try, and I'll be the first. No snickering behind my e-back. Here goes:

If I didn't have epilepsy, I wouldn't have ended up on this page and met all of you!

Please someone reply. My friend truly believes in this and I don't want to be a dork alone!

Piano

Ok Piano,

I'll be a dork with you.... it has made me look at how ignorant people can truely be. I feel we all have been given something no matter the handicap.. but people look at people still in the year 2002 as "freaks" it's not our ignorance it's theres http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hugs
Koko

I'll be the 3rd dork here! I allways knew that Mark & I had a special realationship but if I had never began having these seizures I would have never know just how special I truely am to him. He takes such good care of me & I get really down at times since I have lost my job & he has been so supportive & tells me he loves it that he has a "housewife" & he thinks I am actually less stressed since I have been off of work. Piano, I think this is the best post yet! You are truely going to make a difference by asking us to join you in this quest & I think it is great. Thank you so very much. You have just made my day a brighter one!
Big hug to you!
Kim

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Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a GIFT, that it is why it is called the present.

[This message has been edited by Ksavage (edited 05-09-2002).]

welllllll,
Since aquiring epilepsy,It really has sorted the wheat from the chaff.No one came rallying round,not just so called friends,but family included.I suppose It's a positive as I know where I stand lol.One more thing,It meant I could finnish working In a dangerous environment,climbing cranes,crawling through manholes,climbing In boiler's,repairing the tea urn in the canteen....ha.
garry

I've come up with another one. It has gotten my a$$ into gear. I know I'm not gonna die from it tommorrow or anything, but I usually feel sick, so when I do feel better, instead of just wasting my time, I accomplish things. I do those puzzles I've had in the closet for years, I go out to lunch with friends I haven't seen in months, and I take my dogs for walks. Which they love me even more for! Man, I love those dogs!

You guys are awesome!

Piano

Come on guys! Lets hear some more! This is fun & I have been checking the board more often in hopes of finding another post! Another one I thought of was that I have a huge garden now! I never had the time to mess with a garden when I was working! I cannot wait until everything starts blooming! YUMMY!
Hugs to you all!
Kim http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Well, let me think here. I know its (epilepsy) has given me an empathy I never had, and possibly wouldn't have had, at least to the extent I do. For 20 years I worked as a nurse in the health care field, and my having epilepsy allowed me to see my patients overcoming obstacles in their paths, and to encourage them in their struggles. I see more than epilspy as an obstacle; there are many roadblcks to physical and/or emotional well-being. I guess we teach a bit of what we want/need to learn, eh?

Now, unemployed, and hoping I am granted another glorious 20 years, I reflect back to how cavaleerly (sp?) I spent those glorious 20 years, after seizures got under control in 1978 ('life' for me did't start until 30 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif ) , and I'm now 50.

I also realized tht there are others who have it harder than me. Yep, I take a bunch of pills a day, and in spite of right now being a terrible transition, I've heard the stories, that tell me that others have a harder walk to follow than I. Hopefully this current trend is only a chink in the armor!

Annie http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Rey (edited 05-10-2002).]

Hey Annie http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Can I ask why you are unemployed? is it because of the seizures? or did you get layed off? I don't want to be nosey but there are a few of us who have lost jobs because of the seizures (which should have never happened).....


Hugs
Koko

Well I would try it but I haven't had a sezuire in over 2 years, but i am still taking meds. for it. I might be getting off the meds at the end of this month.

well i am brave enough to reply http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif.....i am 16 and i had a seizure like 2 days ago (in school) so all of my friends saw it and knew about it.......and i came back to school today and i relized how many people really did care for me.....and they told me that they have never seen anything like that and no matter what happens to me they would still love me! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif.......thanks! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif bye ya'll!
amanda

You guys are awesome! But c'mon, there have to be more people out there, too. I am so thankful for fresh cucumbers from my mom's garden. Now, that might not have to do with E, but Ksavage talking about a garden made me think of it! Mmm mmm. So much better than store bought ones.

Piano

amanda!!!
i need someone like you help my best friend, he is so depressed and wont leave his house. please reply
Renai

Hi All,
I also want to thank Piano for allowing us to think in positive terms as far as Epilepsy is concerned....because it's not easy! I am thankful that I have a very supportive husband and three great sons. My poor hubbie was so sure I was dying during my first seizure that he sat screaming for help from anyone driving by (we were in the car on the way to the hospital.) I had been feeling "wierd", then couldn't communicate, so he called my Doc., and was told to take me to the E.R. While walking to the car, I lost my ability to control my legs, so he had to touch each one (leg) and tell me to move it. About ten miles down the road I began to have a grand mal, totally out of the blue (first ever.) Luckily, a passer-by had a cell phone and called an ambulance. To this day, my husband can't wear the shirt he was wearing that day. We've struggled with numerous medical tests, my inability to drive in a rural area, another seizure, and a change in my employment status, and he has been a Saint! He says, "it's what you do when you love someone." My eyes have been opened to the level of love, devotion and caring he has for me. My three sons have been wonderful about chauffeuring me as well, and I realize how lucky I am. The only reason I have had to cut down on my work schedule is because of the driving thing, since I can't guarantee being reliable. I have expanded my flower gardens, and enjoy being home. All in all, I am more aware of the support of family and friends, and that is a priceless gift. Thanks again Piano, for reminding us of the positive side of Epilepsy.

You all are great http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif and to hear the story from Krazy is sweet.. your very lucky to have a family that cares.. alot of people don't have that hon treasure it.. but we all have a family here too and to me thats special http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif I have never met so many wonderfull people to share my lifes stories with I am honoured to know each and everyone of you... Thank you for being friends


Hugs
Koko

I love you guys!

Piano

AWWWWWWW......we love you too Piano! Thanks again for this post! I look forward to reading it everyday! Come on guys! Theree has to be moore we can think of!
My husband even had one of his own......he says that when I was working I was always so tired that we would just "grab something for dinner" & now that I am home full time he comes home everynight to a good home cooked meal! HE LOVES THAT! That is a good one too because I love to cook & now feel like doing it, where as before I never got the chance.
Keep your wheels turnin & lets think of some more!
Big hugs to you all!
Kim http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

------------------
Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a GIFT, that it is why it is called the present.

What a wonderful idea!!!!!!

Although I have days when I'm so depressed I can't stand myself, I have noticed a difference in myself. I stop and smell that flower! I don't tend to bet around the bush anymore. And I thank God for everyday that he gives me! So much was taken for granted before I became sick, not anymore.

Here is something I think we can all appreciate:

There is a bank that credits your
account each morning with $86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day.
Every evening deletes whatever part of the
balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do? Draw out ALL OF IT, of
course!!!!!!

Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME.
Every morning, it credits you with 86,400
seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost,
whatever of this you have failed to invest to good
purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows
no overdraft.

Each day it opens a new account for you.
Each night it burns the remains of the day.
If you fail to use the day's deposits, the
loss is yours.

There is no going back. There is no
drawing against the "tomorrow."
You must live in the present on today's
deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the
utmost in health, happiness, and success!
The clock IS running. Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR,
ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH,
ask a mother who gave birth to a premature
baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK,
ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR,
ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE,
ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE-SECOND,
ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND,
ask the person who won a silver medal in the
Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And
treasure it more because you shared it with
someone special, special enough to spend your
time.

And remember that time waits for no one.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift. That's why it's called the
present!!!

A friend sent this to me and it has really had a big impact on me and I wanted to share it! Take care!

That really makes you think about alot doesn't it? Thanks for sharing that, it is very inspiring & the last of it is a lot like my favorie quote!
Have a great day everyone!
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
Kim

------------------
Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a GIFT, that it is why it is called the present.

Thank you, Lisa. That applies so well here. You know, this sounds sick, but no matter how bad we feel, we can be assured that there's someone out there who has it worse than us. But E has taught me empathy, more than I ever think I could have learned on my own.

Piano

Hello everyone...

I'm new here and newly dxed. I am scared and feel pretty alone right now. Will be having a 48 hour EEG done next week and really frightened.

Trying hard to find the silver lining here....suppose it could be that with out this, I probably wouldn't be reaching out....which is hard in itself for me to do.

You all seem like a great bunch of people...been reading the posts.

Take care all...

------------------
Trish

hello Trish,
Welcome to the board!!,I think we all know what you are going through,I suspect most here have gone through or are going through the same proceedure you mentioned....eeg,etc.I have had an eeg, a cat scan,and they wanted me to have an mri,but I was told because of a piece of steel In my eye they wouldn't do It.So don't feel lonely and try not to be afraid I have temporal lobe epilepsy and It takes a lot of effort on my part to make contact with anybody,but these guy's are great and I know they will make you feel welcome,you will soon be conversing with a great bunch of people.Anyway I aren't a doctor,but I must say I have learned more from the people here than any hospital or clinic I've been to...welcome Trish.
Garry

Am getting confused by all your stories but getting a feel for your names and personalities. Admit this is becoming a warm and fuzzy place to come to at the end of each day....
Epilepsy has made our family more thankful of every single day...we take NOTHING for granted.
Our son wants to be a doctor.
Beth is like a litmus test...we can tell how nice someone is just by the way they act toward her.

We have fun at our house...nothing is too weird. We dance, sing, run out to the hot tub naked (when the kids aren't looking.) We have inside jokes and laugh almost constantly at the stupid things in life.

We are very aware of how precious life is...and that is the bottom line!
God Bless you one and all.
Thank you for making this a wonderful place for all who enter.If no medical advances are made due to our networkingk, at least we are lifting up the human spirit.
THANK YOU PIANO for thinking of this topic!
Marilyn

What's with this board? I can only get the 1st page! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif I need this you guys! HELP!
Kim

Aww, Beth's Mom finally has a name! Marilyn...I like that.

Ksavage, not sure what your issue is with the pages. Can anyone help her?

Piano

Oh, yeah, speaking of help, have learned to appreciate that more too!

How epilepsy is positive...oh, goodness. Well, after being diagnosed, I realized who my true and loyal friends were. Epilepsy is definetely a way to immediately toss out the ignorant and close-minded. "Nice to meet you. I have epilepsy. Wait..where ya going? Oh, right, I've now been labeled a freak."
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif :P
Seriously, though. I love and cherish those around me so much more now because epilepsy made me realize just how much I took for granted in life. Also, instead of just going through life "working to earn money to eat to live," I now plunge myself into many different things. Like Ksavage, I started a garden..mine were flowers, though. Um...I just plant things every few weeks, though 'cuz they keep dying. :P
I also do anything I can to help my friends and family. After all they've done for me, it's the least I can do. It makes me feel so good...warm and fuzzy.

The most important thing - e has made me more open minded to EVERYTHING. Nothing is 'weird' to me now - if someone has a seizure I can help instead of gawk and stare...

I'm more educated and more willing to become educated about e, but about all other disorders - and I don't single people out for there faults or 'strange'ness - I single them out for their accomplishments.

I hate E with a passion - but it's done a world of good for me as far as acceptance goes.

Kaitie
Skater4Life

Piano - Speaking of names...is that your real name...it's really cute and easy to remember.

No, not really my real name, wish it was, tho. I play piano, so that's where I got it from. Piano is what everyone online knows me by.

Piano

Hey Lisa T
I like your message as one who had E out of the blue
you learn to take every day as a gift I have been
seizure free for approx 2 years but am aware it could
happen at any time . This board is a god send I don't
have a computer so I access it through my work Let
everbody have a safe Memorial Day weekend
Peace
Pacemaker

OK everyone! Let's keep it up, we were all doing so well & we lost track. Lets give the new people some encouraging reading & show them that not all bad comes with E http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif

Wishing you all a happy & seizure free day!
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Kim http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

------------------
Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a GIFT, that it is why it is called the present.

I have had epelepsy for 20 years, my parents made me believe it was normal, so I never had a negative outlook on it. Until the day I had a few seizures at school and kids made fun of me. My older brother would imitate what I looked and sounded like in front of our friends and family.
What epelepsy has done for the good of me...I would say I learned how to laugh at myself, I've gained strength, and I depend on God for control of my mind and body, stop fighting what I cant have myself. I don't like to see epelepsy as anything other then it is who I am. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
heather

You find HEROS in places you would never look for one!!!

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif Lisa

I'm baaaaack! Okay, I've been gone too long and this thread has sat idle for even longer. I'm just going to start listing things I'm grateful for, regardless of E. Here goes:

my family, boyfriend included
my dogs
stars
biscuits and gravy (well, gravy on anything)
Bette Midler, Tori Amos, and Annie Lennox
toilet paper
the roof over my head (and over my t.p.)
sex
sweatpants, 'cause they're oh-so-comfy

Hopefully some of my old board buddies are still here, and maybe some newbies will chime in!

Piano

Hey Piano....WELCOME BACK, especially to this posting. Here's my thankful list:
New (and MUCH improvved) seizure specialist
My husband, three sons and daughter-in-law
My gardens (although covered by a few feet of snow)
Chocolate
My comfy couch throw (soft and cuddly)
Warm slippers
Flowers from my hubby (just because)
This board http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hugs to all, Kathy

Hi there!
I am thankful for 2 healthy kids a wonderful husband and an extended family that is always there when you need them regardless of any ill feelings of the past. Just glad it's me and not my kids.

I am thankful for my 2 wonderful kids....... my husband and family who have been there and held me up in the moments that i fell. (I became very depressed when I was first diagnosed) I am thankful for the "wake up" call I got. I'll admit I was one of them ppl we all hate. The ones that judge you for your illness. I was very ignorant to many things. And I am VERY thankful my eyes are open and I can embrase(spelling?) all things. I have learned to roll with things, but not take anything for granted. Somethings can't be controlled but thats ok. (I was always upset when things didn't go the way I planned). I am in some way actually thankful now that this has happened. It has helped in many ways....... I could deal w/o the seizures though http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

Kathy--how could I forget chocolate? Especially Hershey's Special Dark. And all things saltwater (I mean in my tank).

Well, having a special needs daughter who seizures daily, has kept our family grounded. Rebecca constantly reminds us and our neighbors and her caregivers and whoever is in contact with her that it is the simple things in life that matter - like unconditional love and commitment - when we see her seizure - we learn that if she can get right back up and carry on in life - than so can we.........my heart goes out to all of you and your caregivers, family and friends..........Paula

OOOOHHH Piano...Hershey's Special Dark!?! How sinful. How about chocolate covered cherries!?! The hell with worrying about epilepsy....we can even have peace in the world if everyone shared their chocolate! :roundandround: Hugs, Kathy

Yeah, chocolate covered cherries, if they're the good ones. The ones with the goo inside, not the thick cream. Yummy...

Wow, something positive? Well I would have to say one very huge serving of humble pie. Up until my breakthrough a year ago, I always tried to be the one there for everyone else, but was too proud to ask for help myself http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/nono.gif Now that I can't drive, the tables have drastically turned. So I guess you could say that I have learned how to receive. As my pastor would say, "don't ever rob another person of an opportunety for a blessing".
God Bless....In HIS Service....Dan

I have always been an epileptic,inherited form. Seeing as I have always been this way I can not separate myself from the disorder so I credit it all to our unique brains-LOL I think it has given me a great sense of humor,different outlook on life, ability to think outside the box,and empathy.

Our brains play games on us, we hear things, see things, smell things, wake up in the morning as if we have never slept a wink, have weird dreams, unexplainable knowledge and this is in addition to the horrible side effects of all the medications. We cope with all of this and work,live, and play, amongst those without these problems daily, no small feat. Amazingly we stay sane, amazingly we laugh about it, and we contribute to society in a million ways!!

Hi, I am new to this board also, but have a couple of things I wanted to say. One is that what Lisa T. wrote is soooooo fantastic!! It is also what I try to live by. 2nd is ANY kind of DARK chocolate is the best.
I am going to post a new question, please look for it. I need help.

Thanks
Kathy

Hi,I don't have e according to the doctors, I just have seizures every now and then. Three 6 monthes apart starting in 1988. Then one in 1998. One in 2002. They say nerves and I take 900 mg. of trileptal. I am 58 and this has taught me to give thanks for each sunrise,To enjoy the cold,for I know the warm is coming. I just had to jumo in and say HI,!

------------------
Smile,and everyone will wonder what youy are up to!

Originally posted by leprechaun:
I have always been an epileptic,inherited form. Seeing as I have always been this way I can not separate myself from the disorder so I credit it all to our unique brains-LOL I think it has given me a great sense of humor,different outlook on life, ability to think outside the box,and empathy.

Our brains play games on us, we hear things, see things, smell things, wake up in the morning as if we have never slept a wink, have weird dreams, unexplainable knowledge and this is in addition to the horrible side effects of all the medications. We cope with all of this and work,live, and play, amongst those without these problems daily, no small feat. Amazingly we stay sane, amazingly we laugh about it, and we contribute to society in a million ways!!
I do agree with you 100%, and I had to go get a Hershey chocolate bar to answer this. Everyone seems so nice here.

I think the one positive thing it had done for me is that it made me realize that I have to enjoy life, not just go along for the ride. I realize that I have to take risks in order to get things that I want out of life.. it's hard for somene as shy as I am to take risks in terms of friendships, and meeting new people and all that stuff, but I realized you have to do that in order to actually live life, and I'm not gonna just let it pass me by.

~Krista
:o)

I am MOST greatful for being able to know what my problems are. We have searched since I was VERY little & wasn't diagnosed until about 10 years ago. I wanted to advertise on a billboard that I had EPILEPSY!!! I'm not crazy!!. It has taught me about life. How my husband is the GREATEST man in the world. He gives me every reason to get out of bed each day. He has taught me that I need to "push" as hard as I can each day.
I also am greatful that I have family & friends that truly DO care. I have way to many types of problems to list, but each day I am blessed. There are way to many people who have problems much worse than I do.
Also, blue tinted glasses so I can cross stitch & read. Then there is ANYTHING dark chocolate is the best gift!!
Thanks for letting me be a part of the wonderful site with what seems to be teriffic (spelling) people.
Kathy

"So, I want everyone to talk about how E has positively affected their lives."

I've never laughed as hard in my life, as I did when I read that statment. Because of Epilepsy -

I have lost my licence & job for a year
I'm an EMT & was kicked out of my towns ambulance core for a year.
I could't join the military like I always wanted
I can't be a Firefighter/Paramedic which was my second career choice. Although I can be a Paramedic, I can't have the Firefighter job also.
I had to drop out of school for a year
I can keep going..... But the point is, Epilepsy has 'ruined' my life for a year. Never positively affected.

My husband has been so loving thur all this! He is always telling me, "I love you and we will get thur this together". My neighbors have been super! One drives me to church and shopping. She calls on me and brings us meals. Another neighbor's two teenage sons walk my dog when I can't and I help them study when I can. Their mother felt bad with me home all day alone, unable to drive and unable to afford cable she had cable hooked up and the bill sent in her name to her house. My husband and I were in tears when the cable company showed up. I have learned what it is to be loved and to love your neighbor.

Good to see this thread's still alive. AEMT-CC--I think you're missing the point. Yes, I understand E is horrible. But I put this thread here so that everyone can understand that there are good things in life, too. If you want to start your own thread about how E has trashed your life, go right ahead. We'll jump in there, too, I'm sure. But please, positive only in here. This is my bright spot. Thanks!

Piano

PS I thought of something else. STEAK!!! How could I forget about steak!

Sorry............

E has.....ummm..........let me think..........hmmmmmmmmm....made me....ummmm.....hmmmmm.....made me realize how caring people can be :-)

Wasn't trying to be harsh, but thanks for playing along! I thought of something funny FOR you (hey, I've gotta be good for something). Okay, here goes--if you'd never been diagnosed with E, you never would have come to this forum, and had the hardest laugh of your life at this thread! C'mon, you know I'm right. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif Hee hee hee...

Piano

hi,

i'm still in the very early, depressing and confused phase of all this... but i can say that even now, i'm realizing more and more just what an amazing person i married, 16 months ago today. he has been positive when i needed it, commiserating when i needed that, he's adjusted his work schedule to help me maintain something of mine, and best of all has never failed to bring me ice cream when nothing else would work... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

oh, and cats! our cats! they haven't given up on me, either, even though i'm walking around all glum and stuff. it's amazing how soft and wonderful a cat's fur can feel especially when you're feeling down.

twirlygirl

Hi loved all the chocolate replies. I do really like dark chocolate. Although the caffine lowers my seizure threshold, but I cheat from time to time. My father was an alcholic, and died from it. If I didn't have eplipsy I could drink. So eplipsy has saved me from alcholism. For me it is more than a fair trade.
Sorry don't mean to be a downer, but it is a good thing.
Islander

[This message has been edited by Islander (edited 02-08-2003).]

What the heck...just had a seizure yesterday, first in a year...Wjy has t done for me...several things.
I would never be the same person I am today, and frankly I like myself.
I would never have as much information about epilepsy if I did not have it.
I would still have that ugly tshirt, if I did not have a siezure and tear the heck out of it..(I could not get rid of it my brother would have felt offended)
I might have something a heck if a lot worse than only epilepsy..


------------------
Bilbostuff
Rock on..

Frankly, I am happy as can be that I have epilepsy, lets face it folks, how many times does that sleep after a seizure truely feel good? Best rest I ever get.
How much stress goes flying out our ears as we bounce about the gound....a lot..
Once we finally figure out that we are not freaks of nature, and truely blessed to be able to carry a burden, yet stay up with the rest of the pack...we will all be ok...Have a siezure today, get to rest today...get rid of stress today...stop the depression stuff, it is unnessary and only a iron ball tied to the ankle,,

i am naturally a postitive person, lets see. my dad and i have become alot closer, becaues he is my driver, when the going got rough, my parents are here for me. lots of cuddle time with my 5 year olds, they bring me so much happiness. and my friend who wants this job- so we are saying "she works for this company" and i say " i am well i am well" and when i am well enough i try to be a good wife to my ever loving husband. I am very sick right now, but if i wasnt positive, i would be in bed crying all the time, and i dont want that for myself or my family, i cant do that to them.

The thing that I am most grateful of is that my little girl was born before I got sick.
I am happy that my little girl is healthy.
Oh yeah, life is a lot happier with Chocolate Icecream!!

I am hallow24 which is what I am (HALLOW)E has brought me nothing but misery I have tried to look at the positive by reading your post and I cannot get past a childhood of uncontrollable seizures falling down flights of stairs at school dropping everything in grocery stores almost being ran over stitches destroyed shoulders loosing job after job falling out at work waking up looking like terminator 2 loosing my license being told time after time you have outgrown your seizures and end up having more oh and my personal favorite being robbed while having a seizure that was nice.I am having trouble seeing the positive please help.

------------------

Help? Don't know if I can. You seem to have it pretty rough. Have you ever thought about seeking therapy to help you accept your illness? No offense meant at all.

Piano

And once again, I am very grateful for my dogs!

Hi Piano,
I've considered this question for years and I keep drawing the same conclusions.

If it weren't for epilepsy, I may not be as understanding about any form of disability as I am because I'm on the receiving end.

Having not had a seizure in 9 yrs, it makes me count the days my brain is GOOD - something most people take for granted.

If it weren't for epilepsy, I wouldn't be quite so wise. I mean come on, all those way out experiences! EEG tests, (you know the strobe lights! just like a disco only sitting down), the CT scans..gotta love the ink they stick in your head and all the cool drugs we get to try.
It's just another way I can say that what I don't know about, probably isn't worth knowing!

Good point! Good to see someone is feeling the same things I am!

Piano

I also forgot the absolutely fundamental one!!!

Because of epilepsy the world has come to know me as the most reliable washing machine.

(remember that joke?
What do you do if an epileptic has a seizure in the bath?
Throw in the laundry)

***no offense intended

Having a 6 yr old son with epilepsy has shown not only who my true friends are (all of them I'm happy to say!) but also just how wonderful and supportive his school is. Everyone from his teacher (she offered to go to our next neurology appt. with us), O.T. and P.T. people, school psychologist (she offered to call his neurologist herself), his adaptive P.E. teacher, speech therapist, and everyone else who works with him. They have been incredible. We are blessed to have such wonderful support.