This picture may look ‘routine’ but, for me it’s HUGE!!
I am driving again!!
Writing about my experiences is not something that I like to do. However, the message of this is more about being comfortable with the uncomfortable. I’ve had to do a fair bit of adjustment over the last 16 months to ‘manage my mindset’.
The Context and The Challenge
In September 2020 I experienced an unexplained or expected ‘single episode’ seizure. It was scary, unsettling and I lost my driving licence for a year. I decided to put my big girl pants on and get on with it. However, I wasn’t running my own business then so the impact on work was more manageable, especially with the Covid home working. I was also put on anti-seizure medication. That’s it, done, dusted, managed….or so I thought!
…. Last April I had 2 more ‘biggies’. This was followed by another driving ban and being formally diagnosed with epilepsy. I was also running my own business at this stage, so the impact was more profound. The impact was also linked to the acceptance of now being formally diagnosed as having epilepsy.
I had and still have emotions to work through, ranging from ‘what the hell?’, to ‘why?’, to ‘I’ve lost my independence!’, to more positively, ‘I won’t let this define me’, to ‘I’m going to accept this and manage it’, to ‘be patient!’, etc. The neurology team and epilepsy nurses in Gloucestershire have been phenomenal and, with a bit of tweaking meds, reassurance and regular contact, I’ve been seizure free since. Yay!!!
So why am I writing this blog?
It’s about having the ability to re-frame when faced with challenges (both internal and external).
Reframing Thoughts – It really does help!
My reframing includes the below (and it’s a very personal thing to each of us, i.e. there’s no right or wrong, moreover, some of us may just need a little support and encouragement to be able to do this and refer back to it).
a) It could be a darn sight worse!
b) We all have hiccups along the way. The key is to acknowledge, accept and adapt.
This has become my quiet mantra at times.
c) Seek support.
I’ve needed it but have found it very hard to ask for it. Yet there are so many wonderful and thoughtful individuals willing to give it. I’ve put myself into the perceptual position of someone else and asked myself, ‘what would I do?’ The answer is categorically that I’d want to help and that it wouldn’t be an encumbrance.
d) Don’t let it define you.
My business is going from strength to strength and the adaptations have in fact brought opportunities. I’m extremely active (from the everyday long walks and gym visits to climbing a high-altitude mountain, to extensive travel, and more). It may take different awareness, management and considerations but it’s more than possible.
Just a little ‘extra’ information regarding Epilepsy:
DON’T BE AFRAID!
Interestingly, the week of 20th May was National Epilepsy Week to raise awareness of the condition. My conversations with others have made me aware that epileptic seizures frighten many people, mostly through a lack of understanding or, let’s face it, it can be scary seeing someone having a seizure. Seizures take many forms, but your response is the same:
CALM – CUSHION – CALL
Sadly, my very public seizures were mostly responded to with onlookers scurrying past and, I’m assuming because of the reasons stated. I did read recently how someone had an amazing experience when she fainted in public. Is it because this doesn’t frighten people as much? I don’t know the answer to this. My husband has been quite shocked by this but, fortunately, he’s an extremely capable and competent man. Other advice to consider is, call an ambulance if the seizure lasts for over 5 minutes or if it is someone’s first seizure. Also, remember that the individual will be very confused and exhausted afterwards. I was also mortified!
There are many different types of seizures and, if you’d like more information, have a look at the Epilepsy Society website here.
My Lessons and Advice
So, there’s my vulnerable yet celebratory post. The key morale of this share is:
- ACKNOWLEDGE– don’t hide from the challenge. Instead, work with it
- ACCEPT – Work with it not against it
- ADAPT – seek support, make manageable and appropriate changes that work for you
- ACTION – go get ‘em. Don’t let it define you….
MY THANKS
Cheers to those family members and wonderful friends who have supported me. You have been my rock XXX