Mobility Aids: If You Need It, Use It!It has been about 3 years since mobility aides were introduced into my life, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat. I did not want to need...reactionscomments
Stress, Anxiety, and EpilepsyStress, anxiety, and epilepsy are quite related in my life. But maybe this is all new for someone who never thought anxiety could trigger epilepsy. Learning about triggers can be...reactions3comments
From Healthy to Dravet2017 was one of the best years of my life. My husband came back from a deployment just in time for our son's 2nd birthday. We moved from South Carolina...reactionscomments
Lesser-Known Seizure SymptomsA seizure is a short change in normal brain activity. This can cause changes in behavior, movement, or awareness. Symptoms like jerking and shaking movements are easy to notice. But...reactions5comments
My Autoimmune Disorder: Is It Connected to Epilepsy?Let's rewind to 2018 when I found myself dealing with some thyroid troubles. At first, it all seemed pretty straightforward – my bloodwork showed irregularities, and the first endocrinologist I...reactions2comments
Always Be Honest With Your DoctorIt is hard to face certain things concerning epilepsy. One of epilepsy's biggest challenges? Medication. Every medication has a different effect on every person. What controls seizures for one person...reactionscomments
Empowering Law Enforcement With Seizure Safety TrainingEmbarking on a transformative journey with the Epilepsy Foundation of America and the Public Health Institute in Atlanta, my mission was clear: to enhance seizure safety awareness within law enforcement...reactions2comments
MRI AnxietyMedication used to be my least favorite part of my seizure care plan. However, over the past couple of years, my perspective shifted, and medical imaging took precedence. But despite...reactionscomments
Weaning Off Of Phenobarbital Again – The Right WayA few years ago (in 2018), I tried to get off of phenobarbital with another doctor. However, it was a frightening experience for me and my family. My doctor at...reactionscomments
How Computer Screens Affect My SeizuresIn the nearly 60 years that I've had epilepsy, I've been able to identify a lot of triggers. But besides the usual – i.e., being negligent in taking my medicine...reactions4comments
Is a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) for Me?After half a century on medications to control my epilepsy, I've had enough "cocktails" to stump a bartender! Haha! Kidding aside, no mixture of medications or juggling the amounts or...reactions4comments
Ask Questions, Learn More, Express YourselfIt is always good to learn about the conditions you're living with in depth to know about yourself and potenial treatment options. Since I was 6 years old, I've been...reactionscomments
Choosing the Best Epilepsy Doctor for YouAre you looking for an epileptologist? Or are you not satisfied with the neurologist you are seeing? What kind of attitude are you looking for in your doctor? A doctor...reactionscomments
From Pink to Purple Ribbons, We Need ActionNovember is designated as Epilepsy Awareness Month. After just finishing up advocacy during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am a bit fatigued. I am a stage III breast cancer survivor and...reactionscomments
How Can I Support a Friend or Family Member With Epilepsy This November?November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and if you know someone living with epilepsy, this article will give you some practical ways to support a friend or family member living with...reactions1comment
Resilience: A Defining Theme of EpilepsyI am always learning, relearning, applying, and reapplying what I learn. When you're living with epilepsy, this is a must! With November being Epilepsy Awareness Month, I've been reflecting on...reactionscomments
Treating Epilepsy: Risks, Side Effects, But Still No CureLiving with epilepsy can be unpredictable and challenging. When I've explained my medical journey to those who ask – when speaking about my medication or viewing my surgery scars –...reactions2comments
I Had A Seizure And Broke My FootI was rushing down the stairs at my apartment complex and had a seizure. Mind you all, I live on the third floor of my apartment complex. I never thought...reactionscomments
Working Through My Fears of SUDEPOne of the many uncertainties of epilepsy that always lingers in the back of my mind is the fear of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This unexpected possibility brings...reactionscomments
Achieving My Dreams While Living With EpilepsyA new friend of mine who doesn't have epilepsy but reads my columns replied, "Boy, you've really done a lot of things with epilepsy!" He went further and said that...reactionscomments