I was diagnosed with Epilepsy when I was 4 years old. Growing up, I would have seizures quite often, and was faced with many challenges. Sometimes I had grand mal seizures during which I would lose consciousness and have violent muscle convulsions. Other times, I would have petite mal seizures which involve a lapse in awareness and staring into space. The petite mal seizures were more common when I was younger, and often times I was unaware I even had one until someone told me. Because of my epilepsy, I often lacked confidence and I never felt like I fit in. I always wondered why I was the one to receive this diagnosis. Honestly, I was ashamed and scared to even tell people that I had epilepsy. I did not want that to change how people viewed or treated me. There were times when I had a seizure at school, and I just remember being so embarrassed. I felt like an outcast, and it was terrifying because I never knew when I was going to have another seizure.
Epilepsy does not run in my family, so I had to educate myself and learn how to live with this disorder. Now, that I am older, I am proud to say that I have epilepsy and I have no problem sharing my story. I fight this disorder every day, and I have learned to love myself and who I am. I am also proud to share that it has been about 9 years since I had a seizure! Each day seizure free is a blessing, and I will continue to fight and live every day to the fullest.