![\"Katie](\"https:\/\/blogs.shu.ac.uk\/sdn\/files\/2020\/03\/Maverick-Marathon.jpg\")
I knew very little about epilepsy until about just over two years ago. One day in January 2018 I was driving to the supermarket with my 4-year-old daughter and the next thing I remember, there was a paramedic at my car door. I\u2019d had a convulsive seizure (known as a tonic clonic seizure) and had crashed into a car parked in the car park. I remembered nothing and did not know where I was or how I had got there. It was incredibly scary.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n
Luckily, I was ok and my daughter (who was off school sick!) was ok, and being looked after by two ladies who were passing by. After a trip to A&E, I was referred to a neurologist. The neurologist said it may be a one off (apparently this is more common than you\u2019d think), so we hoped and expected that it was, and I asked if I was still ok to run the upcoming London marathon.<\/span><\/p>\n I had gone months since that first seizure and, convinced it was a one-off, I started back bike commuting to work. Then it happened again at Shalesmoor roundabout\u2026 Luckily (again!) I had stopped at the traffic lights so I came away with just scratches and bruises. Unfortunately, I had another seizure a few days later and, like Holly, was immediately put on a medication safe for child-bearing women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After all the tests and evidence (my husband had to video a seizure and show it to my neurologist to get a firm diagnosis) I was diagnosed with epilepsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For a long time, I was scared to eat or drink alone in case I had a seizure and choked to death. Grim I know, but a genuine risk. I have a special pillow so if I had a nocturnal seizure I wouldn\u2019t suffocate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My main trigger is lack of sleep, which is difficult with two young children (!), but we had to focus on making sure I was getting enough shut eye to avoid the chance of seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n I continued to have seizures quite frequently (some days I had three in a row which floored me for days) and it became evident the medication was not having an impact, so I requested to try something else. I started on a secondary medication alongside the first and am now eight months seizure-free so am hopeful that I will be able to reapply for my driving licence in the summer.<\/span><\/p>\n For me, I have struggled with the side effects \u2013 one of which is fatigue. Like having a new-born but without the dirty nappies and smiles! I have also noticed a big impact on my memories and memory recall. I can\u2019t remember the words for anything but most people who know me are used to that now!<\/span><\/p>\n I am coming off the first medication which is making a big difference and am on the lowest dose of the second medication. I am hopeful that one day I will be able to come off the medication altogether. Or at least hope the drug continues to keep my seizures at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n I have been incredibly fortunate at SHU to have an amazing support network of colleagues and line managers, so I have been able to continue to work here throughout the really difficult times.<\/span><\/p>\n The SHU pledge to support all staff no matter their disability is surprisingly not available at all employers and I have really benefited from the University\u2019s Disability Confidence status. I have had a DSE assessment, met with an Occupational Therapist and had support when needing to take time off after seizures.<\/span><\/p>\nDiagnosis<\/b><\/h2>\n
Treatment<\/b><\/h2>\n
Managing the medication side effects<\/b><\/h2>\n
Working with epilepsy<\/b><\/h2>\n