It all started when I decided to buy some trainers for Christmas. That was a big mistake. Then in January we booked trips for the summer (first time to take both kids abroad). I tempted fate and by the end of February I was in a wheelchair. That's karma for you.
Countless hospital appointments, vials of bloods taken, every test the NHS does and finally I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Atonic and myoclonic seizures. Atonic literally means loss of muscle tone so at any given moment my body becomes like jelly and collapses. I have knees like a three year old with grazes and bruises all over. Myoclonic seizures are jerks, shakes, twitches, verbal tics and physical tics. Think Tourette's style for the verbal tics.
A couple of weeks ago I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Add in my previous psoriatic arthritis diagnosis and I collect chronic illnesses like kids collect football cards. Fibromyalgia means I don't get into the final sleep stage so I don't get restful sleep. I can (and do) sleep all night and day and still feel constantly knackered.
So now i'm on epilepsy medication for life. I take Keppra which is most famous for "Keppra Rage" yes that is a real thing. Imagine a toddler tantrum in a adult's body with the odd bout of tourette's swearing and movement disorder. It's not pretty. Thankfully i'm getting over the Keppra rage as my body gets used to the drug. Keppra also knocks me out as I'm on a very high dose. The chances of me being awake at any given point at the moment? Slim to none.
Cooking - well that is fun. Bearing in mind my previous cooking method was wait until the smoke alarm went off and then remember I had something on the grill. My current cooking methods are rolling around the kitchen on an office chair so I don't fall and putting a meal in the microwave.
I see many posts on facebook about people who achieve amazing things like 5k runs, tough mudder etc. I'm over here like yep I walked to the kitchen and got my own drink *takes a bow* My goal is to be able to walk to the local shop and buy a loaf of bread. Maybe a magazine too! Life goals right there.
So pretty much the only thing I can do at the moment is write and if it can raise some awareness of chronic conditions then all the better. At least it gives me a bit of focus. I'll throw in some kid-isms along the way as they are far funnier than me.
For more information about epilepsy, go to www.epilepsysociety.org.uk
If you would like to talk to someone about epilepsy, call their confidential helpline for information and emotional support.
Epilepsy Society Helpline 01494 601 400 Mon and Tues 9am-4.30pm, Wed 9am-7.30pm
If you would like to talk to someone about epilepsy, call their confidential helpline for information and emotional support.
Epilepsy Society Helpline 01494 601 400 Mon and Tues 9am-4.30pm, Wed 9am-7.30pm
I can't imagine this is a comedic post. If you are suffering through this, you need to check into CBD. It's proven, it's not for getting 'high'. You could get relief...
ReplyDeleteI've just found your blog and already I love it. Kudos to you for your wonderful sense of humour and frank, funny way of sharing. X
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