Personal Narrative: My Experience With Epilepsy

I have had plenty of adversity in my life, but I never knew it. I only realized this aspect of my life when a family member said it. Epilepsy is something that my family and I have dealt with for about twelve years; since I was about six years old. We never gave up on pushing seizures out of the picture. We have driven three hours to Cincinnati, Ohio for the years in which I have known about epilepsy. I have taken countless types of medicines for the issue, and recently got the VNS implant. As stated above, I have known that I am an epileptic for roughly twelve years and have taken many drugs to try and push it out of the picture. Most would work for a time, but suddenly stop- like someone flipped a switch or pressed a button. Others, however,
I have not broken an arm or a leg as a result, I just have skinned up legs and once a black eye. In response to this, I underwent surgery for the Vagus Nerve Stimulator to be implanted in my chest. It is connected to wires that are wrapped around the nerve, which connects to the brain. It sends electrical impulses to the brain to interrupt the occurrence of a seizure. It gradually worked as they adjusted the device, and now I have not had a seizure in a long time. On the other hand, it stings when it sends the impulse, I cough, and lose my voice for a few minutes. The only real inconvenience about it is Rosetta Stone’s response to the change in voice during speaking lessons. I still have to take drugs for my epilepsy, however, it is not a very good idea to just stop because of the surgery. I still did not realize I had an abnormal life until someone told me. By the time of the surgery, I had realized it, though. I always powered through these times- and still am. I can do most things my peers can do, I think the only thing I cannot do is swim. I am not a sporty person, but I can play Gaga Ball, and do summer theater. Video games do not interfere with my seizures, which I am glad of- I like to play video games. I did karate at one point when I was younger, and I have even gone to summer camp four years in a row. I see my life as the same of my friends and peers- completely