Epilepsy .... more ups and downs than a tarts knickers



Someone once described epilepsy as being a bit of a roller coaster, with a few ups and downs. Let me tell you if it’s a roller coaster it’s the big daddy of them all. It’s not the gentle ladybug kind that you find in the children’s section at Lightwater Valley, that gently glides around a track two feet from the floor and is so gentle you don’t even need to be strapped in. Oh no, it’s the kind that requires 16 harnesses , 11 safety checks, a couple of prayers and a declaration of love to your children before you even set off!. 
There are very little gentle parts to the ride that is epilepsy. Unlike the ladybird roller coaster, you’re moving so fast, often with your eyes squeezed tightly shut, that you can’t see what’s coming next, you can’t predict the drops or turns so you just have to hang on and go with it. 
One minute you’re feeling fine ... and then you’re not
One minute you’re seizure free ... and then you’re not
One minute you’re buying yoghurt ... and then you’re on the floor 
One minute you’re happy as Larry .... the next minute you want to throw the teenagers computer out of the window because  you have a banging headache and whatever game they’re playing is so flipping loud! 
I’m sure you can see where I am going with this. 
As much as you can try to predict the ups and downs you will very rarely get it right. 
The mood swings and grumpiness that sometimes comes with having a headache a solid 90 percent of the time does nothing to dispel the teenagers belief that I am just an old (cheeky little sod) hormonal women! He has obviously done his research into hormonal women because as soon as I mention a headache he hands me some form of chocolate before locking himself in his room, protecting his PlayStation with his life, in case I decide it’s too loud! 

I have never liked roller coasters, I don’t find any pleasure in feeling sick and scared all at the same time and would never willingly choose to go on one. Unfortunately for me, and everyone else in this house, I can’t get off the epilepsy roller coaster, I am on it for life and just have to ride it out, which is what I will do. I just wish epilepsy had decided to be more like the teacups instead. That’s my kind of ride. 

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