It was a Sunday morning and Jessica was 15 months old. She was dressed in a beautiful pink dress that was hand smocked, and was sitting on the floor playing with her toys. Suddenly, I noticed that she appeared to be staring behind her at a shadow on the wall. I remember calling her name several times. When she didn’t respond, I walked over and picked her up.
She was stiff. Her eyes were fixed to the left. We immediantely rushed her to the hospital.
I have never been so afraid.
The doctors told us that what we described sounded like a seizure. They began to do a series of tests and in the end told us that she would probably never have another one.
But they were wrong.
Over the past 24 years, Jessica has had thousands of seizures. Each one is as painful to watch as that first one was. They often come without warning, and turn everything upside down.
Thankfully, we have learned to somewhat manage life with epilepsy and we’ve had the honor of walking with many families who are just beginning their journey. One of the most common things we hear is that friends and family members are afraid to spend time alone with the individual that has seizures, due to the fear of not knowing what to do.
What do you need to know about seizures?
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, If someone is having a seizure;
Remain Calm!
STAY with the person until they are awake and alert after the seizure.
✓Time the seizure ✓Remain calm ✓Check for medical ID
Keep the person SAFE
✓Move or guide away from harm
Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware.
✓Keep airway clear
✓Loosen tight clothes around neck
✓Put something small and soft under the head
✗ Do NOT restrain.
✗ Do NOT put any objects in their mouth.
✓Rescue medicines can be given if prescribed by a health care professional
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 min or if the individual has multiple seizures without regaining conciseness, call 911.
Don’t forget that people who have epilepsy, are people. They need our love, patience and understanding.
Blessings,
Nettie