By Ken Marschand
How My Epilepsy Journey Began

After a traumatic brain injury in 2004, my doctors told me to expect seizures at some point in my life. However, I didn’t know as much as I know now about how seizures vary from person to person.

A few years ago, while grocery shopping with my wife, something strange happened. My eyes twitched wildly, sounds were muffled, and I couldn’t respond or cry out for help. It passed after a few minutes. I had no clue what happened and certainly didn’t realize this wouldn’t be the last strange event.

Educating Myself

After several months and too many episodes, a co-worker suggested I may be experiencing Focal Seizures and urged me to see a doctor. Seizures? NO WAY! I never convulsed, like what I assumed happened when someone had a seizure. She directed me to the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas where I read about different types of seizures to see if anything sounded like what I was experiencing. After comparing notes, I became a bit worried (but not convinced), but made an appointment anyway.

My doctor witnessed several episodes and sent me to the hospital. There, a neurologist diagnosed me with epilepsy. He prescribed an anti-seizure medication and told me to educate myself.

Thankfully, the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas website was great help. I read about an upcoming fundraising event and decided to check it out. At the event, I met a gentleman, Chris (who dresses up as a SuperHero at the Austin Walk), who told me about the local Austin support group. At first, I was apprehensive about going. I was struggling with this huge change in my life and I didn’t think other people talking about how they were also uncontrolled would help me. I am so thankful I went and still enjoy going! Mary, Estefani and all the warm-hearted attendees are awesome. They are like family.

A New Opportunity

Last fall, I signed up for PACES, which is a self-management program for people with epilepsy. That’s how I met Jessica Strom, the Program Manager at the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas. While discussing the program, Jessica asked about my professional background. I told her I was no longer working (except the full-time, not always successful job of seizure management), but had had a rewarding 12-year career in law enforcement. She asked if I would be interested in training first responders in seizure first aid. With so much experience as both a volunteer and first responder, I accepted this volunteer position and am eager to be able to serve my community once again, this time in a different role.

I’ve fought and won many battles in my life, and epilepsy continues to be my toughest opponent. It’s not easy, but lifestyle changes have helped reduce the amount of seizures I have. Acceptance of this awful disease has given me inner peace.

Thank you to the Epilepsy Foundation and the epilepsy community for the kind support and the excellent education that one day may help us all become seizure free!

Tags:
,,,,,