Epilepsy
July 1, 2020
Refusing to let Epilepsy Stop Me
When I first came to the Epilepsy Foundation (now Epilepsy Alliance Florida) I had no insurance and didn’t know how I would pay or get my medication. Thankfully they helped! I was doing research on the internet to see if there were any programs that would help. I have not participated in any actives yet. The most helpful change is just being able to go to my doctor and get my medication. Without my medication I would not be able to drive, would lose my job, lose my house and maybe even my children as I am a single mom! Looking forward I have several challenges as I thought I had been having more auras but could be the start of diabetes. Trying to figure out the difference. I have had seizures since I was 5 years old. I refuse to let my epilepsy run my life and stop living. I spent 6 months in the hospital with doctors trying to diagnose me. For the most part my seizures are under control. I try to limit my stress and get the amount of sleep that I need. I am a runner and I have seizures when I run. I have ran 8 marathons and I have continued to get faster. I listen to my body and when my right arm starts shacking and my right shoulder goes up I know I need to slow down. When I start to slow down and walk and my legs start to give out I just let the seizure happen then get back up and keep running. I am so happy that my doctor knows and encourages me to continue to not just run but race! I do carry my back up seizure medication on me at all times. I run an average of 20-30 miles a week. When marathon training starts I run about 100 miles a month. I have some great friends and they wait for me at the finish line and keep the paramedics off me and get me water. Once my seizure stops I get up and we celebrate. If my friends finish first they will run back for me and finish the race with me. I do email every race official so they know what to expect at the end. One of my big goals is to run one ultra marathon most likely a 50k which is about 30 miles.Â
Lisa Weatherford