Tonight I went to a group
Not the anything like a “epilepsy group” or a “writing group” but a musical type of group.
I was nervous but excited but when I got there I had a amazing time. I knew however that I had this secret, this beast of a monster lurking inside me, I just hoped it wouldn’t rear it’s head during the night. Among these unsuspecting people who were strangers to me 10 minutes ago! It didn’t, but the subject did – and there came what I think is my most dreaded question “what is my job!” I hate that mostly because of pride I think as I worked so hard for my degree which is now useless (well to me this is how it feels anyway!) I could have told them I am or was a nurse but the simple fact is that now I don’t have a job, now I have epilepsy instead.
The conversation then took a turn for the worst and slightly uncomfortable and the normal pathway that most newbies see as epilepsy…. it’s been so long since I went anywhere new it did kinda stall me for a bit. I’m use to everyone knowing me and my situation and having not only just got to know me but known me for years! –
So the stop biting the tongue by putting something in mouth thing and so on. Anyway I handed my card. It was a awkward moment for me. I didn’t react as confident as I normally would, I hate myself for that now but I vow to put it right and make up for my silence on the subject with the group next time (I hope I get my courage back anyway!)
I’m definitely going back to this group however , they are lovely people, I just need to be stronger in my emotions and try to speak out like to do with other people I already know and try to explain who this Jo Mumford actually is. what epilepsy is and how these 2 work together!
It is a thing off my bucket list but it by no way off my mind. I had a ball and watch this space!
Here is a update for everyone who reads this on what to do if someone has a seizure.
TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES
The person goes stiff, loses consciousness and then falls to the ground. This is followed by jerking movements. After a minute or two the jerking movements should stop and consciousness may slowly return.
TO HELP THEM…
remove harmful objects from nearby to protect them from hitting themselves and causing injury
Cushion their head
If you don’t know the person and know they have epilepsy look for an epilepsy identity card or identity jewellery
Aid breathing by gently placing them in the recovery position once the seizure has finished (see pictures)
Stay with the person until recovery is complete
Be calmly reassuring
DO NOT…
Restrain the person.
Put anything in the person’s mouth
Try to move them unless they are in danger
Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
Attempt to bring them round…you can’t snap someone out of a seizure !
ONLY CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE IF…
You know it is the person’s first seizure.
The seizure continues for more than five minutes.
One tonic-clonic seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness between seizures.
The person is injured during the seizure.
You believe the person needs urgent medical attention.
FOCAL (PARTIAL) SEIZURES
Sometimes the person may not be aware of their surroundings or what they are doing. They may pluck at their clothes or fingers, smack their lips, swallow repeatedly, and/ or wander around.
TO HELP THEM…
Guide the person from danger
Stay with the person until recovery is complete
Be calmly reassuring
Explain anything that they may have missed
DO NOT…
Restrain the person
Act in a way that could frighten them, such as making abrupt movements or shouting at them
Assume the person is aware of what is happening, or what has happened
Give the person anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
Attempt to bring them round
ONLY CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE IF…
You know it is the person’s first seizure
The seizure continues for more than five minutes
The person is injured during the seizure
You believe the person needs urgent medical attention
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