When I was 25 I was diagnosed with MS which unfortunately developed in to Epilepsy as well, after the birth of my Daughter in 2015. Taking care of a baby while trying to cope with Epilepsy was not an easy task. Fortunately for me and my family, I didn’t start having Grand Mal seizures until 2019. Before then I would just experience these episodes called “pre ictal psychosis” which was quite different to deal with. Almost “easier” somewhat because the healing/ come back was much quicker. Grand Mal seizures are the worst seizures we have to deal with – the outcome from these seizures is the worst. Having to stay in bed for days at a time, dealing with short term memory loss, not being able to care for yourself, wearing a lifeline bracelet, it’s just so devastating.

Since dealing with Grand Mal seizures and experiencing a medication error, unfortunately my Daughter has had to go and live with her Father on a regular basis which is also an hour away from where I live. At the moment I only get to see her every other weekend with facetime visits every other day. To say this is hard would be an understatement. Any parent especially, can just imagine how difficult this would be – living without your only baby, missing school/ extra curricular activities, even just having her by my side on a daily basis can be simply HEARTBREAKING. Unfortunately this is the outcome of this terrible disease in my case.

Losing my independence not being able to drive was very hard to deal with at the beginning. Always asking someone to help you get where you need to go, relying on family and friends to help you with groceries, going to appointments, picking up my Daughter for our visits – it’s just not always easy.

With all of the heartbreak, frustration, devastation that this disease has brought on, all I can do is carry forth the appreciation, love, and extreme respect for all of my support. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without my amazing boyfriend, my parents, in-laws, family and wonderful beautiful girlfriends. Finding positivity in a terrible situation isn’t always easy but I manage to pull through everyday by thinking of my baby girl and wanting to be a positive influence for her to keep fighting through any situation no matter what the case may be.

I am extremely grateful for this platform – having support from others that have gone through similar circumstances is super helpful. Anyone reading this, please try to stay positive – find love and happiness in everywhere you go/ are – even if it is just being grateful that you woke up and were able to look out the window at a beautiful morning sunshine – it’s the little things in life and we must pull through this terrible disease as best we can.