Bhaavna’s Story
Discovering my illness.
At the age of 16, I started experiencing myoclonic seizures. Little to my knowledge, this was far beyond what I had ever thought. When I experienced the seizures, I often laughed as I thought they were intensified shivers - constantly thinking I was cold.
I lived like this for three years until beginning my education at McMaster University. Immediately after living in my dorm, my new friends noticed the strange “shivers” and were concerned. Thanks to them, I had visited my doctor regarding the issue.
Eventually, I got referred by my family doctor to my fantastic neurologist. Through multiple visits, it was concluded that I have Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy that was developed through a concussion. Of course, it was unexpected. Something that I found as being cold ended up being seizures.
Immediately I began taking anti-seizure medications. Unfortunately, it took a trial and error process to determine which medications were best suited for me.
The hardest part about receiving my diagnosis is that I worry about things others do not need to. Anything can lead to a seizure occurring; even a few grand mals have visited me. Being a full-time university student, working a job that requires extreme effort & keeping up my social life via clubs and associations has kept me very busy. I need to live with my diagnosis rather than run from it. I need to take time to myself while living with this chronic illness.
Understanding what my life will be like from now on is tough. The sudden change hasn’t been the best thing to occur.
For me, finding a cure is essential so that others diagnosed don’t have to live a life in constant worry about what will happen next
The courage of those living with epilepsy,
inspires us and fuels our journey.
Your gift will help us to continue on the road toward an epilepsy cure.