Katelyn’s Story
I never know where to start to explain my adventure of being an Epileptic. I followed my father down the rabbit hole known as “Wonderland,” and that’s where I found my journey of being Epileptic that changed my world forever.
I never know where to begin because I don’t know what people want to hear. So, I guess I will start at the beginning. “Hi, I am Katelyn Lindahl. I am 32, and I have Epilepsy; I was diagnosed at the age of 14.”
Ever since I was young, I have been around “Epilepsy,” but at the time, I didn’t know the word. My dad discovered the rabbit hole years before I was born. Growing up, I saw seizures that my father had. Which you can imagine would be scary for a young girl. But I did not mind. I had a dad who loved me with all his heart and a mother who would do anything for me. And a very understanding family.
I also had a learning disability, mind-slitting migraine, sinus issues, anxiety, and depression. I found a way to move forward. I thought dealing with the huddles I already had was the second most challenging thing I had to deal with; I was wrong. First was my first seizure during my first year of high school (grade 9). At the beautiful age of 14, I was already going through all sorts of things. I did not need Epilepsy.
I was getting ready for school that morning when the white rabbit jumped beside me, saying,” It’s time for your journey of being an epileptic,” so I had a seizure. I don’t remember a lot of that day after getting used to the fact of my illness. I had to find the strength to return to school. I found the passion in my heart to go back to school. That rabbit has been friends with me ever since.
It was hard to go back to school like nothing happened because of my fears of feeling alone in school, not trusting people with my disorder and the chance of having judgmental friends. When I got back to school, I found the drive and strength to jump over those obstacles and return to my student life; it was hard; it was a rollercoaster. My friends didn’t judge me; I was just “Katelyn.” I worried about nothing. My friends were wonderful and understanding.
Like every other epileptic who needs to take their medications twice a day, that, I guess, controls seizures, yet a couple of months ago, I had a full-blown seizure. I think you can it a “Tonic and Atonic Seizure.” I am also lucky enough to have the daydream-looking “Absence Seizures.” I have occasionally. My triggers are stress (Wonderland is the only place that doesn’t have stress”) and sleep. I find I am lucky that I haven’t been seriously injured or had to have surgery, Which I am thankful for.
A year after my first seizure, I lost my father; he had a horrible case of Epilepsy, which was not controlled. My dad was my role model because he never let Epilepsy get him down. He always said, “Don’t let Epilepsy run your life”. Which now I try to live by. Listening to my life soundtrack always makes me feel normal, and writing always helps because the words I can experience are by ink that gets me through my life problems.
Don't judge her because she is different.
So many questions, but I still need answers.
She lives every day in fear that no one understands.
Unless you are in her world,
it is hard to live day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, wondering when or if she will leave this world for a minute or two.
She tries to go through life the best she can; she lives her own life.
Without any control, the only thing that is controlled is the pills the doctor tells her. “
Take this; you will be seizure-free.” These pills will make her life easier.
But the pills will put your mind into a haze. One day, she will be seizure-free. She will live for her dad and make the best she can.
She is a purple warrior.
I almost forgot about my dog Quinn, who has got me through so much these last two and a half years. She is a sassy little girl. Well, she named “Harley Quinn, after all.” She is a little diva princess, drawing everyone to her spirit. She is one of a kind. Before I got her, I had a dog named Scooter, and she, too, went to heaven; she was 15. I believe that Scooter brought Quinn to me. Scooter knew I needed that particular dog.
A fire of confidence warms her heart.
A breeze of hope graces her warm cheek.
A rainstorm of the unknown brought strength.
An earthquake showed the power in her.
Epilepsy does sculpt who I am today. Self-love is the most essential thing in my life. I am always proud to call myself “An Epileptic.”
It is an epic life.
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.