Today’s National Epilepsy Week topic is about parents, one that is unique for me as my epilepsy is inherited from my mum who also had it passed down from my grandmother’s side of the family.
Before writing this, I looked up the chances of inheriting this condition happening and it turns out they are usually quite slim!
My mum has what used to be named grand mal seizures, but now tonic-clonic is more often used. This generalised form of epilepsy is apparently more likely to be passed down than other kinds. That being said, the general likeliness that me or my brother would have inherited this is still around 5%. So, while my brother has got off scot free, there I was in my toddler years whacking my head off walls. It was well and truly there.
Whether it seems I came out with the short straw or not, I feel incredibly lucky that I have had the parents I do to stand by me. My mother having epilepsy meant both her and my dad knew what epilepsy was and how to deal with it to help me through my childhood. It also meant I could see what my mum was going through if she had a seizure and learn how to help her, which I feel has improved my ability to care and understand people that have different seizures to me.
Having her there to relate to has been really helpful, as I know it can be easy to feel alone with epilepsy. She would sit with me when I was going ‘funny’ to keep me tied to reality. She taught me good ways to remember to take my tablets so now I’ve moved out I don’t forget anymore. She also makes sure she comes with me to every appointment I have. When I’m sat wondering what to think (which I still do sometimes!) her and my nan are there taking it all in for me.
My dad has also always gone out of his way to make sure I’m ok. He’s always checking how I’m doing over messages if we haven’t seen each other in a while (thanks Coronavirus!) and when I’ve had long hospital stays he always makes sure he knows where I am so that he can visit. I’ve never been in hospital for more than a week but he’s there every couple of days making sure I’m still ok.
I’m especially grateful for the extra support my parents have given me as I’ve got older. As I mentioned earlier, I have a brother a couple of years younger than me so managing to bring us both up, while also helping me cope with the epilepsy troubles must have been a real pain at times. When supporting my surgery last year, part of me wonders how they have even managed it, because I know I have definitely been a handful at times!
My parents have done all they can for me over the years and one day I’ll find a way to give back to them just as much. If you’re reading this, know that I love you both very much and you’re the best parents I could have asked for!
