Meet Derek.
My husband and I are the parents of a amazing 6 year old boy. He had a pretty rough start to life. When he was born he wasn’t breathing right and had some complications but he pulled through. He has been a fighter ever since.When he was 5 years old we came home from a birthday party and put him to bed. He got up 3 times telling us he was feeling scared but he didn’t know why. I comforted him and he fell asleep. My husband and I went to bed since by now it was 11 pm. Suddenly we heard a thump and vomiting coming from his room. We ran to his room, he was on the floor shaking and staring into space.His body was stiff and his arms were contorting. His eyes looked very odd. He was unresponsive. I had no idea what was happening or what we should even do. This completely changed our lives.
A few months later we found out he had epilepsy. He has 3 or 4 more episodes similar to this before we got it under control through medication. A year later he started having smaller seizures where he would just space, his pupils would dilate, and he would become very tired. We had to change up his medication again. Right now he is 2 month seizure free. This is a very good thing but I still have a constant worry because I never know when/if that is going to change. When he has seizure it completely drains him and he needs to sleep it off. He doesn’t really remember it but it effects his whole life. It effects us all.
We don’t have a lot of in person support as our family lives far away but I really appreciate the online support groups as well as the family and friends who pray and call to check on him.
I really wish more people knew how to help others with seizure conditions. Every time I leave my child with anyone I have to go through the first aid routine with them. I had no idea what to do myself the first time my son had a seizure. This is why its so important that we get the word out there! First aid classes should all include epilepsy training. Everyone should know what to do. It could really save a life! I love my son more than life itself! My dream is one day they would find a cure.