I’m really tired of this and having seizures IS scary. Not to mention all the other conditions I’m juggling. A lot of people keep telling me “I don’t know how you do it” or even message me for advice on how to parent with epilepsy. The truth is, I don’t have a perfect one size fits all answer. I’m struggling everyday but if I lean into that, I might as well give up.
What keeps me going is this community, my family, the dogs, and for me personally God. I know everyone has their own beliefs and I respect that. I find it interesting and educational when I hear others beliefs as well! I just would have given up on life many times without mine.
Echo is such a good boy and he the alerts so much earlier many times. He completely stops seizures from happening often. I’m so grateful for him. I’m grateful for my family who is almost always there. However, Echo isn’t perfect and family doesn’t always see everything. Sometimes they need to go run an errand — they should be able to do those things without worrying about me.
I’m glad we put up cameras in the house to see these things since I have no idea what happens during them. I cut out some of the footage because it’s scary and you get the picture and advocacy without the scarier bits.
I really hope one day I can post the “I’ve been seizure free for xyz amount of time” but for now I’m taking it one day at a time — allowing myself a good cry but also appreciating the good moments of life too.
#ServiceDog #SeizureResponse #EpilepsyAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy
Living with epilepsy presents daily challenges that go beyond just managing seizures. Many individuals juggling epilepsy also face additional health conditions, which can add to the complexity of care and life management. Parenting with epilepsy, in particular, demands resilience, patience, and a strong support network. Service dogs like Echo play a vital role in seizure detection and prevention. These specially trained animals can often sense seizures before they occur and provide physical support or alert caregivers, helping to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. The bond between a service dog and its owner is a profound element of managing epilepsy, offering both practical assistance and emotional comfort. However, reliance on service dogs and family can sometimes create concerns, especially when caregivers need time for errands or breaks. Installing home cameras is an effective strategy that many have adopted to monitor seizure activity safely, allowing individuals to understand seizure patterns better and respond promptly, even when immediate supervision isn’t possible. Faith and community support are also crucial for many coping with epilepsy. Belief systems, whether spiritual or secular, can provide hope and strength to face difficult moments. Communities centered around epilepsy awareness, disability advocacy, and seizure response offer valuable resources and emotional solidarity. Taking life one day at a time, acknowledging the challenges, and celebrating the small victories can empower those living with epilepsy. Advocating for epilepsy awareness and disability rights remains essential to improving quality of life and fostering understanding at home and in society. This journey, while tough, is shared by many who continue to inspire through resilience and hope.
Great service dog