If you are reading this blog, you are most likely affected by epilepsy in some way, shape, or form. I am taking to the blog platform because I often feel like there is NOTHING I can do, that everything is under someone else's control. From medications to activities I can safely do, to when I need to go to bed, and lack of transportation options, it all seems so very out of my control. Sound familiar? So, this blog is SOMETHING I can do to feel that I have one ounce of control over my life, or even just someone to talk to (that's you). I hope you enjoy. If you don't, you can keep that to yourself.
So... "Obstacles into Opportunities." I chose this title as I was cross country skiing home from a day in town running errands. I had hitch-hiked in - only 2 miles down the road - gone to the post office, done some work in my classroom, bought cross country ski boots, went to the library, and gotten some groceries. I then found myself with a bacpack full of produce - eggs included - trying to ski for the first time. One problem - I didn't have ski poles. So there I am, cross country skiing on the valley floor without poles, swaying back and forth, falling every five minutes, with a full backpack and shopping bag hanging off of it, sheepishly smiling at the clearly more advanced skiiers on the trail, when I thought to myself, "I look like an idiot, but at least I'm getting some exercise." Turning obstacles into opportunities. As picked my sorry self up again, I paused to laugh at this rediculous situation, to take in the beauty that is Telluride, and snap a photo:
I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of feeling bad about these obstacles. Sure, epilepsy has its challenges, but what good will complaining do?
So here it is - I'll try to keep it to light, solution-based posts, but we all know this disorder can suck you into a place that is cold, dark, and depressing. I apologize in advance if I go down that road, but hey- maybe one of you will have some feedback or advice! The current happenings in Epilepsia Mundo de Jenna: I am changing medications AGAIN - back to carbatrol. I am 31, and have been focusing on family planning for the past few years. ALL of the doctors wanted me on Keppra, but it just doesn't seem to work for me. Even after saying, "Hey you, Doctor so-and-so, this isn't working!" they have seemed to want to keep me on it, or go back to it. Anyone else have the same experience? Carbatrol, which has worked for me in the past is slightly riskier for women in pregnancy, but the added risk is not riskier than seizing while pregnant, thought that's a few years off.
That's it for now. I hope to find time to give you a little more information about my story and journey through epilepsy, but that's all I've got right now.
Thanks for reading,
Jenna Ilene
