Autonomous Actions

(Chapter Extract)

..I often think that I have lost my phone during a seizure and panic; ‘Where’s my phone? Where’s my phone?’ I’m still not sure of why this is. It is common for those with epilepsy to fiddle with things during a seizure; pick at clothing, pull zips, open buttons and even remove clothing. I think the phone-loss-panic is a version of that. I have lost various items during a seizure, usually something I have been holding and have put down somewhere and walked away from as a seizure commences, or in the case of my favourite flat cap, threw it away somewhere in Victoria Park. ..

On Reflection

(Chapter Extract)

..My concern has always been how the condition might affect others, whether they are loved ones or simply those nearby when I have a seizure. Those close in my life are accustomed to it and are simply wonderful. They have experienced epilepsy for as long as they have all known me, so it’s those afflictions a seizure may cause on the public which remain a worry. Having said this, I think it is important to not let the condition exercise any restraints. I have visited four continents as a solo traveler and each time, the excitement of the vacation has far outweighed my epileptic condition. One of my coping mechanisms is to wake up in the morning and go about my day as someone without epilepsy would do. Somewhere in the back of my mind there will always be the feared anticipation of boarding a train with strangers and a seizure commencing; that seemingly-unavoidable shouting, confusion and local chaos. That said, it is also vital to remember that the worst possible scenario is unlikely to happen and more importantly, to..