The watched ones
What it’s like to suffer from epilepsy by Tammy Khan
Epilepsy is a kind of thing very hard to explain
There are many different types
And a lot of different names
First it’s called a seizure but it’s also called a fit
Then there are convulsions or just an epileptic fit.
Not many people know about this
Or haven’t ever seen or heard of it
So there’s panic all round
You can only have been in it for a few seconds
But you’re in an ambulance all the same
Because someone who is frightened
Has dialed 999 – again and again.
You get doctors to try and help you
By medication – taking tablets or medicines
But there are so many different types
That it gets changed again and again.
Now the A attack is the worst
And can be very very bad
It can last for hours
So then it’s called a status attack.
Only a doctor can give the attention that’s needed
The person uses so much energy
They could lose oxygen to their brain
They may be put on a drip
Then hopefully go into a very deep sleep.
The B attack is very similar from the start of the A
But if you are given some medication in time
Will only last a few more minutes.
But because it’s similar to an A
You’re only given it if it’s lasted five minutes.
Times may vary as all people are different
No one is the same.
People suffering from epilepsy cannot drink or drive
They may not be able to go where there’s flashing lights
Or to a cinema or places where there is loud noise.
This puts them in a position where there’s not much they can do.
Now going back to the start of this
To try and help explain
There are sex different kinds of fit
And are alphabetically named.
A – You call a Major and can last a very long time
B – Is quite the same but doesn’t last as long
C – Is called an absence and sometimes you sit on the ground
D – Is called a drop attack where you just fall onto the ground and are up wtihin seconds, not knowing if you are hurt
E – Is one that doesn’t happen often but may be walking while still asleep
F – Is a very mild attack but can be different every time. You don’t always fall in these. It may look as if you are daydreaming but can hear but not respond. Or if they are making a drink or something to eat they may spill or carry on pouring hot water and sadly burn and hurt their hand or another part of their body if not being watched.
All that’s written in this section sadly goes to all as they should be watched all the time. This can make the person angry because being watched when you are 23 makes them feel like a child inside.
