I grew up on a dairy farm in the Adelaide Hills. I had my first seizure at the age of two. Our family doctor was a rare person. He was a person who needed to find reasons for things, but, at the same time was a cautious and very caring man. He told my parents, “You must let her do all the things that other children do. She must play sport, ride a bike, swim and take part normally in all the things other children do.
”It was only when I reached my late teens that I realised how difficult a task this was for my parents, who must have been worried to death. That they did not fuss over me, is a great tribute to them. I did play sport, although I was not a sportswoman. I rode my bicycle to school from the age of eight. The only accident I ever had where I was severely hurt happened when, flying down a hill, the handlebars came off and I landed face down in the blackberry bushes which lined the road!I didn’t know I had epilepsy.
This was probably a good thing in many ways, as I didn’t think myself as different to other children in any way. In fact, at school and at music I was more able than most of my peers, passing my Leaving Examination in piano at the age of thirteen.
My parents along with the rest of my family and friends referred to my seizures as ‘turns’. My doctor followed suit. I knew that once I’d had one, I wouldn’t have another for eighteen months. Interestingly, the day before each seizure, I always had a feeling of invincibility. I would tell my mother that I was certain Id never had another. But every time I was wrong!
At the age of ten, my brother–in–law taught me to swim in the farm dam and in the warm weather I spent a lot of time there. My mother checked on me, of course, but I never got into trouble in the water.
Ironically, years later, when doing my training to be a teacher, I was barred from the Olympic Pool during swimming lessons because I had a history of seizures! After the lessons were over, I was back in it!
At the age of six my doctor said he wanted to see me on my own. He often called in at the farm when he was out that way and he was like a family friend. On this occasion he talked a bit about school and then he said, “You know that taking your tablets is important, don’t you?”I replied that I did. “Well, one day you’re going to grow up and probably move away from home. But I’m not always going to be your doctor. It’s very important that you understand all about your tablets, because other doctors won’t. If you don’t know about your ‘turns’ and your tablets, nobody will.
”Every Friday after school I spent about an hour at his surgery. I had a very inquiring mind, which served me well at school most of the time but on occasions drove my mother to distraction. Doctor talked to me about my ‘turns’ and in simple terms told me how he thought they might be caused. Explaining to me how to take my tablets and what sorts of side effects they might have. He was especially interested in the ‘auras’ I had and took many notes. He also made suggestions about school and about my music. Doctor refused to accept any payment from my parents, as he knew they could not afford to pay him, and, in any case, he had initiated these sessions.These Fridays became special times to me. He was the person I talked to about my ambition to be a teacher. It was he who encouraged me to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to.
I couldn’t understand why my teachers werent encouraging me.Suddenly, one Friday, I had my answer. I received word through the school that, as I suffered from epilepsy, I was ineligible for entry to a superannuation fund, and therefore, ineligible to attend Teachers’ College. Suddenly I knew I was different from other teenagers who could realise their ambition.I may have been only seventeen but I was not going to give up. Neither was Doctor. He lobbied hard on my behalf, and the result was that I was able to enter College and complete my training. That is another story in itself.
Why have I written this story, you may well ask? Firstly, as a tribute to a great and caring physician, with whom I maintained contact until his death. Secondly, because he was right. We can never know too much about our condition, and in particular, the medication we take to control it. I have been to doctors who have not known the side–effects of the medication I have been taking. They may be few in number but they do exist. Lastly, because as an educator myself, I realise how important it is for children to be encouraged to expect the best of themselves and for families to encourage their children to fulfil their ambitions.
Margaret
EASA News Winter ‘99
This information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended, nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice. Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified professional.
