I’m closing in on day five in the hospital, undergoing testing to learn more about my epilepsy. We’re all praying for a seizure to happen. No pressure when I’m the patient who can’t seize when everyone wants me to. As if having epilepsy isn’t enough, trying to understand where it’s coming from is torture.
The bright side is the view I get of the Chicago city skyline.
Sunrise, sunset, storms and traffic are stunning. The view is a great preview of the fall marathon – motivation for me to get answers about my head so I can keep moving my feet. I’m surrounded by a hospital staff that makes me appreciate those in the health care industry even more. What they see and do for patients every day is beyond the EEG and IV.
I have had epilepsy nine years. In the race to show the seizures who’s boss, I am more committed than ever to beating it, being more honest about it and literally running for it – never from it. I feel a responsibility to spread the word. Also, selfishly, writing is good therapy when I have to go a week without lacing up.
While I am a fan of social media, I also feel it’s ruining our ability to keep in touch. We catch each other’s bright spots because no one really posts the dark ones. Or the real dark ones. We check in online and assume all our old friends, neighbors and loved ones are “great.” I’m guilty of it and I hate it. So here’s my before and after, July 4th to July 14th:
1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime but there are dozens of different kinds of seizures, not to mention one-third of patients can’t control it. I’m guessing I’ve written that before a few (hundred) times but I won’t stop until the cause gets more help, both awareness and funds, to make sure reasonable progress is made. Please click here to learn more and please donate.
Seizures took a lot away from me but the running shoes and race bibs are mine. Running, like this hospital stay, remind me to appreciate the small things in life. It’s lead me to close friends, a little renewed confidence and real emotional peace. I run for those who have helped me survive the journey as well as those whose seizures have stolen the journey they deserve.
Seize the Day with Sarah 
You are a beautiful warrior!
LikeLike
God bless you Sarah, stay strong not only for yourself but for others that go through the same. You’re a inspiration to your kids and others in your life. 💜
LikeLike
Years ago at age 13 I started having seizures grand malls. Dad thought I was shot while deer hunting. Had those wires on my head numerous times as a kid. Scared didn’t understand. And all the blood draws. You look great even wired up. I got through it and have been off medication for years. Hope you get your wish which sounds weird. I still have a letter from my Neurologist which states I have abnormal brain activity. Gives me something to smile about to this day. Most of my friends didn’t need to see that to know I am far from normal. If you get bored send a message. It didn’t change my life other than driving restrictions and they didn’t want me to go fishing by myself for fear of seizure and drowning. Wishing you well. Mike.
LikeLike
I miss you dearly from your working at Channel3000- WISC. You might remember my husband, Alex Farlow. He is a Security 🚨 Officer. He was at several events when you were in Madison. I have epilepsy also. I have not been driving an always depend on others. He is working every weekend and so we have very little time together. I always remember Janesville having public transportation. Sun Prairie does not. I will never forget volunteering at a catholic nursing home in Janesville over 1,000 hours between 1981 and 1999. I started working as an employee in 1999. I got fired from the Catholic Mother and Sisters in 2004 because I started having seizures again.
She said she fired me because the job was “too stressful for me.”
I have been working in a warehouse for 13 years with 2 college degrees because of this.
I am home alone crying every weekend still discouraged because of being stuck at home without transportation in Sun Prairie rather than being in Janesville. The Epilepsy Foundation can’t even assist me in finding transportation since I work until 1:30 am after a 10 hour shift.
I will definitely keep you in my prayers. I will share your information on Facebook.
God bless you, Sara.
Love Beth Farlow
I feel you are an inspiration to me still. I would like to keep in touch with you if at all possible. Please let me know if you remember us. My prayers go out to you. God bless you. Beth Farlow
LikeLike