I am a person, 56 years old, and have had Epilepsy since the age of 12. My condition is well controlled. Mainly, in my teens to mid-twenties I have experienced discrimination, low self esteem, lack of confidence in myself, etc. In my mid-twenties, I started a Social Support Group for people with Epilepsy, Epicare Cape Town. The interaction with others, support and growth of this group changed my life and I realised that I was not alone. The negativity energies in my life were transformed into positive energies in learning about the condition, myself, helping others through experience and knowledge gained. With a very positive outlook on life, and by now an outgoing attitude, I realised that the barriers of epilepsy were easy to cross, which lowered subconscious stress, and I believe resulted in the reduced seizure frequencies.
I studied civil engineering at age of 30 and my life has grown in leaps and bounds since. I am a keen Cyclist (30 Argus Tours) and Mountain Biker, and for a period, I did Long Distance Swimming events.
I have been involved with Epilepsy South Africa for many years and have been National Vice Chairperson for a number of years. Unfortunately, after 26 years running Epicare, with my increase work responsibilities and married life, I just did not have the capacity to continue organising and running a support group. Unfortunately, with nobody dedicated enough to take it over, I closed the group. This incidentally, was also at a time, when many other attractions and transport issues resulted in lower attendances. However, there are Epilepsy Facebook Groups that create a suitable platform to fill this gap and meet people on.
I am passionate about advising people with Epilepsy, mostly through experience, and will advise where possible.
my daughter has down syndrom and she is 16. She developed Epilepsy last year in August.