The Experience of Living With Epilepsy, Including the Challenges and Successes of Managing the Condition on a Daily Basis

Day-to-day life is hard enough. Living with epilepsy means that it’s no walk in the park. You may live with the anxiety of a seizure at a bad time. Or you worry about slipping or just simply hitting your head. The experience of living with epilepsy will make you a different person than others, but you will rise to the challenge and succeed with some tips.

Always Carry Identification

The scary truth is for some people with epilepsy, you don’t really know how an epileptic seizure will occur. If you’re more at risk for random seizures or have more triggers than others, it’s best to carry a medical ID card or medical bracelet. You just need something that clearly states that you have epilepsy and lists medications and emergency contact information.

Epilepsy-Proof Your Home

Epilepsy-proofing your home may seem weird, but it is for the best. It might be hard for others to realize that you might see danger where they usually see safety in their home. Don’t worry about fighting the stigma, worry about protecting yourself with a few tips:

• Replace any hard flooring with carpet
• Install a safety strap in your shower
• Use plastic/paper dishes and utensils
• Use spill-resistant lids
• Use electric appliances with automatic shut-off switches
• Invest in kitchen and living room chairs with high arms

Be Active

Just because you have epilepsy doesn’t mean you can’t be active!

The easiest form of activity is aerobic exercise, specifically walking. Aerobic exercise can improve your health, self-esteem, mood, and has the chance of reducing the number of seizures you experience. But you don’t have to just walk, do the best exercise for yourself.

However, you should try to avoid certain exercises like rock climbing, swimming, and contact sports, since they could put you in a dangerous situation in the case of a seizure. If you are lifting, always use safety bars and get a spotter for heavy lifts. Alternatively, you could use simple machines that will not harm you in the case of muscle failure or a sudden seizure.

If you want to learn more about epilepsy or want to improve your life’s experience as an epileptic person, then please feel free to reach out to us at 732-561-5120.