How to Pray for Your Loved One with Epilepsy

James 5:14-15 "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to PRAY over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up."

Epilepsy is a tricky illness to have, and extremely unfortunate because of that. I don't even need to tell you all that fact, because I'm positive you already know. First of all, it is an invisible illness for the most part, meaning that it cannot be seen by simply looking at someone (unless, of course, they are having a seizure while you are looking at them). Secondly, it currently has no cure for  many people (30% and growing). If surgery isn't an option for you, or medications don't work, your heart breaks not knowing what to do. Third of all, Epilepsy isn't always able to be pinpointed to a specific area of the brain, making treatment almost impossible. If doctors don't know where the seizures are coming from, they don't know how to treat you. All they can do is hand you medication and hope for the best... And that's all you can do.

...Or is it?

How Your Positivity Benefits Your Loved One's Health

Before we get into prayer and how important it is to have for your loved one who suffers from Epilepsy, I want to talk about positivity. Not only should your loved one be positive, but you should be positive for your loved one. If you find yourself saying "John hasn't been healthy at all lately. He's getting way worse." your child, in this example "John" will truly feel and think that he is getting worse. This can push John to become stressed, depressed, and negative.

I came across this great article called "A Mother's Positivity Helps Her Child to Overcome a Mental Illness". Now, I don't see Epilepsy as a mental illness, so take note that this study was done with mothers whom had children with Schizophrenia - not Epilepsy. However, it is an equally frightening illness and the conclusion of this study are amazing.  

Methodology

• The study was conducted over a period of 18 months on 129 mothers (55 years or older) of adult children with schizophrenia. Mothers completed an in-home interview and a questionnaire. Their children, who agreed to participate, also answered the questionnaire.
• There were three appraisals: A self-appraisal (how the mentally ill person perceives himself),  a mother’s appraisal (how a mother perceives her mentally ill child) and reflected appraisal (how a mentally ill person thinks about how his mother perceives him).
• 22 items (for each of the appraisals) were recorded on a 7-point scale, with higher numbers indicating more stigmatized appraisals.
• Life satisfaction was assessed using 22 items on a 7-point scale (1- terrible to 7 – delighted). The participants rated their perceptions about living arrangements, social relationships, leisure activities, finances, employment, safety, and health.
• Self-efficacy score was measured by the average score on an 8-item scale. The items were coded on a 1 to 4 scale with higher numbers indicating a greater degree of self-efficacy.

Data/Results/Key findings

• Increased symptoms were associated with increased stigmatized mothers’ appraisals, and stigmatized reflected appraisals. (The patients whose mothers were more negative, and saw their children to be more ill had children with worse symptoms.)
• Increased life satisfaction levels were noted with less stigmatized mothers’ appraisals and less stigmatized reflected appraisals. (Mothers who had more positive views on life satisfaction with their children had less negative self appraisals and reflected appraisals.)
• Life satisfaction levels had a significant effect on the self-appraisals.
• Higher self-efficacy was seen with less stigmatized mothers’ appraisals and less stigmatized reflected appraisals. The effect of self-efficacy on stigmatized self-appraisals was very significant. (Mothers whom had a more positive outlook on themselves and their lives had a higher self-efficacy, also known as the ability to hold perseverance and reach goals with both themselves and their sick children.)

Conclusion

Less stigmatized mothers’ and reflected appraisals results in diminished symptoms, higher self-satisfaction and a better quality of life in mentally ill persons. Self-efficacy and life satisfaction levels are influenced by stigmatized self-appraisals. Stigmatized self-conceptions lead to a sense of lack of control, and social exclusion which leads to diminished life quality. These results suggest that the recovery process is a social-psychological process and stigmatized appraisals slow recovery from mental illness. What other people think about mentally ill persons affect the beliefs and actions of the mentally ill, which in turn shapes the outcome of the recovery process.

Read more at FYI Living: http://www.fyiliving.com/research/a-mothers-positivity-helps-her-child-to-overcome-mental-illness/#ixzz25isOnj3v

Coming from a patient with Epilepsy (myself), I can easily agree with this study in many ways. I have noticed on my own that I seem to be more self-efficient and less symptomatic when my family and/or loved ones are more supportive and have positive attitudes toward me and toward the idea of me having Epilepsy. During days when their attitudes are negative toward me or toward my illness, not only do I find my own attitude turning negative with theirs, but I also feel a major amount of stress due to those thoughts, resulting in a higher seizure count (not to mention, more severe seizures). Stress is the #1 trigger of seizures, and negativity is what brings it on.

We want to keep in mind that this study was only done with mothers and their children, so we must imagine how other people play a role in their loved one's lives. This includes fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, best friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives and soon-to-be's. Especially if a person is closer to their (example) husband compared to their mother. If you see yourself as someone your loved one relies on most, they need to see this positivity from you more than anyone. They attitude you hold with a loved one who has Epilepsy can make or break their day.

So how can we be positive with the ones we love more often?

- Avoid unnecessary fights or arguments: Yes, maybe your daughter didn't throw in the laundry this morning. I'm sure to any parent, this looks like pure indolence. But if I might say that I personally put down all activities until that feeling of "Oh no, a seizure is coming any minute now!" goes away. Because even the slightest exertion of force on a dish or a basket of laundry can bring it out. Try to understand that things aren't always what they seem to be. Instead of immediately yelling, ask how they are feeling. "Mandy, are you feeling okay today? I noticed you hadn't done the laundry and I was worried maybe you're not feeling too well." If they're not feeling well they will tell you, and you avoided stressing them out with yelling. If they feel okay they will notice your kindness and will probably say "Oh crap, I forgot! Sorry mum!".

- Be as positive as possible about the state of their illness, especially after a seizure: We all know seizures "look bad". They are terrifying to watch, and even more terrifying to have. However, the last thing we want to hear when we've come out of a seizure is how bad it looked or how you had to rush out of work and miss an important meeting to take care of us. Or how you'll probably get fired for having to leave, or how we'll probably have to quit our own jobs, etc. Those statements make US feel bad. They make us feel like we are in the way of your life, and we should never have to feel that. We cannot help the fact that we have seizures and until there's a cure you should love us the way we are. I have seen how I cause my parents stress, and it has been all too easy for them to push the stress back on me. I can't even count the amount of times I've been yelled at for being sick, or have had hospital bills thrown in my face. Once again, the stress from hearing this causes more seizures which is never good for anyone.

- When the doctor gives bad news, give us good news: Doctors unfortunately have that sad responsibility of giving the bad news to their patients. If anyone else is like me, the stress from that bad news is enough to send us into seizures for days. When you are at that appointment with your loved one, or when you are meeting up with them afterward to talk about it, be their good news. You don't necessarily have to give "news," but at least be positive. Say something like "Yeah, well remember the last time he told you news like that and everything ended up okay?" or "You're in my prayers and God is going to take care of this mess." And be sure to remind us if the "bad news" is actually good news. For example, if we are getting brain surgery but we're so scared that it seems like bad news, remind us how successful so many people are from their brain surgeries. Don't let us forget that we are in this to find a cure.

- Don't let us give up on ourselves: When you hear "I give up. I just give up." or "I'm tired of this, I can't take it anymore." That is your que to jump in and be a best friend. Grab a $1.99 RedBox movie and some popcorn and put together a movie night, or just find some way to take our mind off of the sadness and the stress. I shouldn't have to mention it again, but this is so often overlooked - Stress is the #1 cause of MORE SEIZURES. We don't need ANY!

- Speak positively about us to others, both in front of us and away from us: Say only positive things. Tell others "Haley is doing a lot better than she was and I am happy to say that." even if Haley had a seizure a week ago. This gives Haley hope and a positive attitude. Imagine telling someone how sick Haley has been, and then having that person say "Hey Haley. I'm sorry to hear you're so sick. Your father told me all about it." Maybe Haley thought she was doing better? And now that she heard how sick she was, she will start to believe it.

All of that leads us to our next way to be positive, and in my family and my life it is the most important one. That is to pray for us. When people start to talk negatively about my illness or even mention my seizures, I usually stop them and say "Don't worry about it - Just pray for me. God has this under control." It's my little way of benefitting the both of us, and shutting up before the negativity even comes out of their mouths. Prayer is such a powerful tool in our lives, and it's FREE. Doesn't even cost $1.99 like that RedBox movie! The only problem is that so many people nowadays say they don't know were to start or even how to pray.

Psalm 107:18-22 "They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door. “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts."

I used to laugh when people told me "I don't even know how to pray". I have always grown up in a home where we pray every single day when we wake up, before all of our meals, and before dinner. So praying, to me, is common sense and an everyday part of my life. And I guess I always assumed others did this as well, but I've found out throughout the years (especially this year) that people do not do this anymore. So I would like to take this time to give you a prayer I wrote last night that you can pray each day for your loved one who is ill with Epilepsy. You can pray this alone, or pray it together with them. Remember that the more people, the more powerful the prayer!

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Prayer for Your Loved One with Epilepsy

Dear Holy Father,

I come to You today, humbly and in love, to confess

Your Holy Word concerning the great power of Your healing.

Someone whom I love very much, (Enter Name of Loved One),

suffers from a terrible illness in which only You can heal.

Lord, You are the highest of the high, and no mountan

is too high for Your children to climb with You on their side.

It is written in Your Holy Word that Jesus Himself

took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.

Therefore, Father, because I worship and reverence You,

I have the assurance of Your Holy Word that the angel of the Lord

encamps around (Enter Name of Loved One Here)

and delivers them from every evil work.

This sickness, also called Epilepsy, is NOT of your doing, Lord.

With this knowledge I know that no evil shall fall upon (Enter Name of Loved One),

and no more sickness shall be allowed into

(Enter Name of Loved One's) dwelling or place of rest.

Let the Holy Spirit abide in (Enter Name of Loved One),

and deliver them perfect soundness of mind and wholeness in body and spirit.

Touch (Enter Name of Loved One) with Your healing hand, Father.

Touch their brain, Lord, and restore it to perfect health.

Calm the pain (Enter Name of Loved One) feels and let it not return.

Remove these seizures from (Enter Name of Loved One's) body that torture them constantly.

Bless and heal (Enter Name of Loved One) from their brain,

all the way down to the marrow of their bones.

Restore them to perfect health so they may glorify Your Holy Name.

Please give myself and (Enter Name of Loved One) the gift of the Holy Spirit,

and bless both of our tongues so that we know what to pray for in Your Holy Name.

Let the Holy Spirit pray for both of us

and pray the words that our mouths cannot utter,

especially the cries of our hearts, Lord.

I thank You, Father, for the blessing of another day on this Earth.

I thank You, Lord, for all of my loved ones, especially (Enter Name of Loved One).

I thank You for giving me a mouth capable of this healing prayer

and I acknowledge that it is only because of You, Holy Father,

that this prayer has the ability to heal.

Thank You for blessing me with a heart that is capable of love, Lord,

and help me to continue to love as You wish me to love.

Thank You, my Lord and Savior, for Your divine healing of (Enter Name of Loved One)

and I forever hold fast to Your Holy Word.

Amen.

Praying in both hope and faith is important. Many people pray in hope that "maybe if God feels like it he will heal my son". But God really wants to see us pray in FAITH, knowing that He is God and that it shall be done. He tells us in Matthew 21:21 "Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."

People say they never see miracles anymore as much as they used to, or as much as they read about in the bible. The reason for this is simply because we are foolish people who live by sight. We have to "see it to believe it". However, when it comes to the Lord and his power, we must live by faith. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we are told "We live by faith, not by sight." So follow the Word of the Lord and have faith that it will be done. Don't follow the ways of man by not believing miracles exist or that prayers are not always answered. 1 Corinthians 2:5 "So that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." Show Him your strong faith in His Holy Word and He will show you the power of His gift, prayer.

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Thank you for reading and be sure to enter this GIVEAWAY! I'm giving away 3 purple Positive Pins to help you remember to speak positively throughout the day! They are magnetic, clip onto your shirt, and won't leave holes or any of that nonsense - and these babies are strong, just like our Lord! They won't fall off!

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See You Soon

I said goodbye to my sweetie on the 14th of this month... And in only two weeks I have managed to come undone about a million times simply because I miss him so much. He's gone off to school 3 1/2 hours away, which isn't bad considering many distances are much longer. However, it feels like a billion miles because I can't see him anymore.

Our last three days together weren't how we had planned them to be at all. After taking my unexpected trip to Michigan, and a vacation a few weeks prior, it felt as if we had been cheated on time. The fact that our plans unravelled one by one, up until the time I hugged him goodbye, left both of us upset and wishing for more time together.

What's the worst to me is that I didn't get to share a slow dance with him at his going away party, or get to give him a real kiss him goodbye. My mind was too busy trying to tell my heart to beg my tear ducts not to cry in front of Rafael and his family. On top of his mum rushing him into the car to leave, it was too much for me and somehow I forgot to give him a real kiss. Instead, Rafael settled for a crappy kiss on the side of his mouth and the world's quickest hugs accompanied by "I love you". No other words, just I love you.

I knew inside that Rafael is a man and wanted to treat the whole night of goodbyes like a man would. No tears and no sadness. So I promised myself that I wouldnt cry the entire night. Definitely a challenge for such an emotional person like myself. For starters, I'm terrible with goodbyes. Secondly, I've been a cryer since the day I left my mother's womb, and haven't stopped since. I can find a reason to cry in even the funniest movie in the world - whether I want to cry or not... My heart doesn't care.

Somehow, by the grace of our good Lord, himself, I didn't cry. Even when he drove off into the night and left me alone at his own party... I didn't cry. I only cried when I got into my sister's car, closed the door, and put in my seatbelt. I guess I didn't want to say goodbye to the love of my life and have our last memory in his mind be depressing. However, when I cried in the car I couldn't seem to stop. The whole way home, as I walked in the front door, sitting at thr table, walking upstairs, in the shower, when I got out... I have never cried that way in my life! I felt unbelievably pathetic for that, too.

After I took a shower, my sister brought me a letter at the kitchen table that Rafael had asked her to give me when I got home. I completely forgot about it, but I had been excited to read it the whole night. However, as she carried the envelope to me I was scared to open it. So many fears that it may say something bad such as "I can't do this".

To my surprise, it was the longest, most heartfelt, and sweetest letter ever given to me by anyone in my entire life. I'd write it all out but it would take too long. He said he truly loved me and wanted to make things work. He said he would hold my hand through my brain surgery and anything else he could hold my hand through. He said he'd pray for my health and safety while he was away... Rafael said a lot of things. However, I think my favorite part was when Rafael said:

"This isn't a 'Goodbye'. This is a 'See you soon'."

When I read that, I actually smiled through all the tears. Because once again, Rafael managed to let me know that he is "for real". He reminded me that he'd be home again. Even if it isn't until Thanksgiving, or even if it isn't for a year next year when he goes to the Air Force Academy. It's all I have of him to hold on to right now, but it's more than enough because it is full of his love. That's all I need.

I'm putting it in a frame this weekend on my dresser so I don't ever lose it. Everytime I'm about to cry I find myself reading it and it stops the tears in their tracks. Amazing what a pen and paper can do when they're in the hands of someone who loves you...

A Love Like Frozen Peas

Tonight went a little different than I had planned. My amazing boyfriend, whom I absolutely adore, came over to spend some time with me. He will be leaving for college, 3 1/2 hours away, on August 15th. So I only have 17 more days to spend with him. Once he is gone, I wont be able to see him for months at a time. This is very stressful for me, and hard to think about. It's on my mind non-stop, because I love him so much. The thought of him being away for so long scares me.


I plan to drive up with my sister or father to see him for one or two days a month. Hopefully more if I have the time. He gets to come home for holidays and breaks, so all is not lost. This is just new and awfully scary for me. I'm sure it would be for anyone. But I'm proud of him. He's worked so hard to get into a good school and I know that this is going to be great for him. I'm happy for him and I will support him the whole way. After all, he supports me when times are tough.

We spent the night watching our favorite TV shows. (Caution, these aren't the best shows for anyone under 17 years old! But they are funny as can be, and we love a good laugh.) Workaholics, which we both love terribly, and Wilfred, a show that Rafael never gets tired of. I could say the opposite about Wilfred, personally, but what makes Rafael happy makes me happy too.

At that point, our night was going fantastic. Relaxing on the couch, cuddling, and laughing our butts off. Where did we go wrong? Well, we went wrong when we decided to play Dance Central 2. Dance Central 2 is a video game for the XBOX 360 Kinect. It requires you to watch the virtual dancers on the screen, and repeat their moves exactly for points. It contains colorful graphics and fast-beat music - not good for seizures, but we were living in the moment!

Don't worry, my seizure that you have been waiting for me to explain was not that bad. I had to hop out of one of our dance battles because I felt it coming. It was a less violent-looking seizure, but it was more violent on the inside. It gave me an awful headache, and knocked me out of reality for 5 minutes. I managed to do a good job at covering up the pain in order to have a good night with my darling.

How did he deal with it? Well, he ran to my side as I became dazed and confused and held me up. I remember feeling like I would fall, and he didn't let me. At the time, I was just thankful to have someone there holding me. But afterward, as I laid on his lap and he held frozen peas against my head... I suddenly realized something.

It isn't that I never knew he was sweet, and it isn't that he was a jerk to start with. Rafael has always been a sweet boy. A good head on his shoulders, loving, and caring. I just get surprised at his willingness to be with me, even through these nights. These nights when our fun comes to a huge STOP due to a seizure.

I think, "Rafael could have any girl he wants. He's handsome, he's in shape, he's smart, and I mean... Look at those muscles! He deserves a girlfriend who is fast-paced and can do anything and everything with him, without having to stop due to a seizure." And it makes me sad. I think about that a lot. But tonight he reminded me that there's so much more to love than being able to play video games, see movies, etc.

And I often ask him if my Epilepsy bothers him. You know what he says? "How could I stop loving you because of something little like Epilepsy? I love you for you. Just keep being you." And on nights like tonight, I don't even need to ask him. I just know how much he loves me by the way he sits there and takes care of his sick girlfriend with a smile on his face, thinking nothing of it.

So what did I realize?

I am so blessed to have him, and I am the happiest girl in the world, simply because he is mine. No matter the distance, no matter my health... Nothing can keep us from loving one another. Frozen peas seemed to help me understand that tonight, for the very first time.

We should all love selflessly. Whether it's sacrificing a night that could have been filled with fun dance moves to hold the one you love until the pain goes away, or smiling and making the best out of the little time you have left - even though you're scared, sad, and worried. We must have a "frozen pea love". (I'm still not eating them, though. I hate peas.)

And it's quite funny. When I apologized on the phone about how tonight went, do you know what Rafael said? All he said was "I'm just glad I got to take care of you."

I love you, Rafael, and God bless, my friends!
EpilepsyBlogger

Dating... with Epilepsy: Alexandra & Johnathon

Alexandra & Johnathon

Introduction

"Hello, my name is Alexandra Rouzier. I am 22 years old and I am as mixed as they come. My father is Swiss/German and my mother is Haitian. I feel the need to say this because most people think I am some type of Spanish. My hobbies include fashion, art, music, blogging, and any other creative outlet. You can check out my blog, FashionHankyPanky.Wordpress.com, by clicking HERE. Also, I just recently moved to New York to pursue my dreams of having a career in the fashion industry."

When did you have your first seizure, and what do you remember about it? 

"I remember having my first seizure when I was about 10 years old. It was after a really severe car accident I had with my mother. Til' this day doctors cannot tell me for sure if it was the accident that "caused" it. When I am sure it was. The seizures started weeks after."

When were you first technically diagnosed with Epilepsy, and what kind of seizures/Epilepsy do you have? 

"I was diagnosed with Epilepsy when I was 11 years old on July 1, 2001. I was first diagnosed with Tonic Clonic seizures, then Grand Mal, then Generalized Seizure Disorder. This was when they told me and my mother lets start watching her under EEG'S, MRI'S, and CAT SCANS, because they could not pinpoint where the seizures were coming from."

Describe the seizures you usually have.

"I usually have Grand Mal and Petit Mal seizures. The thing is when I have a seizure it is always Grand Mal and I always end up hurting myself in one way or another."

May I ask what medications you are currently taking?

"For a few years now I have been taking Keppra and Zonagran. Of Keppra I take 1500 mg twice daily and of the Zonagran I take 100 mg twice daily."

Do you find that there are specific things that bring on your seizures, or are they completely unexpected?

"Definitely sleep! When I do not get enough sleep, I feel very strange and feel as though I am going to have a seizure. It is just that feeling of vertigo at times. I occasionally have seizures due to lack of sleep. I just hate that feeling you get before hand."

What was your most embarrassing seizure?

"My most embarrassing seizure was when I was around 13 or 14 years old. I was taking a shower at my grandpas house and BOOM! I had a seizure in the shower. I fell so hard I broke the soap dish. He had to carry me out I guess, because when I woke up I was in the bedroom with a towel on. The embarrassing part of this was that my grandfather saw me naked. For a 14 year old this was dreadful."

Do you do any volunteer or advocacy work for Epilepsy? 

"I did a fashion show for the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida on March 10, 2012 where everything was purple themed. I brought the Idea to them and they loved it. I figured I really don't know how to give back, but I know what I love and that is fashion. I created this show from start to finish from getting sponsors, designers, models, location,etc...with the help from The Fashion Honors Group at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. We featured designs by Elease Donovan Swimwear, Mitchell Perry, and Anna Topf, just to name a few. We raised around $1,800.00. I would like to do shows like this all around the US raising awareness and money for this condition and the foundation. Here are some images from the fashion show. All the swimsuits are by Elease Donovan Swimwear."

Do you feel that it is important for people to speak up as advocates and volunteers for Epilepsy?

"It is important to speak up and speak out about this condition. Many people have Epilepsy but there are no role models to look to like there are for breast cancer. It is extremely disappointing. We should have more people like Mandy Krzywonski for young girls to look up to."

(Thank you so much, Alexandra!!! You are just as amazing and we need more people like YOU!)

Now tell us a little about your significant other, Johnathon.

"His name is Johnathon, and he is amazing. This is kind of embarrassing, but we met on a iPhone app. He was the only one on the app that actually wanted to start a conversation and see how the other person was doing. Jonathan is caring, sweet, understanding, and best of all doesn't judge me when I am at my worst or other judge people."

How did you tell him that you had Epilepsy, and were you scared?

"With past relationships I was hesitant to tell the other person I had Epilepsy so I always waited until I was 1 year into it. I always assumed that if they get to know me for awhile, they would find out that I have epilepsy it won't bother them as much because I am so amazing. (Mandy's Note: I LOVE YOUR CONFIDENCE! YOU GO GIRL!) I told him I had Epilepsy on our second date. I just came out and said it. I was petrified he would just walk away."

How did Johnathon take the news?

"You can say he was my guinea pig and the results were amazing. He didn't walk away. He acted like I wanted to go to the mall. He just said "Okay!" and continued our conversation about where we were going to eat that night."

Do you feel that it is important to tell someone you're dating that you have Epilepsy early on?

"It is important to tell your significant other early on. I say within 3 months. In my case all my experiences have been positive. Say they weren't, I would not want to waste a year of my life with a person and finally tell them I had Epilepsy, then for some reason they didn't want to deal with me anymore. That is not the way to works. Put yourself first!"

How has Johnathon helped you through your struggle with Epilepsy?

"He has helped me tremendously. He has tried to understand my struggle and pain. Most of all he has helped me by driving me everywhere and not rubbing it in my face. I always feel like a burden because I cannot drive yet. Well, I can drive... Just not legally. Shhhh!.... Just don't tell anyone!"

"Does your Epilepsy or seizures ever bother Johnathon?

"It only worries Jonathan when he is there when it happens. He is afraid for my safety. It bothers him when I have to deal with Insurance companies and Hospitals that give me the runaround. For example, yesterday I refilled my medication. When I go to pick it up, my insurance company says that I now have to pay $625.00 out of pocket because the price of the medication has went up and my insurance is no longer active."

Do you ever get upset that you have Epilepsy?

"I do get upset at times. Especially when it comes to hospitals and insurance companies."

What does Johnathon think when you are upset about these things? Does he dislike it?

"Jonathan feels I am entitled to be upset. I didn't ask for it, choose it, or want it. He knows it frustrates me especially when I have to rely on other people. It breaks me down on the inside but I keep this hard shell so nobody sees that."

In past relationships, were your exes accepting of your Epilepsy?

"All of my exes were accepting of my Epilepsy even when it was at it's worse in high school. They were understanding and wanted to learn more about it and help me in any way they could. One ex told me it almost made me more human to know I have problems just like everyone else."

Do your seizures ever have a negative impact on your relationship?

"It doesn't have a negative impact because neither of us make it a "THING." Both of us know I have Epilepsy and that's it!"

Do your seizures have a positive impact on your relationship?

"It does have a positive impact on our relationship. It makes us closer. It makes Jonathan "think about me more" (his words). It makes him more aware of my needs."

Has Johnathon ever had to take care of you in time of a seizure? What was it like?

(In Jonathan's Words) "It was frightening the first time I saw her in that state. I just wanted it to stop. I knew it strained her body and that she generally bit her tongue. There was nothing I could do about it. I just had to make sure she didn't hit her head and let her ride it out. After they stopped, I would talk to her to see if she was ok. I would just try and get her back from her foggy frame of mind.""

If you could give advice to any gals like you who are nervous to break the news of their illness to their significant other, what would it be?

"Please don't be. If someone is not understanding of our condition...screw them! Be honest with them and explain what you go through. If they dump you because of something you cannot control then they do not deserve to be in your company and you are better off without that person anyway."

If you could give any advice to a struggling couple in which someone has Epilepsy, what would it be? 

"Things may look dim now, but they will get better. This will only make you stronger and bring you closer. There are many couples who will never have a bond like yours. Accept it, embrace it, hold on to it. It may not look like it now, but this is your gift."

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Engaged... with Epilepsy: Jackson & Jennifer - Part One

By: Jennifer

Hello Jennifer! Introduce yourself and your loved one.

My name is Jennifer and I am 28 years old. I have had epilepsy for almost 4 years. Life changed drastically from the very first seizure. I remember being very confused over everything including thinking "How this could have happened to me in the first place?" and where my life was going to go from that point on.

Epilepsy, A Love Story - SUCCESS!

BLOG UPDATE - 2/10/2012

Just wanted to write a quick blog to let everyone know that I am absolutely delighted to see how many people are participating in the Epilepsy, A Love Story series that I have going on the blog right now. February has been completely booked and March is getting pretty booked already! (There are still openings, so read on if you would like to participate). It's going to be such a spectacular thing!

Married... with Epilepsy: Tiffany & Chris - Part Two

Click HERE to read Part One by Tiffany, with Epilepsy.

By: Chris

Introduce yourself and tell us about you and your wife, Tiffany!

My name is Chris Kairos. I’m a follower and disciple of Christ, and I try to the best of my human ability every day to live by and exemplify His teachings. I’m 27 years “new” and am a Graphic Designer/Entrepreneur, as well as a musician, with a huge heart, a good sense of discernment and a constant thirst for knowledge. I also definitely enjoy downtime… Relaxing and being able to just simply enjoy living whenever possible. 

Insomnia and My Other Health Problems

Hello all,

I've got work at 9:00am tomorrow... But I can't sleep, which isn't unusual. Insomnia is common with Epilepsy, and extremely common with a girl named Mandy Krzywonski. I figured I would write a quick blog to just let everyone in on how my health is right now. I get a lot of e-mails and tweets from you all, wondering how I'm doing, and it's hard to tell you all so quickly in a 160 character tweet or an e-mail from my cell phone. So what better way to do it than on Blogger?

Interview with Eric Miller, founder of Candlelight Concert for Epilepsy Awareness

By: Eric Miller 

Hello Eric! I’m so glad to have you for such a special interview.    

Thank you Mandy. And thank you for all the work you do in terms of blogging, Facebooking and raising awareness. It’s truly wonderful and inspirational.

Thank you, Eric. That means a lot to me. So I understand that your wife, Carolina, passed away in August due to SUDEP. How have you been coping? What have you been doing since then?   

Married... with Epilepsy: Mark & Malorie - Part One

By: Mark

Introduce yourself and tell us about Malorie!

My name is Mark Lopez. I am currently serving in the United States Navy. I have been in the Navy the past 6 years and have lived in Va Beach, VA and currently in Pcola, FL. I have spent more than 2 years of my life floating out at sea completing 3 deployments on board the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier.

Deployments are hard but I love doing what I do. My first deployment on 06’-07’ was the best. My second deployment in 08’-09' was pretty hard! I had met the woman of my dreams a couple months before, and little did we know she was pregnant! So I did the most responsible thing I could think of and I married her. 

Married... with Epilepsy: Tyler & Stephanie - Part Two

By: Stephanie 

(Click here to read part one, by Tyler!) 

Introduce yourself and tell us about you and your spouse.

My name is Stephanie and I am a 4th grade teacher. I recently graduated from a Christian College in Florida. I have lived in Florida most of my life. After marrying my wonderful husband, Tyler, we moved about 45 minutes away from our college because of his job. 

Tyler and I enjoy simple things like going to the movies and watching tons of them at home and playing with our two dogs. We also love going out to eat and traveling when we get the chance. We are hoping to go to Comic-Con this year and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next year. One day we hope to travel to Australia.

Married... with Epilepsy: Tyler & Stephanie - Part One

By: Tyler

Introduce yourself and your spouse.

My name is Tyler and I am a 23 year old Bible college graduate. I am a Christian Pastor in Polk County, Florida, married to my wife Stephanie who is 22. She is just about to graduate and is a 4^th grade teacher. We met on Facebook… well sort of. We both went to the same college, and I saw her walking through campus one day and thought “Wow! I want to meet her!!!”

Epilepsy, A Love Story - BLOG UPDATE

Hello to all my readers! I just wanted to do this blog update since I have gotten rid of the "Updates" tab at the top of the blog. It was a little difficult for readers to find, so I figured all updates should be posted right here on the main blog. So here's what's new!!!

Married... with Epilepsy: Tiffany & Chris - Part One

Chris (Left) and Tiffany (Right)

By: Tiffany

Introduce yourselves!

My name is Tiffany Kairos. I’m married to Chris Kairos, a graphic designer and musician. I am the founder of The Epilepsy Network (TEN). To check out The Epilepsy Network (TEN), visit FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/theepilepsynetwork and the WEBSITE: http://theepilepsynetwork.com

Dating... with Epilepsy: Mandy & Rafael - Part Two

Mandy's painting "Vital Organs," depicting Rafael's love and support through her struggle with Epilepsy.

 

By: Rafael Mogollan    

 Introduce you and your loved one. 

 Hi everyone! My name is Rafael A. Mogollan. I am your typical high school senior and I am involved in a lot of different things. I guess you could say my two passions throughout school have been football, and discus throwing for the track team. I am a very athletic person. Just to name a few other things I do… I am a cadet officer in the AFJROTC corps. at school, an Eagle Scout with 6 palms and a Vigil Honor Member in the Boy Scouts of America, a National Honor Society student, and the founder and president of the “Future Leaders of America Club” at school. On the side I am a dishwasher at a local mom and pop restaurant on my side of town.

Dating... with Epilepsy: Mandy & Rafael - Part One

Rafael and Mandy sharing a dance at Mandy's high school graduation party in June 2011.

   By: Mandy Krzywonski


Introduce you and your boyfriend, Rafael.

You all know me pretty well by now… After all, this is my blog, isn’t it? Anyhow, for those of you who are reading my blog for the very first time, my name is Mandy. I’m 18 years old, and I have had Epilepsy for about 7 years now. If you have Epilepsy, or your loved one has Epilepsy, you don’t need me to tell you that the road of love is extremely rough. (As if it isn't already?) Something about having a loved one with a disability makes things difficult, but it also makes things beautiful in a lot of ways that are extremely overlooked.

My Sister Has Epilepsy - By: Jessica Krzywonski

My name is Jessica Krzywonski, and I go to Louis D. Brandeis High School in San Antonio, Texas. I’m in Air Force JROTC. I want to study Neurology and find the cure to Epilepsy for my sister.