Abby                             

Diagnosed: at age 11 (2007)

Seizure Type: Absence

How would you describe your seizures? 

I blank out and can't hear anything. I just kind of stare off and my lips move from what people tell me. After the seizure, I realize that I just had one.

Is there anything that triggers your seizures? If so, what? 

I don't really know. The doctor told me that bright, blinking lights can trigger a seizure.

How did you react to the diagnosis of epilepsy? 

I was kind of scared and nervous at first.

What if anything does epilepsy prevent or limit you from doing?

Nothing, really. 

What medications do you take? Does the medication control your seizures? How many seizures do you current have a month? 

Lamictal. I feel that I'm having less, but I still have them. I have only been on the medication for a month and a half. I can't really say how many seizures I have in a current month. I have a few a day - it's never over 10 though.

Do you find it hard to fit in with others? How do other people respond when they hear you have epilepsy? No. People ask if it's bad or how I handle it. People typically say, "Oh my gosh."

What would you like people to know about epilepsy?

That there are different types and it's not always bad.

What would you like people to know about you? 

That I'm cute.

What is the hardest thing about living with epilepsy?

People that don't know me and don't understand what epilepsy is.

Do your seizures affect your memory, learning, etc. If so how? 

No - not at all.

Where do you see yourself in the future? 

Living in a house with kids and a husband.

Is there anything you would like to say to other people who are newly diagnosed? 

It's really not that bad if you have the type of epilepsy I have. I don't know too much about the other types of epilepsy.