Caesar's Story
Diagnosed: January 2006
Seizure Type: Absence
How would you describe your seizures?
I generally don't remember my seizures. They happen while I am sleeping. I know that I wake up with a really bad headache. My parents hear me having my convulsions and they help me get out of them.
Is there anything that triggers your seizures? If so, what?
Nothing that I know of.
How did you react to the diagnosis of epilepsy?
I was 5 when I was diagnosed so I didn't understand then. My parents talk to me about it and explain to me why my head hurts the day following my convulsions.
What if anything does epilepsy prevent or limit you from doing?
Nothing, my parents, especially my mom, make me do everything that kids my age do. I have a four-wheeler which I ride, I have my video games, and I go out and have fun like everyone else.
What medications do you take? Does the medication control your seizures? How many seizures do you current have a month?
Tegretol, the medication does a really good job at controlling my seizures.
Do you find it hard to fit in with others? How do other people respond when they hear you have epilepsy? No, many of my friends don't know that I have epilepsy and the ones that do know don't judge me. My mom is usually there when people find out I have epilepsy and they generally don't say anything because my mom will make sure no one will hurt my feelings.
What would you like people to know about epilepsy?
I tell Caesar that Epilepsy is not something that should stop him from living life and having fun. This is just a condition that some of us are often stuck with. I think that sometimes we learn to appreciate life better when we are faced with these trials and tribulations. It breaks my heart to see the discrimination against people with Epilepsy and I hope that Caesar will soon become knowledgable enough to teach and advocate to those around him that he is the same as everyone else, if not better. Life goes on even when you have to take medication twice a day or even three times a day. Enjoy life! Make the best of it!
What would you like people to know about you?
I am 7 years old and I am in the 2nd grade. I have a dog named Luna and she loves me a lot. I have a baby brother named Oscar. I love going to the park, playing soccer, going to football games, watching movies, going swimming, and many other things. I am learning to live life to the fullest and hopefully someday I will go to college and become a great professional. I don't know what I want to be yet but I have some time.
What is the hardest thing about living with epilepsy?
Remembering to take my medication.
Do your seizures affect your memory, learning, etc. If so how?
I don't think that it has drastically affected my learning. I have adjusted well to my medication and I attend school every day and do my homework and make good grades.
Where do you see yourself in the future? I hope to go to college, become a successful professional, travel everywhere, and buy a motor bike.
Is there anything you would like to say to other people who are newly diagnosed?
Caesar: Don't be scared, life goes on, eventually this will become second nature to you.
Caesar's Mom: For the moms and dads out there who are experiencing this for the first time, things will get better. I find that I too get scared at times especially that initial second when I hear my son in the other room having convulsions but then I get a strong grip of myself and hold him and start telling that I love him, I need him, and I want him to come back to me. After several minutes of caressing his hand and kissing him and talking to him he usally snaps out it. After that I realize my baby is back and it's time to live another day. Enjoy each precious moment you have with your children or loved one who has Epilepsy. I have learned that I have more courage than I thought I had because of my son. I thank the heavens for every day that I have with him. I praise my son for his accomplishments and I let him know he is loved. Things will get better and life goes on.