Monica Hayworth

A Fashion, Lifestyle, Mom, and Anti Scam Blog

in Epilepsy, Fashion, Linkup, My Thoughts ·

Epilepsy Awareness: Update & a Linkup

Jacket:  MakeMeChic (sold out, similar here) // Pants:  Target (old, similar here) // Shoes:  Guess (old, similar here)

Epilepsy Awareness Month is this month, and I wanted to write a little bit of an update since my post earlier this year.  You can read that post here.  I talked about my seizure back on Thanksgiving Day of last year.  I also went into depth about the darker side of epilepsy.  I’ve always tried to be so encouraging and showing people that it’s ok and life goes on, but I wanted to keep it real, and tell everyone the other side of being diagnosed and living with it, because it has not always been easy.  Seeing your loved ones be extra nervous around you (even though they try not to be) can be hard, because nothing you say or do will make them stop, no matter how many times you tell them “I’m fine.”

It’s been a year since my last seizure, and I haven’t had any more.  I’m hoping I can keep this no seizure thing going, because before last Thanksgiving, I was seizure free for several years.  My medication was increased for the first time in 13 years, and I’ve been watching myself extra carefully.  Every morning when my fiancé gets up and goes to work (he gets up a few minutes before me) if I’m laying on my back, he will roll me over to my side in case I end up having a seizure, I won’t choke on myself like I did last year, thank god my fiancé was there for that, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this post right now.  I have to text him every morning and let him know that I am alive by sending him pictures of the dogs sleeping next to me while I do my makeup.  Whenever we are both home, if I don’t respond right away my fiancé gets nervous that I’m laying on the floor somewhere and I can hear it in his voice that he’s freaking out when he calls my name again.

I wrote about trying the Ketogenic Diet to see if it would help at all.  I did try it and I must say, I felt the best that I have since I was diagnosed.  My brain was so sharp and on point.  I felt like a completely different person.  The only problem is that it was such a hard diet to maintain and I couldn’t stick to it.  I did love the food I ate, but all of the weighing and calculating really took over a good portion of my time.  I was challenged to make things that were delicious and keto friendly, but nothing beats a good slice of NJ pizza.  The problem is, is that it would take me a while to get back into ketosis, so having a cheat meal or snack just wasn’t worth it for me because then I would go through the keto flu symptoms all over again.  Unfortunately, my body wasn’t good at adjusting.

The past year has been ok.  I did try and focus more on myself and my well being after my last seizure and I got rid of a lot of things that were causing me unnecessary stress.  I stopped getting involved with things that didn’t pertain to me (even though I really wanted to step in and help) and I stopped helping as many people as I was before.  I know that sounds really terrible, but this time I HAD to choose myself and my health over other people.  Focusing on myself was the best thing I could have done for my body and mind.  I tried not to sweat over the little minute things.  Thankfully I have my fiancé so whenever I would get overly stressed he helps calm me down.

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My mom is co-hosting again today!  Show her some love by checking out her blog 60 Plus Experience and following her on social media!  @60.plus.experience on Insta

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xoxo Monica

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Style Elixir // The Fashion Canvas // Walking in Memphis in High Heels // I do deClaire // Pumps and Pushups // Elegantly Dressed & Stylish // Elegance and Mommyhood // Posh Classy Mom // Glass of Glam// Shelbee on the Edge // Foxy Domestic Side // Style Assisted // This Main Life // Cappuccino and Fashion  // Threads for Thomas

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Shelbee on the Edge says

    Monica, I am so glad to hear that you have been seizure free for a year! And that you are doing what you need to take care of yourself. I have to keep reminding myself (and others) that self-care is never selfish! I think we get stuck in a cycle where we think we have to constantly say yes to other people’s needs and demands, but we absolutely do not and saying no is often the very best thing for everyone! Now onto this amazing outfit! I am freaking swooning over this entire outfit and maybe need to find myself some cute distressed purple denim (perfect for an epilepsy awareness post, but you already knew that)! Love, love, love this look! Heading over to check out your momma’s post! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Jersey Girl, Texan Heart says

      Yes, it definitely is scary, for my family. I’ve gotten used to it, and get frustrated when I have setbacks like this last seizure, but the pain it puts my family through is what kills me the most. Have a happy Thanksgiving Julie!

  4. Amy says

    Epilepsy does sound like a scary disease to live with. I’m glad you’re doing better and pray you’ll continue to be seizure free. I love your outfit. Those pants are fabulous.

    • Jersey Girl, Texan Heart says

      It is, but I feel like it’s scarier for my family. Seeing their reactions after I had a seizure is the absolute worst. For me, my emotions are more geared towards anger of knowing I can’t control my own body when I have seizures.

  5. Chrissy says

    Thanks Monica for sharing another peek into your day to day. And I totally get the difficulty to stick to a particular way of eating. Goodness I agree – it’s so stinking time consuming! Now if we could just have a chef to provide it for us! And girl, I love how the purple jeans pull out the purple in your hair. Keep sharing you and your adorable style!

  6. Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies says

    Oh my dear I’m sorry to hear you suffer with this. My brother in law does too and one of my dogs did terribly. It must be a worry for you and your loved ones. What a sweet boyfriend you have. I agree, life isn’t about doing the perfect thing – it has to be enjoyed, right!? You look so healthy at the moment and I love your outfit – your jeans are fabulous!! Sending you hugs xx

    • Jersey Girl, Texan Heart says

      I think seeing the reaction of my loved ones is what kills me the most. I can feel the seizure coming on and then I black out so it’s not like I feel anything until after, and then I see how worried my family is.

  9. Ruth says

    It is so wonderful that you are surrounded by people who love you. Your fiance sounds like he really cares for you and makes sure you are taken care of. I am really glad that you have been seizure free for so long and hope it continues!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

  10. Bojana Krienke says

    Wow. What an incredibly scary event for you both to go through. Epilepsy is such a scary illness to have and to live with the symptoms and never knowing when it might return. I am so sorry to hear this but I am glad that you find delight in many things in your life. Happy Thanksgiving

    BTW, love this look of heels, leather and chunky necklace. A little bit over everything looks so polished and chic.

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca