NOVEMBER IS EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH
I know this year I’ve been very quiet about epilepsy awareness month. Life has just been very hectic lately and we recently had a bit of an emergency. All is well, but it’s been stressful. However, I wanted to take the time today to bring my yearly epilepsy awareness post. Last year I talked about how my epilepsy was while I was pregnant, and this year I can talk about my experience being postpartum and having epilepsy.
Related: Epilepsy during my pregnancy.
Top: Target // Leggings: Target // Boots: Betsey Johnson (old, similar here and here)
HOW I’VE BEEN FEELING
I’ve actually been feeling great. In the beginning it was terrifying. With a newborn, you may not be sleeping or even eating properly. You may also be stressed out, maybe you’re a new mom and have no idea what you’re doing. Hi, that was/is me! When no one was sleeping in the house I was very worried that I’d have a seizure. My triggers are sleep deprivation, stress, and alcohol will cancel out my medication. Well, those first two things were definitely and still are the story of my life. My husband helped me out a lot in the beginning because of my epilepsy. We took turns with who would wake up with her. I did really great with my epilepsy.
Related: My story living with epilepsy.
Top: Target // Leggings: Target // Boots: Betsey Johnson (old, similar here and here)
MY MEDICATION
Once I was a few months into motherhood the doctor decreased my medication. I’ve been at the same dosage since, which is only a little bit more than my dosage pre pregnancy. Staying at this dosage is completely fine with me and it makes me feel a little better.
Related: What epilepsy really looks like.
Top: Target // Leggings: Target // Boots: Betsey Johnson (old, similar here and here)
I’M STILL SCARED
I’m still afraid of having a seizure about bèbè. This is why my husband got me the Apple Watch. It has fall detection which is really the only reason he even thought of getting it. Getting it has helped ease my worry a little bit. At least I know if I fall and have a seizure someone will know. And it keeps my daughter safe because they happen when I wake up from a nap or from sleeping overnight and she’s in her crib so at least I know until I come to she’s ok. I hope she never has to witness me have a seizure because I don’t want her to be scared. Once she’s old enough to understand I’m going to explain it to her and tell her exactly what to do. She probably won’t remember anything besides calling dad.
Related: A visit to my neurologist.
Top: Target // Leggings: Target // Boots: Betsey Johnson (old, similar here and here)
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
We’re just going to keep up with normal checkups and eventually we will try to wean me back to the medication dosage I was at pre pregnancy. However, I’m in no rush to do that. Unless the levels get too high in my blood, my neurologist said staying at this dosage is perfectly fine. I’ve been feeling pretty ok minus the fear of having a seizure in front of bèbè, but other than that knock on wood, I’ve been doing ok.
Related: Epilepsy Awareness in the past.
Top: Target // Leggings: Target // Boots: Betsey Johnson (old, similar here and here)
LET’S MOVE ON TO THE LINKUP!
Alright y’all, let’s move on to the linkup!
Super cute outfit, Monica! I love this color on you. I am so glad that your medication is keeping seizures at bay and I am really glad that Joe got your that Apple watch. That absolutely gives an extra sense of security for you. When I lived apart from my husband when my kids were very young, I was always afraid I might fall or something and it would be days until someone found us. So I totally understand that stress and fear. You have all the necessary precautions in place, so hopefully that helps ease some stress. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friend!
Shelbee
You are stunning in this outfit! I’m glad you’ve been feeling good. I’m sorry that this health issue adds another layer of anxiety around motherhood, but I definitely can understand why this is something you’re thinking about. I hope having the fall detection with your watch will continue to help ease your worry about this.
Getting the Apple watch was a great idea. Having a baby is stressful enough on its own, but this just makes it more so. Hopefully the watch will give you some peace of mind.
Emma xxx
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