Struggle to cope with Epilepsy

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Kaylee Olson

Seth Olson`s tattoo shows that he has Epilepsy.

Kaylee Olson, Ranger Review Reporter

Seth Olson, 12, is still learning from the fact that he has Grand-Mal seizures, which are the most detrimental type of seizures because he loses complete control over his body. Seth was informed that he has Epilepsy about one year ago. When a seizure comes he describes it as, all of his muscles locking up as he falls to the ground rolling uncontrollably, or while he rocks back and forth on the floor trying to gain back control of his body. His face turns a purple/grey color from lack of oxygen, however, he is not aware of what is happening to him till the seizure has ended.  When he wakes up after a seizure, he does not remember anything that happened, his parents or siblings have to explain it to him in detail.

“Most of the time I wake up with a raging headache and I feel very sore,” Olson said.

When he has seizures, they usually last three to four minutes at the most. Seth’s doctor had advised him to stay away from things that can put him in more danger. For him that meant that he had to give up little parts of his life that were important to him. Seth had to give up motocross, snowboarding and downhill racing. This also means that he cannot drive a car. He was told that he can still play guitar, draw, and hang out with friends, but any athletic behavior would be detrimental to him.

“It is hard, because I am a very active kid, and my seizures limit what I am able to do with my life,” Olson said,  “It was difficult to accept the fact that I have Epilepsy. Luckily I have not had any seizures at school or in public, but I have had a few close calls.”

Olson got a tattoo to show the fact that he has Epilepsy. He explained that having a medical bracelet or necklace wouldn’t work for him, because he would lose it or forget to wear it. The tattoo is the most efficient symbol for Seth to wear to keep people alert about his Epilepsy in case they don’t know his condition. Olson was very specific about saying that Epilepsy is very hard to cope with. He has learned to focus on the things that he can do, instead of focusing on the things that limit him.