Since my last post:-

Weekend - England out of the World Cup - enough said. Very hot, too hot sometimes, but still enjoying the good weather.

Monday - panic sets in - I saw James's hand tremble - I think, not sure, but still was worried.  Made the mistake of being worried in front of the other two, not good for them really.  Later Becky thought she saw his had tremble again, I didn't see it, so not sure if Beks was maybe looking for it because she was worrying about it.

Obviously the concern is because of his Epilepsy - at the time of the said tremble, I was talking to my neighbour, who James likes to talk to, and does not like it when my talking stops him from talking to her.  He was also at the same time as getting annoyed with me, trying to get over her gate to smooth her dog, shaking the gate with great force, this is when I think I saw the tremble.

Anyway, kept my eye on him,well we all did.  Mike was working in the evening, was feeling low, something happened with one of the kids and I just completely broke down. 
I had been feeling down over the weekend -  sometimes our situation is just so overwhelming, and I feel so much for little James and  I feel guilty about it -  knowing of course that him having Epilepsy is not my fault, but it doesn't stop me feeling like this.
Then I go on to how much I think I am neglecting the other two, where I am going wrong, what a terrible mother I am etc etc.
So on top of all of this, the tremble - which really sent me over the edge.
 
Thankfully my mum came round with my Dad, I had calmed a bit by this point.  I tried to put horrible morbid thoughts from my head, but they just kept coming back.  Kept asking why why why has my lovely little innocent little boy got this.  Despite the fact that he is OK, and I know so well of the worse situations that other families are in and are suffering.  But it didn't stop me feeling sorry for James, myself and my family.

In the end I went to bed early with James and cried myself to sleep.  Worried sick about his trembling and worried that it could get worse.

I also lay there and wondered if there were  millions of other mothers  across the world, crying and praying for their children to be OK, and was cross about it, this isn't fair, why do the children have to suffer.

Well, actually, at the moment, and hopefully never, James isn't suffering, as my daughter so wisely pointed out to me earlier in the day.

But anyway, today I woke with a heavy heart, but got on with the morning as we had our LEA visit, will post about this later.  Went well though.

Took James to see our GP - trembling is a side effect of his meds, only a minor one, and nothing to worry about (will still be ringing his specialist next week -on hols this week - to just double check this).
He also said that at his age, he is starting to use all of his strength and muscles and that the trembling could well have been to do with the gate incident, he seems to think this is more likely than the side effect of the meds. Either way, it is OK, James was weighed, all OK, in line with his meds dosage.  Said that James looks well and very lively.

So  was very relieved to  hear all of this, and have realised that with James condition it will always be like this, and that I have to adjust, and try harder to be stronger, for the sake of my family. 

Mike has said that I am not doing badly,it has now been seven months since his diagnosis, and I have to say I think I have been coping quite well. But every now and then, it really hits me hard.

 From this I have learnt I really have to try and take it one day at a time.

Blessings and good health to you and your families.
Lou x

Since my last post:-

Weekend - England out of the World Cup - enough said. Very hot, too hot sometimes, but still enjoying the good weather.

Monday - panic sets in - I saw James's hand tremble - I think, not sure, but still was worried.  Made the mistake of being worried in front of the other two, not good for them really.  Later Becky thought she saw his had tremble again, I didn't see it, so not sure if Beks was maybe looking for it because she was worrying about it.

Obviously the concern is because of his Epilepsy - at the time of the said tremble, I was talking to my neighbour, who James likes to talk to, and does not like it when my talking stops him from talking to her.  He was also at the same time as getting annoyed with me, trying to get over her gate to smooth her dog, shaking the gate with great force, this is when I think I saw the tremble.

Anyway, kept my eye on him,well we all did.  Mike was working in the evening, was feeling low, something happened with one of the kids and I just completely broke down. 
I had been feeling down over the weekend -  sometimes our situation is just so overwhelming, and I feel so much for little James and  I feel guilty about it -  knowing of course that him having Epilepsy is not my fault, but it doesn't stop me feeling like this.
Then I go on to how much I think I am neglecting the other two, where I am going wrong, what a terrible mother I am etc etc.
So on top of all of this, the tremble - which really sent me over the edge.
 
Thankfully my mum came round with my Dad, I had calmed a bit by this point.  I tried to put horrible morbid thoughts from my head, but they just kept coming back.  Kept asking why why why has my lovely little innocent little boy got this.  Despite the fact that he is OK, and I know so well of the worse situations that other families are in and are suffering.  But it didn't stop me feeling sorry for James, myself and my family.

In the end I went to bed early with James and cried myself to sleep.  Worried sick about his trembling and worried that it could get worse.

I also lay there and wondered if there were  millions of other mothers  across the world, crying and praying for their children to be OK, and was cross about it, this isn't fair, why do the children have to suffer.

Well, actually, at the moment, and hopefully never, James isn't suffering, as my daughter so wisely pointed out to me earlier in the day.

But anyway, today I woke with a heavy heart, but got on with the morning as we had our LEA visit, will post about this later.  Went well though.

Took James to see our GP - trembling is a side effect of his meds, only a minor one, and nothing to worry about (will still be ringing his specialist next week -on hols this week - to just double check this).
He also said that at his age, he is starting to use all of his strength and muscles and that the trembling could well have been to do with the gate incident, he seems to think this is more likely than the side effect of the meds. Either way, it is OK, James was weighed, all OK, in line with his meds dosage.  Said that James looks well and very lively.

So  was very relieved to  hear all of this, and have realised that with James condition it will always be like this, and that I have to adjust, and try harder to be stronger, for the sake of my family. 

Mike has said that I am not doing badly,it has now been seven months since his diagnosis, and I have to say I think I have been coping quite well. But every now and then, it really hits me hard.

 From this I have learnt I really have to try and take it one day at a time.

Blessings and good health to you and your families.
Lou x

Since my last post:-

Weekend - England out of the World Cup - enough said. Very hot, too hot sometimes, but still enjoying the good weather.

Monday - panic sets in - I saw James's hand tremble - I think, not sure, but still was worried.  Made the mistake of being worried in front of the other two, not good for them really.  Later Becky thought she saw his had tremble again, I didn't see it, so not sure if Beks was maybe looking for it because she was worrying about it.

Obviously the concern is because of his Epilepsy - at the time of the said tremble, I was talking to my neighbour, who James likes to talk to, and does not like it when my talking stops him from talking to her.  He was also at the same time as getting annoyed with me, trying to get over her gate to smooth her dog, shaking the gate with great force, this is when I think I saw the tremble.

Anyway, kept my eye on him,well we all did.  Mike was working in the evening, was feeling low, something happened with one of the kids and I just completely broke down. 
I had been feeling down over the weekend -  sometimes our situation is just so overwhelming, and I feel so much for little James and  I feel guilty about it -  knowing of course that him having Epilepsy is not my fault, but it doesn't stop me feeling like this.
Then I go on to how much I think I am neglecting the other two, where I am going wrong, what a terrible mother I am etc etc.
So on top of all of this, the tremble - which really sent me over the edge.
 
Thankfully my mum came round with my Dad, I had calmed a bit by this point.  I tried to put horrible morbid thoughts from my head, but they just kept coming back.  Kept asking why why why has my lovely little innocent little boy got this.  Despite the fact that he is OK, and I know so well of the worse situations that other families are in and are suffering.  But it didn't stop me feeling sorry for James, myself and my family.

In the end I went to bed early with James and cried myself to sleep.  Worried sick about his trembling and worried that it could get worse.

I also lay there and wondered if there were  millions of other mothers  across the world, crying and praying for their children to be OK, and was cross about it, this isn't fair, why do the children have to suffer.

Well, actually, at the moment, and hopefully never, James isn't suffering, as my daughter so wisely pointed out to me earlier in the day.

But anyway, today I woke with a heavy heart, but got on with the morning as we had our LEA visit, will post about this later.  Went well though.

Took James to see our GP - trembling is a side effect of his meds, only a minor one, and nothing to worry about (will still be ringing his specialist next week -on hols this week - to just double check this).
He also said that at his age, he is starting to use all of his strength and muscles and that the trembling could well have been to do with the gate incident, he seems to think this is more likely than the side effect of the meds. Either way, it is OK, James was weighed, all OK, in line with his meds dosage.  Said that James looks well and very lively.

So  was very relieved to  hear all of this, and have realised that with James condition it will always be like this, and that I have to adjust, and try harder to be stronger, for the sake of my family. 

Mike has said that I am not doing badly,it has now been seven months since his diagnosis, and I have to say I think I have been coping quite well. But every now and then, it really hits me hard.

 From this I have learnt I really have to try and take it one day at a time.

Blessings and good health to you and your families.
Lou x

Since my last post:-

Weekend - England out of the World Cup - enough said. Very hot, too hot sometimes, but still enjoying the good weather.

Monday - panic sets in - I saw James's hand tremble - I think, not sure, but still was worried.  Made the mistake of being worried in front of the other two, not good for them really.  Later Becky thought she saw his had tremble again, I didn't see it, so not sure if Beks was maybe looking for it because she was worrying about it.

Obviously the concern is because of his Epilepsy - at the time of the said tremble, I was talking to my neighbour, who James likes to talk to, and does not like it when my talking stops him from talking to her.  He was also at the same time as getting annoyed with me, trying to get over her gate to smooth her dog, shaking the gate with great force, this is when I think I saw the tremble.

Anyway, kept my eye on him,well we all did.  Mike was working in the evening, was feeling low, something happened with one of the kids and I just completely broke down. 
I had been feeling down over the weekend -  sometimes our situation is just so overwhelming, and I feel so much for little James and  I feel guilty about it -  knowing of course that him having Epilepsy is not my fault, but it doesn't stop me feeling like this.
Then I go on to how much I think I am neglecting the other two, where I am going wrong, what a terrible mother I am etc etc.
So on top of all of this, the tremble - which really sent me over the edge.
 
Thankfully my mum came round with my Dad, I had calmed a bit by this point.  I tried to put horrible morbid thoughts from my head, but they just kept coming back.  Kept asking why why why has my lovely little innocent little boy got this.  Despite the fact that he is OK, and I know so well of the worse situations that other families are in and are suffering.  But it didn't stop me feeling sorry for James, myself and my family.

In the end I went to bed early with James and cried myself to sleep.  Worried sick about his trembling and worried that it could get worse.

I also lay there and wondered if there were  millions of other mothers  across the world, crying and praying for their children to be OK, and was cross about it, this isn't fair, why do the children have to suffer.

Well, actually, at the moment, and hopefully never, James isn't suffering, as my daughter so wisely pointed out to me earlier in the day.

But anyway, today I woke with a heavy heart, but got on with the morning as we had our LEA visit, will post about this later.  Went well though.

Took James to see our GP - trembling is a side effect of his meds, only a minor one, and nothing to worry about (will still be ringing his specialist next week -on hols this week - to just double check this).
He also said that at his age, he is starting to use all of his strength and muscles and that the trembling could well have been to do with the gate incident, he seems to think this is more likely than the side effect of the meds. Either way, it is OK, James was weighed, all OK, in line with his meds dosage.  Said that James looks well and very lively.

So  was very relieved to  hear all of this, and have realised that with James condition it will always be like this, and that I have to adjust, and try harder to be stronger, for the sake of my family. 

Mike has said that I am not doing badly,it has now been seven months since his diagnosis, and I have to say I think I have been coping quite well. But every now and then, it really hits me hard.

 From this I have learnt I really have to try and take it one day at a time.

Blessings and good health to you and your families.
Lou x

Since my last post:-

Weekend - England out of the World Cup - enough said. Very hot, too hot sometimes, but still enjoying the good weather.

Monday - panic sets in - I saw James's hand tremble - I think, not sure, but still was worried.  Made the mistake of being worried in front of the other two, not good for them really.  Later Becky thought she saw his had tremble again, I didn't see it, so not sure if Beks was maybe looking for it because she was worrying about it.

Obviously the concern is because of his Epilepsy - at the time of the said tremble, I was talking to my neighbour, who James likes to talk to, and does not like it when my talking stops him from talking to her.  He was also at the same time as getting annoyed with me, trying to get over her gate to smooth her dog, shaking the gate with great force, this is when I think I saw the tremble.

Anyway, kept my eye on him,well we all did.  Mike was working in the evening, was feeling low, something happened with one of the kids and I just completely broke down. 
I had been feeling down over the weekend -  sometimes our situation is just so overwhelming, and I feel so much for little James and  I feel guilty about it -  knowing of course that him having Epilepsy is not my fault, but it doesn't stop me feeling like this.
Then I go on to how much I think I am neglecting the other two, where I am going wrong, what a terrible mother I am etc etc.
So on top of all of this, the tremble - which really sent me over the edge.
 
Thankfully my mum came round with my Dad, I had calmed a bit by this point.  I tried to put horrible morbid thoughts from my head, but they just kept coming back.  Kept asking why why why has my lovely little innocent little boy got this.  Despite the fact that he is OK, and I know so well of the worse situations that other families are in and are suffering.  But it didn't stop me feeling sorry for James, myself and my family.

In the end I went to bed early with James and cried myself to sleep.  Worried sick about his trembling and worried that it could get worse.

I also lay there and wondered if there were  millions of other mothers  across the world, crying and praying for their children to be OK, and was cross about it, this isn't fair, why do the children have to suffer.

Well, actually, at the moment, and hopefully never, James isn't suffering, as my daughter so wisely pointed out to me earlier in the day.

But anyway, today I woke with a heavy heart, but got on with the morning as we had our LEA visit, will post about this later.  Went well though.

Took James to see our GP - trembling is a side effect of his meds, only a minor one, and nothing to worry about (will still be ringing his specialist next week -on hols this week - to just double check this).
He also said that at his age, he is starting to use all of his strength and muscles and that the trembling could well have been to do with the gate incident, he seems to think this is more likely than the side effect of the meds. Either way, it is OK, James was weighed, all OK, in line with his meds dosage.  Said that James looks well and very lively.

So  was very relieved to  hear all of this, and have realised that with James condition it will always be like this, and that I have to adjust, and try harder to be stronger, for the sake of my family. 

Mike has said that I am not doing badly,it has now been seven months since his diagnosis, and I have to say I think I have been coping quite well. But every now and then, it really hits me hard.

 From this I have learnt I really have to try and take it one day at a time.

Blessings and good health to you and your families.
Lou x

Flown By.

Where has this week gone.

Tuesday - HE Art and Craft Group,also Mikes day off.  Very hot day. This weeks craft was De-Coupage. I had managed to get lots of shoe boxes from our local shoe shop, (with much help from Becky and Danny carrying them down the High Street), so we used them for our project.

They turned out quite well, will post photos once my two have varnished theirs, Becky has made hers into a recipe box and Danny a bugs box.

Wednesday - HE Group - Spanish for Becky, mainly football for Danny. James did some cooking and had lots of fun in the park.  Very hot.  Left the Group early to watch ENGLAND qualify for the next round of the world cup - we face Germany - sure we can win!!!

Thursday - Bit of a grey day weather wise, went to the library. Becky picked up loads of books (she gets through so many - which is good of course)  Danny a few, he prefers to sit and draw more than sit and read, but still likes a good book.

They both picked their topics,- Thursday is project day, and as we are nearing the end of our "term" - which ends on the 30th June so we decided not to start anything to big.  I suggested something related to the World Cup, so Becky chose South Africa, and Danny chose Italy.

As it happened our local Bakery were selling different types of cakes from South Africa, so we bought Ginger Donuts and milk custard tarts.

Becky read her book on South Africa after eating her cake, then Danny watched Italy go out of the World Cup, then decided to cook Italian for our evening meal - (with Becky's help).  They made cheese and ham pizzas with ravioli.  Tasted really nice.

Today - lovely day weather wise, grey day in the way of how I felt.  Every now and again I feel overwhelmed with the fact that James has Epilepsy, today was one of those days. I cried a lot, and was comforted by my loving family, and was reminded by them all that we will have bad days, and it isn't always easy, but to remember  that we are all here for each other. They are so good to me:-}

Apart from feeling low, the day went well. Our monthly science experiment was rocks - using different types of chocolate (cool) from a book called The Little Book of Science Experiments - Planet Science. Mike did this with them while I sat with James during his afternoon nap. They really enjoyed it (who wouldnt - you can eat the chocolate afterwards) and it covered Igneous rocks, meteorites, explosive eruptions and fusion crusts.


So the week has gone so quickly, lovely weather again, the children have been outside a lot, playing cricket with the nieghbours, as well as having Beckys Drama class and Netball practice. 

Mike has got this weekend off, so may have a day out tomorrow. Looking forward to lots of football too.

Come On ENGLAND!

Blessings
Lou x

Flown By.

Where has this week gone.

Tuesday - HE Art and Craft Group,also Mikes day off.  Very hot day. This weeks craft was De-Coupage. I had managed to get lots of shoe boxes from our local shoe shop, (with much help from Becky and Danny carrying them down the High Street), so we used them for our project.

They turned out quite well, will post photos once my two have varnished theirs, Becky has made hers into a recipe box and Danny a bugs box.

Wednesday - HE Group - Spanish for Becky, mainly football for Danny. James did some cooking and had lots of fun in the park.  Very hot.  Left the Group early to watch ENGLAND qualify for the next round of the world cup - we face Germany - sure we can win!!!

Thursday - Bit of a grey day weather wise, went to the library. Becky picked up loads of books (she gets through so many - which is good of course)  Danny a few, he prefers to sit and draw more than sit and read, but still likes a good book.

They both picked their topics,- Thursday is project day, and as we are nearing the end of our "term" - which ends on the 30th June so we decided not to start anything to big.  I suggested something related to the World Cup, so Becky chose South Africa, and Danny chose Italy.

As it happened our local Bakery were selling different types of cakes from South Africa, so we bought Ginger Donuts and milk custard tarts.

Becky read her book on South Africa after eating her cake, then Danny watched Italy go out of the World Cup, then decided to cook Italian for our evening meal - (with Becky's help).  They made cheese and ham pizzas with ravioli.  Tasted really nice.

Today - lovely day weather wise, grey day in the way of how I felt.  Every now and again I feel overwhelmed with the fact that James has Epilepsy, today was one of those days. I cried a lot, and was comforted by my loving family, and was reminded by them all that we will have bad days, and it isn't always easy, but to remember  that we are all here for each other. They are so good to me:-}

Apart from feeling low, the day went well. Our monthly science experiment was rocks - using different types of chocolate (cool) from a book called The Little Book of Science Experiments - Planet Science. Mike did this with them while I sat with James during his afternoon nap. They really enjoyed it (who wouldnt - you can eat the chocolate afterwards) and it covered Igneous rocks, meteorites, explosive eruptions and fusion crusts.


So the week has gone so quickly, lovely weather again, the children have been outside a lot, playing cricket with the nieghbours, as well as having Beckys Drama class and Netball practice. 

Mike has got this weekend off, so may have a day out tomorrow. Looking forward to lots of football too.

Come On ENGLAND!

Blessings
Lou x

Flown By.

Where has this week gone.

Tuesday - HE Art and Craft Group,also Mikes day off.  Very hot day. This weeks craft was De-Coupage. I had managed to get lots of shoe boxes from our local shoe shop, (with much help from Becky and Danny carrying them down the High Street), so we used them for our project.

They turned out quite well, will post photos once my two have varnished theirs, Becky has made hers into a recipe box and Danny a bugs box.

Wednesday - HE Group - Spanish for Becky, mainly football for Danny. James did some cooking and had lots of fun in the park.  Very hot.  Left the Group early to watch ENGLAND qualify for the next round of the world cup - we face Germany - sure we can win!!!

Thursday - Bit of a grey day weather wise, went to the library. Becky picked up loads of books (she gets through so many - which is good of course)  Danny a few, he prefers to sit and draw more than sit and read, but still likes a good book.

They both picked their topics,- Thursday is project day, and as we are nearing the end of our "term" - which ends on the 30th June so we decided not to start anything to big.  I suggested something related to the World Cup, so Becky chose South Africa, and Danny chose Italy.

As it happened our local Bakery were selling different types of cakes from South Africa, so we bought Ginger Donuts and milk custard tarts.

Becky read her book on South Africa after eating her cake, then Danny watched Italy go out of the World Cup, then decided to cook Italian for our evening meal - (with Becky's help).  They made cheese and ham pizzas with ravioli.  Tasted really nice.

Today - lovely day weather wise, grey day in the way of how I felt.  Every now and again I feel overwhelmed with the fact that James has Epilepsy, today was one of those days. I cried a lot, and was comforted by my loving family, and was reminded by them all that we will have bad days, and it isn't always easy, but to remember  that we are all here for each other. They are so good to me:-}

Apart from feeling low, the day went well. Our monthly science experiment was rocks - using different types of chocolate (cool) from a book called The Little Book of Science Experiments - Planet Science. Mike did this with them while I sat with James during his afternoon nap. They really enjoyed it (who wouldnt - you can eat the chocolate afterwards) and it covered Igneous rocks, meteorites, explosive eruptions and fusion crusts.


So the week has gone so quickly, lovely weather again, the children have been outside a lot, playing cricket with the nieghbours, as well as having Beckys Drama class and Netball practice. 

Mike has got this weekend off, so may have a day out tomorrow. Looking forward to lots of football too.

Come On ENGLAND!

Blessings
Lou x

Flown By.

Where has this week gone.

Tuesday - HE Art and Craft Group,also Mikes day off.  Very hot day. This weeks craft was De-Coupage. I had managed to get lots of shoe boxes from our local shoe shop, (with much help from Becky and Danny carrying them down the High Street), so we used them for our project.

They turned out quite well, will post photos once my two have varnished theirs, Becky has made hers into a recipe box and Danny a bugs box.

Wednesday - HE Group - Spanish for Becky, mainly football for Danny. James did some cooking and had lots of fun in the park.  Very hot.  Left the Group early to watch ENGLAND qualify for the next round of the world cup - we face Germany - sure we can win!!!

Thursday - Bit of a grey day weather wise, went to the library. Becky picked up loads of books (she gets through so many - which is good of course)  Danny a few, he prefers to sit and draw more than sit and read, but still likes a good book.

They both picked their topics,- Thursday is project day, and as we are nearing the end of our "term" - which ends on the 30th June so we decided not to start anything to big.  I suggested something related to the World Cup, so Becky chose South Africa, and Danny chose Italy.

As it happened our local Bakery were selling different types of cakes from South Africa, so we bought Ginger Donuts and milk custard tarts.

Becky read her book on South Africa after eating her cake, then Danny watched Italy go out of the World Cup, then decided to cook Italian for our evening meal - (with Becky's help).  They made cheese and ham pizzas with ravioli.  Tasted really nice.

Today - lovely day weather wise, grey day in the way of how I felt.  Every now and again I feel overwhelmed with the fact that James has Epilepsy, today was one of those days. I cried a lot, and was comforted by my loving family, and was reminded by them all that we will have bad days, and it isn't always easy, but to remember  that we are all here for each other. They are so good to me:-}

Apart from feeling low, the day went well. Our monthly science experiment was rocks - using different types of chocolate (cool) from a book called The Little Book of Science Experiments - Planet Science. Mike did this with them while I sat with James during his afternoon nap. They really enjoyed it (who wouldnt - you can eat the chocolate afterwards) and it covered Igneous rocks, meteorites, explosive eruptions and fusion crusts.


So the week has gone so quickly, lovely weather again, the children have been outside a lot, playing cricket with the nieghbours, as well as having Beckys Drama class and Netball practice. 

Mike has got this weekend off, so may have a day out tomorrow. Looking forward to lots of football too.

Come On ENGLAND!

Blessings
Lou x

Flown By.

Where has this week gone.

Tuesday - HE Art and Craft Group,also Mikes day off.  Very hot day. This weeks craft was De-Coupage. I had managed to get lots of shoe boxes from our local shoe shop, (with much help from Becky and Danny carrying them down the High Street), so we used them for our project.

They turned out quite well, will post photos once my two have varnished theirs, Becky has made hers into a recipe box and Danny a bugs box.

Wednesday - HE Group - Spanish for Becky, mainly football for Danny. James did some cooking and had lots of fun in the park.  Very hot.  Left the Group early to watch ENGLAND qualify for the next round of the world cup - we face Germany - sure we can win!!!

Thursday - Bit of a grey day weather wise, went to the library. Becky picked up loads of books (she gets through so many - which is good of course)  Danny a few, he prefers to sit and draw more than sit and read, but still likes a good book.

They both picked their topics,- Thursday is project day, and as we are nearing the end of our "term" - which ends on the 30th June so we decided not to start anything to big.  I suggested something related to the World Cup, so Becky chose South Africa, and Danny chose Italy.

As it happened our local Bakery were selling different types of cakes from South Africa, so we bought Ginger Donuts and milk custard tarts.

Becky read her book on South Africa after eating her cake, then Danny watched Italy go out of the World Cup, then decided to cook Italian for our evening meal - (with Becky's help).  They made cheese and ham pizzas with ravioli.  Tasted really nice.

Today - lovely day weather wise, grey day in the way of how I felt.  Every now and again I feel overwhelmed with the fact that James has Epilepsy, today was one of those days. I cried a lot, and was comforted by my loving family, and was reminded by them all that we will have bad days, and it isn't always easy, but to remember  that we are all here for each other. They are so good to me:-}

Apart from feeling low, the day went well. Our monthly science experiment was rocks - using different types of chocolate (cool) from a book called The Little Book of Science Experiments - Planet Science. Mike did this with them while I sat with James during his afternoon nap. They really enjoyed it (who wouldnt - you can eat the chocolate afterwards) and it covered Igneous rocks, meteorites, explosive eruptions and fusion crusts.


So the week has gone so quickly, lovely weather again, the children have been outside a lot, playing cricket with the nieghbours, as well as having Beckys Drama class and Netball practice. 

Mike has got this weekend off, so may have a day out tomorrow. Looking forward to lots of football too.

Come On ENGLAND!

Blessings
Lou x

Sunshine, ants,Fathers Day, sciatica, maths, english, reading, a birthday and of course FOOTBALL!

Got a few days blogging to catch up on:-

Thursday - Mikes Birthday - We didn't go anywhere,Mike of course, preferred to stay home, as the football was on.  Becky made him a lovely cake, and we spent the day in the garden.

Friday - Monthly Nature Study - decided to look at Ants.  Usually, there are lots of them in our back garden, but could we find any!

Eventually they both found a few, managed to catch them and put them in the ant farm they had made (1 jar, sand, mud, water, leaves, sugar, honey, elastic band, dark paper and cloth).

Looked at the Nature Study Handbook, then entered all info they had gathered into their Nature Journals.

Later is was Netball for Becky and more World Cup in the evening.

Saturday - Mike had split shifts all weekend (not too bad as he really seems to like his job).  My mum visited in the morning and we went to Crediton Food Festival in The Square.  The kids bought fudge.

Mike home for the afternoon, we all spent it in the back garden, playing, reading and listening to the World Cup on Five Live.

Sunday - Mum and Dad visited in the morning, stayed for lunch, gave my Dad his present and card, still lovely weather - wonderful.

Today - Well the day seemed to start  well. Lovely weather again, breakfast out in the garden, I wasn't feeling too good, so my lovely children said they would help me with the housework.

Afterwards they did English and Maths, in the back garden of course, meanwhile I had decided to try and move our swing seat and our huge wooden picnic table on my own - this is where the sciatica comes in.

So I am in agony all day (not that keen on taking pain relief, as still breastfeeding). 

James was feeling grotty, due to waking up at 11 (by someone, mentioning no names - blowing their nose like a foghorn!) and not getting back to sleep until 1am. So after lunch he slept for a few hours, and as I too was up until 1am, so did I.

Mike came home at 11,then back to work for a couple of hours at 5.

When James woke up,he could here the kids next door, and wanted to go out, but they had arranged to play cricket with Becky and Danny, and they had been looking forward to it all day,  I didn't want to stop them going out, and I also didn't want James to go out with them as they wouldn't have been able to play properly.

So I managed to distract him with painting, he painted a rock, some wood, the table, his hands, the grass and his clothes.

Then he got annoyed because he had paint everywhere and the paddling pool was too cold to go  in and wash it off,  so we went inside and I stuck him in the shower.

By this time, I had had enough of trying to keep him occupied outside, so I give up and go inside,give him some popcorn and put Tommy Zoom on the TV!  He is quiet, I had a break.

Becky and Danny come in for their tea, then Mike arrives home and we go out into the garden again to catch the last of the days sunshine, water the plants and tidy up the debris (James's toys, paints, James's clothes, shoes, books, magazines, etc).

Apart from the pain from my back/leg/buttock  a nice day really.

Photos from the last few days:-


\

Sunshine, ants,Fathers Day, sciatica, maths, english, reading, a birthday and of course FOOTBALL!

Got a few days blogging to catch up on:-

Thursday - Mikes Birthday - We didn't go anywhere,Mike of course, preferred to stay home, as the football was on.  Becky made him a lovely cake, and we spent the day in the garden.

Friday - Monthly Nature Study - decided to look at Ants.  Usually, there are lots of them in our back garden, but could we find any!

Eventually they both found a few, managed to catch them and put them in the ant farm they had made (1 jar, sand, mud, water, leaves, sugar, honey, elastic band, dark paper and cloth).

Looked at the Nature Study Handbook, then entered all info they had gathered into their Nature Journals.

Later is was Netball for Becky and more World Cup in the evening.

Saturday - Mike had split shifts all weekend (not too bad as he really seems to like his job).  My mum visited in the morning and we went to Crediton Food Festival in The Square.  The kids bought fudge.

Mike home for the afternoon, we all spent it in the back garden, playing, reading and listening to the World Cup on Five Live.

Sunday - Mum and Dad visited in the morning, stayed for lunch, gave my Dad his present and card, still lovely weather - wonderful.

Today - Well the day seemed to start  well. Lovely weather again, breakfast out in the garden, I wasn't feeling too good, so my lovely children said they would help me with the housework.

Afterwards they did English and Maths, in the back garden of course, meanwhile I had decided to try and move our swing seat and our huge wooden picnic table on my own - this is where the sciatica comes in.

So I am in agony all day (not that keen on taking pain relief, as still breastfeeding). 

James was feeling grotty, due to waking up at 11 (by someone, mentioning no names - blowing their nose like a foghorn!) and not getting back to sleep until 1am. So after lunch he slept for a few hours, and as I too was up until 1am, so did I.

Mike came home at 11,then back to work for a couple of hours at 5.

When James woke up,he could here the kids next door, and wanted to go out, but they had arranged to play cricket with Becky and Danny, and they had been looking forward to it all day,  I didn't want to stop them going out, and I also didn't want James to go out with them as they wouldn't have been able to play properly.

So I managed to distract him with painting, he painted a rock, some wood, the table, his hands, the grass and his clothes.

Then he got annoyed because he had paint everywhere and the paddling pool was too cold to go  in and wash it off,  so we went inside and I stuck him in the shower.

By this time, I had had enough of trying to keep him occupied outside, so I give up and go inside,give him some popcorn and put Tommy Zoom on the TV!  He is quiet, I had a break.

Becky and Danny come in for their tea, then Mike arrives home and we go out into the garden again to catch the last of the days sunshine, water the plants and tidy up the debris (James's toys, paints, James's clothes, shoes, books, magazines, etc).

Apart from the pain from my back/leg/buttock  a nice day really.

Photos from the last few days:-


\

Sunshine, ants,Fathers Day, sciatica, maths, english, reading, a birthday and of course FOOTBALL!

Got a few days blogging to catch up on:-

Thursday - Mikes Birthday - We didn't go anywhere,Mike of course, preferred to stay home, as the football was on.  Becky made him a lovely cake, and we spent the day in the garden.

Friday - Monthly Nature Study - decided to look at Ants.  Usually, there are lots of them in our back garden, but could we find any!

Eventually they both found a few, managed to catch them and put them in the ant farm they had made (1 jar, sand, mud, water, leaves, sugar, honey, elastic band, dark paper and cloth).

Looked at the Nature Study Handbook, then entered all info they had gathered into their Nature Journals.

Later is was Netball for Becky and more World Cup in the evening.

Saturday - Mike had split shifts all weekend (not too bad as he really seems to like his job).  My mum visited in the morning and we went to Crediton Food Festival in The Square.  The kids bought fudge.

Mike home for the afternoon, we all spent it in the back garden, playing, reading and listening to the World Cup on Five Live.

Sunday - Mum and Dad visited in the morning, stayed for lunch, gave my Dad his present and card, still lovely weather - wonderful.

Today - Well the day seemed to start  well. Lovely weather again, breakfast out in the garden, I wasn't feeling too good, so my lovely children said they would help me with the housework.

Afterwards they did English and Maths, in the back garden of course, meanwhile I had decided to try and move our swing seat and our huge wooden picnic table on my own - this is where the sciatica comes in.

So I am in agony all day (not that keen on taking pain relief, as still breastfeeding). 

James was feeling grotty, due to waking up at 11 (by someone, mentioning no names - blowing their nose like a foghorn!) and not getting back to sleep until 1am. So after lunch he slept for a few hours, and as I too was up until 1am, so did I.

Mike came home at 11,then back to work for a couple of hours at 5.

When James woke up,he could here the kids next door, and wanted to go out, but they had arranged to play cricket with Becky and Danny, and they had been looking forward to it all day,  I didn't want to stop them going out, and I also didn't want James to go out with them as they wouldn't have been able to play properly.

So I managed to distract him with painting, he painted a rock, some wood, the table, his hands, the grass and his clothes.

Then he got annoyed because he had paint everywhere and the paddling pool was too cold to go  in and wash it off,  so we went inside and I stuck him in the shower.

By this time, I had had enough of trying to keep him occupied outside, so I give up and go inside,give him some popcorn and put Tommy Zoom on the TV!  He is quiet, I had a break.

Becky and Danny come in for their tea, then Mike arrives home and we go out into the garden again to catch the last of the days sunshine, water the plants and tidy up the debris (James's toys, paints, James's clothes, shoes, books, magazines, etc).

Apart from the pain from my back/leg/buttock  a nice day really.

Photos from the last few days:-


\

Sunshine, ants,Fathers Day, sciatica, maths, english, reading, a birthday and of course FOOTBALL!

Got a few days blogging to catch up on:-

Thursday - Mikes Birthday - We didn't go anywhere,Mike of course, preferred to stay home, as the football was on.  Becky made him a lovely cake, and we spent the day in the garden.

Friday - Monthly Nature Study - decided to look at Ants.  Usually, there are lots of them in our back garden, but could we find any!

Eventually they both found a few, managed to catch them and put them in the ant farm they had made (1 jar, sand, mud, water, leaves, sugar, honey, elastic band, dark paper and cloth).

Looked at the Nature Study Handbook, then entered all info they had gathered into their Nature Journals.

Later is was Netball for Becky and more World Cup in the evening.

Saturday - Mike had split shifts all weekend (not too bad as he really seems to like his job).  My mum visited in the morning and we went to Crediton Food Festival in The Square.  The kids bought fudge.

Mike home for the afternoon, we all spent it in the back garden, playing, reading and listening to the World Cup on Five Live.

Sunday - Mum and Dad visited in the morning, stayed for lunch, gave my Dad his present and card, still lovely weather - wonderful.

Today - Well the day seemed to start  well. Lovely weather again, breakfast out in the garden, I wasn't feeling too good, so my lovely children said they would help me with the housework.

Afterwards they did English and Maths, in the back garden of course, meanwhile I had decided to try and move our swing seat and our huge wooden picnic table on my own - this is where the sciatica comes in.

So I am in agony all day (not that keen on taking pain relief, as still breastfeeding). 

James was feeling grotty, due to waking up at 11 (by someone, mentioning no names - blowing their nose like a foghorn!) and not getting back to sleep until 1am. So after lunch he slept for a few hours, and as I too was up until 1am, so did I.

Mike came home at 11,then back to work for a couple of hours at 5.

When James woke up,he could here the kids next door, and wanted to go out, but they had arranged to play cricket with Becky and Danny, and they had been looking forward to it all day,  I didn't want to stop them going out, and I also didn't want James to go out with them as they wouldn't have been able to play properly.

So I managed to distract him with painting, he painted a rock, some wood, the table, his hands, the grass and his clothes.

Then he got annoyed because he had paint everywhere and the paddling pool was too cold to go  in and wash it off,  so we went inside and I stuck him in the shower.

By this time, I had had enough of trying to keep him occupied outside, so I give up and go inside,give him some popcorn and put Tommy Zoom on the TV!  He is quiet, I had a break.

Becky and Danny come in for their tea, then Mike arrives home and we go out into the garden again to catch the last of the days sunshine, water the plants and tidy up the debris (James's toys, paints, James's clothes, shoes, books, magazines, etc).

Apart from the pain from my back/leg/buttock  a nice day really.

Photos from the last few days:-


\

Sunshine, ants,Fathers Day, sciatica, maths, english, reading, a birthday and of course FOOTBALL!

Got a few days blogging to catch up on:-

Thursday - Mikes Birthday - We didn't go anywhere,Mike of course, preferred to stay home, as the football was on.  Becky made him a lovely cake, and we spent the day in the garden.

Friday - Monthly Nature Study - decided to look at Ants.  Usually, there are lots of them in our back garden, but could we find any!

Eventually they both found a few, managed to catch them and put them in the ant farm they had made (1 jar, sand, mud, water, leaves, sugar, honey, elastic band, dark paper and cloth).

Looked at the Nature Study Handbook, then entered all info they had gathered into their Nature Journals.

Later is was Netball for Becky and more World Cup in the evening.

Saturday - Mike had split shifts all weekend (not too bad as he really seems to like his job).  My mum visited in the morning and we went to Crediton Food Festival in The Square.  The kids bought fudge.

Mike home for the afternoon, we all spent it in the back garden, playing, reading and listening to the World Cup on Five Live.

Sunday - Mum and Dad visited in the morning, stayed for lunch, gave my Dad his present and card, still lovely weather - wonderful.

Today - Well the day seemed to start  well. Lovely weather again, breakfast out in the garden, I wasn't feeling too good, so my lovely children said they would help me with the housework.

Afterwards they did English and Maths, in the back garden of course, meanwhile I had decided to try and move our swing seat and our huge wooden picnic table on my own - this is where the sciatica comes in.

So I am in agony all day (not that keen on taking pain relief, as still breastfeeding). 

James was feeling grotty, due to waking up at 11 (by someone, mentioning no names - blowing their nose like a foghorn!) and not getting back to sleep until 1am. So after lunch he slept for a few hours, and as I too was up until 1am, so did I.

Mike came home at 11,then back to work for a couple of hours at 5.

When James woke up,he could here the kids next door, and wanted to go out, but they had arranged to play cricket with Becky and Danny, and they had been looking forward to it all day,  I didn't want to stop them going out, and I also didn't want James to go out with them as they wouldn't have been able to play properly.

So I managed to distract him with painting, he painted a rock, some wood, the table, his hands, the grass and his clothes.

Then he got annoyed because he had paint everywhere and the paddling pool was too cold to go  in and wash it off,  so we went inside and I stuck him in the shower.

By this time, I had had enough of trying to keep him occupied outside, so I give up and go inside,give him some popcorn and put Tommy Zoom on the TV!  He is quiet, I had a break.

Becky and Danny come in for their tea, then Mike arrives home and we go out into the garden again to catch the last of the days sunshine, water the plants and tidy up the debris (James's toys, paints, James's clothes, shoes, books, magazines, etc).

Apart from the pain from my back/leg/buttock  a nice day really.

Photos from the last few days:-


\

National Epilepsy Week - Our Story

Sharing my story -

Almost 7 months ago now James had his first seizure.  November 15th 3.30pm, (the day before Becky's 11th birthday).

I remember every word, every movement, from first realising that something was wrong, to then eventually realising that he was actually OK (as in not dead, which is what I thought he was - for about 30 seconds, doesn't seem like a long time, but it felt like an eternity).

We were out in the car, in Torquay, thankfully, a few minutes away from the hospital.  I had never seen anyone have a seizure before, and did not have a clue what was happening. I remember Becky screaming, Mike trying to drive and shouting to James, driving on pavements, through red lights. 

I remember shouting to Mike that I wanted to get out of the car with James, who was by this time,what I thought was unconscious, maybe even dead.  For some reason I thought that it would be best if I stood on the side of the road, holding James, and shouted for help. Mike had the common sense to drive to the hospital.

I raced in with an unconscious James, screamed at the nurses to help me, they took him calmly, checked him, said he was OK, then I could see that he was breathing.  Meanwhile the children were stood holding each other in the doorway, crying, and Mike was almost banging down the door because it had locked behind the kids and he couldn't get in.
It turned out that we were actually not in the main A&;E department, that was just up the road, and this department should have closed half an hour ago, but they were running late - Thank God.

After being told that he had had a seizure, we were taken by ambulance to A & E,  James was OK, was snoring away.

Then all the tests began, question after question, how long did the seizure last, what did he do with his arms and legs etc etc -  couldn't really remember, everything happened so quickly.
My parents arrived from Exeter, which was a big relief, looking confused and scared, not sure what was happening, I couldn't really tell them for sure.

A nurse, very nice, told us that lots and lots of children had febrile convulsions, usually because of a high temperature, but his temperature was normal, she also said that if he should have another one, they would test him for Epilepsy.  Both Mike and I looked at each other, and both said there is no way it could be that - both, I am ashamed to say, totally ignorant about the facts about Epilepsy.

James woke up and was his usual boisterous self, pleased that his Grandparents were there, all seemed OK, we were hopeful that it was just a one off, until 8.01pm that evening, when he had another one.

Lumbar puncture tests followed, such a terrible memory of that, but the staff were absolutely brilliant.

They sent us home after the tests came back OK, and said he was fine.All this on Becky's birthday.

Four days later, he had another one, called an ambulance, did all the right things, specialist said it was probably Epilepsy.

I still didn't think that it was.  Three whole weeks followed, kind of back to normal, James had an ear infection, and I was so pleased, as I was told that this could sometimes cause seizures, I remember thinking that I was so right, and the Doctor was wrong, he hasn't got Epilepsy, it was just a bloody ear infection, that they didn't pick up on.

Three weeks to the day of his last seizure, 7.31am, he had another, this time he turned blue.  This time the same Doctor looked at me and said "Mrs Martin, your son DOES have Epilepsy".  Then he started his meds. Our lives had changed.

If anyone said to me at the time "it will get easier" I wanted to punch them, what did they know.  It has got easier, but this is down to the fact that his medication is working and his last seizure was just over three months ago. But we are still scared, for him and for us.

It wasn't easy, and on behalf of all the parents out there with children with Epilepsy, please try and understand, it will never be easy.  We need your support, not to be ignored,  for you to ask how our children are doing, not to pretend it isn't happening.  If you knew of a child who had broken his leg, when you saw them you would ask them how there were, or ask their parents how they are doing, why is it so hard to ask about how a child is who has Epilepsy. Maybe you are embarrassed, but what we are going through is a trillion times worse than your embarrassment.

If you know someone who is affected by Epilepsy, young or old, help them in any way you can, drop them a line, write a note, please don't ignore it.

 My son has Epilepsy, YOU cant catch it, YOU can talk about it - and YOU can be more aware of it.

National Epilepsy Week - please don't be ignorant.

National Epilepsy Week - Our Story

Sharing my story -

Almost 7 months ago now James had his first seizure.  November 15th 3.30pm, (the day before Becky's 11th birthday).

I remember every word, every movement, from first realising that something was wrong, to then eventually realising that he was actually OK (as in not dead, which is what I thought he was - for about 30 seconds, doesn't seem like a long time, but it felt like an eternity).

We were out in the car, in Torquay, thankfully, a few minutes away from the hospital.  I had never seen anyone have a seizure before, and did not have a clue what was happening. I remember Becky screaming, Mike trying to drive and shouting to James, driving on pavements, through red lights. 

I remember shouting to Mike that I wanted to get out of the car with James, who was by this time,what I thought was unconscious, maybe even dead.  For some reason I thought that it would be best if I stood on the side of the road, holding James, and shouted for help. Mike had the common sense to drive to the hospital.

I raced in with an unconscious James, screamed at the nurses to help me, they took him calmly, checked him, said he was OK, then I could see that he was breathing.  Meanwhile the children were stood holding each other in the doorway, crying, and Mike was almost banging down the door because it had locked behind the kids and he couldn't get in.
It turned out that we were actually not in the main A&;E department, that was just up the road, and this department should have closed half an hour ago, but they were running late - Thank God.

After being told that he had had a seizure, we were taken by ambulance to A & E,  James was OK, was snoring away.

Then all the tests began, question after question, how long did the seizure last, what did he do with his arms and legs etc etc -  couldn't really remember, everything happened so quickly.
My parents arrived from Exeter, which was a big relief, looking confused and scared, not sure what was happening, I couldn't really tell them for sure.

A nurse, very nice, told us that lots and lots of children had febrile convulsions, usually because of a high temperature, but his temperature was normal, she also said that if he should have another one, they would test him for Epilepsy.  Both Mike and I looked at each other, and both said there is no way it could be that - both, I am ashamed to say, totally ignorant about the facts about Epilepsy.

James woke up and was his usual boisterous self, pleased that his Grandparents were there, all seemed OK, we were hopeful that it was just a one off, until 8.01pm that evening, when he had another one.

Lumbar puncture tests followed, such a terrible memory of that, but the staff were absolutely brilliant.

They sent us home after the tests came back OK, and said he was fine.All this on Becky's birthday.

Four days later, he had another one, called an ambulance, did all the right things, specialist said it was probably Epilepsy.

I still didn't think that it was.  Three whole weeks followed, kind of back to normal, James had an ear infection, and I was so pleased, as I was told that this could sometimes cause seizures, I remember thinking that I was so right, and the Doctor was wrong, he hasn't got Epilepsy, it was just a bloody ear infection, that they didn't pick up on.

Three weeks to the day of his last seizure, 7.31am, he had another, this time he turned blue.  This time the same Doctor looked at me and said "Mrs Martin, your son DOES have Epilepsy".  Then he started his meds. Our lives had changed.

If anyone said to me at the time "it will get easier" I wanted to punch them, what did they know.  It has got easier, but this is down to the fact that his medication is working and his last seizure was just over three months ago. But we are still scared, for him and for us.

It wasn't easy, and on behalf of all the parents out there with children with Epilepsy, please try and understand, it will never be easy.  We need your support, not to be ignored,  for you to ask how our children are doing, not to pretend it isn't happening.  If you knew of a child who had broken his leg, when you saw them you would ask them how there were, or ask their parents how they are doing, why is it so hard to ask about how a child is who has Epilepsy. Maybe you are embarrassed, but what we are going through is a trillion times worse than your embarrassment.

If you know someone who is affected by Epilepsy, young or old, help them in any way you can, drop them a line, write a note, please don't ignore it.

 My son has Epilepsy, YOU cant catch it, YOU can talk about it - and YOU can be more aware of it.

National Epilepsy Week - please don't be ignorant.

National Epilepsy Week - Our Story

Sharing my story -

Almost 7 months ago now James had his first seizure.  November 15th 3.30pm, (the day before Becky's 11th birthday).

I remember every word, every movement, from first realising that something was wrong, to then eventually realising that he was actually OK (as in not dead, which is what I thought he was - for about 30 seconds, doesn't seem like a long time, but it felt like an eternity).

We were out in the car, in Torquay, thankfully, a few minutes away from the hospital.  I had never seen anyone have a seizure before, and did not have a clue what was happening. I remember Becky screaming, Mike trying to drive and shouting to James, driving on pavements, through red lights. 

I remember shouting to Mike that I wanted to get out of the car with James, who was by this time,what I thought was unconscious, maybe even dead.  For some reason I thought that it would be best if I stood on the side of the road, holding James, and shouted for help. Mike had the common sense to drive to the hospital.

I raced in with an unconscious James, screamed at the nurses to help me, they took him calmly, checked him, said he was OK, then I could see that he was breathing.  Meanwhile the children were stood holding each other in the doorway, crying, and Mike was almost banging down the door because it had locked behind the kids and he couldn't get in.
It turned out that we were actually not in the main A&;E department, that was just up the road, and this department should have closed half an hour ago, but they were running late - Thank God.

After being told that he had had a seizure, we were taken by ambulance to A & E,  James was OK, was snoring away.

Then all the tests began, question after question, how long did the seizure last, what did he do with his arms and legs etc etc -  couldn't really remember, everything happened so quickly.
My parents arrived from Exeter, which was a big relief, looking confused and scared, not sure what was happening, I couldn't really tell them for sure.

A nurse, very nice, told us that lots and lots of children had febrile convulsions, usually because of a high temperature, but his temperature was normal, she also said that if he should have another one, they would test him for Epilepsy.  Both Mike and I looked at each other, and both said there is no way it could be that - both, I am ashamed to say, totally ignorant about the facts about Epilepsy.

James woke up and was his usual boisterous self, pleased that his Grandparents were there, all seemed OK, we were hopeful that it was just a one off, until 8.01pm that evening, when he had another one.

Lumbar puncture tests followed, such a terrible memory of that, but the staff were absolutely brilliant.

They sent us home after the tests came back OK, and said he was fine.All this on Becky's birthday.

Four days later, he had another one, called an ambulance, did all the right things, specialist said it was probably Epilepsy.

I still didn't think that it was.  Three whole weeks followed, kind of back to normal, James had an ear infection, and I was so pleased, as I was told that this could sometimes cause seizures, I remember thinking that I was so right, and the Doctor was wrong, he hasn't got Epilepsy, it was just a bloody ear infection, that they didn't pick up on.

Three weeks to the day of his last seizure, 7.31am, he had another, this time he turned blue.  This time the same Doctor looked at me and said "Mrs Martin, your son DOES have Epilepsy".  Then he started his meds. Our lives had changed.

If anyone said to me at the time "it will get easier" I wanted to punch them, what did they know.  It has got easier, but this is down to the fact that his medication is working and his last seizure was just over three months ago. But we are still scared, for him and for us.

It wasn't easy, and on behalf of all the parents out there with children with Epilepsy, please try and understand, it will never be easy.  We need your support, not to be ignored,  for you to ask how our children are doing, not to pretend it isn't happening.  If you knew of a child who had broken his leg, when you saw them you would ask them how there were, or ask their parents how they are doing, why is it so hard to ask about how a child is who has Epilepsy. Maybe you are embarrassed, but what we are going through is a trillion times worse than your embarrassment.

If you know someone who is affected by Epilepsy, young or old, help them in any way you can, drop them a line, write a note, please don't ignore it.

 My son has Epilepsy, YOU cant catch it, YOU can talk about it - and YOU can be more aware of it.

National Epilepsy Week - please don't be ignorant.

National Epilepsy Week - Our Story

Sharing my story -

Almost 7 months ago now James had his first seizure.  November 15th 3.30pm, (the day before Becky's 11th birthday).

I remember every word, every movement, from first realising that something was wrong, to then eventually realising that he was actually OK (as in not dead, which is what I thought he was - for about 30 seconds, doesn't seem like a long time, but it felt like an eternity).

We were out in the car, in Torquay, thankfully, a few minutes away from the hospital.  I had never seen anyone have a seizure before, and did not have a clue what was happening. I remember Becky screaming, Mike trying to drive and shouting to James, driving on pavements, through red lights. 

I remember shouting to Mike that I wanted to get out of the car with James, who was by this time,what I thought was unconscious, maybe even dead.  For some reason I thought that it would be best if I stood on the side of the road, holding James, and shouted for help. Mike had the common sense to drive to the hospital.

I raced in with an unconscious James, screamed at the nurses to help me, they took him calmly, checked him, said he was OK, then I could see that he was breathing.  Meanwhile the children were stood holding each other in the doorway, crying, and Mike was almost banging down the door because it had locked behind the kids and he couldn't get in.
It turned out that we were actually not in the main A&;E department, that was just up the road, and this department should have closed half an hour ago, but they were running late - Thank God.

After being told that he had had a seizure, we were taken by ambulance to A & E,  James was OK, was snoring away.

Then all the tests began, question after question, how long did the seizure last, what did he do with his arms and legs etc etc -  couldn't really remember, everything happened so quickly.
My parents arrived from Exeter, which was a big relief, looking confused and scared, not sure what was happening, I couldn't really tell them for sure.

A nurse, very nice, told us that lots and lots of children had febrile convulsions, usually because of a high temperature, but his temperature was normal, she also said that if he should have another one, they would test him for Epilepsy.  Both Mike and I looked at each other, and both said there is no way it could be that - both, I am ashamed to say, totally ignorant about the facts about Epilepsy.

James woke up and was his usual boisterous self, pleased that his Grandparents were there, all seemed OK, we were hopeful that it was just a one off, until 8.01pm that evening, when he had another one.

Lumbar puncture tests followed, such a terrible memory of that, but the staff were absolutely brilliant.

They sent us home after the tests came back OK, and said he was fine.All this on Becky's birthday.

Four days later, he had another one, called an ambulance, did all the right things, specialist said it was probably Epilepsy.

I still didn't think that it was.  Three whole weeks followed, kind of back to normal, James had an ear infection, and I was so pleased, as I was told that this could sometimes cause seizures, I remember thinking that I was so right, and the Doctor was wrong, he hasn't got Epilepsy, it was just a bloody ear infection, that they didn't pick up on.

Three weeks to the day of his last seizure, 7.31am, he had another, this time he turned blue.  This time the same Doctor looked at me and said "Mrs Martin, your son DOES have Epilepsy".  Then he started his meds. Our lives had changed.

If anyone said to me at the time "it will get easier" I wanted to punch them, what did they know.  It has got easier, but this is down to the fact that his medication is working and his last seizure was just over three months ago. But we are still scared, for him and for us.

It wasn't easy, and on behalf of all the parents out there with children with Epilepsy, please try and understand, it will never be easy.  We need your support, not to be ignored,  for you to ask how our children are doing, not to pretend it isn't happening.  If you knew of a child who had broken his leg, when you saw them you would ask them how there were, or ask their parents how they are doing, why is it so hard to ask about how a child is who has Epilepsy. Maybe you are embarrassed, but what we are going through is a trillion times worse than your embarrassment.

If you know someone who is affected by Epilepsy, young or old, help them in any way you can, drop them a line, write a note, please don't ignore it.

 My son has Epilepsy, YOU cant catch it, YOU can talk about it - and YOU can be more aware of it.

National Epilepsy Week - please don't be ignorant.

National Epilepsy Week - Our Story

Sharing my story -

Almost 7 months ago now James had his first seizure.  November 15th 3.30pm, (the day before Becky's 11th birthday).

I remember every word, every movement, from first realising that something was wrong, to then eventually realising that he was actually OK (as in not dead, which is what I thought he was - for about 30 seconds, doesn't seem like a long time, but it felt like an eternity).

We were out in the car, in Torquay, thankfully, a few minutes away from the hospital.  I had never seen anyone have a seizure before, and did not have a clue what was happening. I remember Becky screaming, Mike trying to drive and shouting to James, driving on pavements, through red lights. 

I remember shouting to Mike that I wanted to get out of the car with James, who was by this time,what I thought was unconscious, maybe even dead.  For some reason I thought that it would be best if I stood on the side of the road, holding James, and shouted for help. Mike had the common sense to drive to the hospital.

I raced in with an unconscious James, screamed at the nurses to help me, they took him calmly, checked him, said he was OK, then I could see that he was breathing.  Meanwhile the children were stood holding each other in the doorway, crying, and Mike was almost banging down the door because it had locked behind the kids and he couldn't get in.
It turned out that we were actually not in the main A&;E department, that was just up the road, and this department should have closed half an hour ago, but they were running late - Thank God.

After being told that he had had a seizure, we were taken by ambulance to A & E,  James was OK, was snoring away.

Then all the tests began, question after question, how long did the seizure last, what did he do with his arms and legs etc etc -  couldn't really remember, everything happened so quickly.
My parents arrived from Exeter, which was a big relief, looking confused and scared, not sure what was happening, I couldn't really tell them for sure.

A nurse, very nice, told us that lots and lots of children had febrile convulsions, usually because of a high temperature, but his temperature was normal, she also said that if he should have another one, they would test him for Epilepsy.  Both Mike and I looked at each other, and both said there is no way it could be that - both, I am ashamed to say, totally ignorant about the facts about Epilepsy.

James woke up and was his usual boisterous self, pleased that his Grandparents were there, all seemed OK, we were hopeful that it was just a one off, until 8.01pm that evening, when he had another one.

Lumbar puncture tests followed, such a terrible memory of that, but the staff were absolutely brilliant.

They sent us home after the tests came back OK, and said he was fine.All this on Becky's birthday.

Four days later, he had another one, called an ambulance, did all the right things, specialist said it was probably Epilepsy.

I still didn't think that it was.  Three whole weeks followed, kind of back to normal, James had an ear infection, and I was so pleased, as I was told that this could sometimes cause seizures, I remember thinking that I was so right, and the Doctor was wrong, he hasn't got Epilepsy, it was just a bloody ear infection, that they didn't pick up on.

Three weeks to the day of his last seizure, 7.31am, he had another, this time he turned blue.  This time the same Doctor looked at me and said "Mrs Martin, your son DOES have Epilepsy".  Then he started his meds. Our lives had changed.

If anyone said to me at the time "it will get easier" I wanted to punch them, what did they know.  It has got easier, but this is down to the fact that his medication is working and his last seizure was just over three months ago. But we are still scared, for him and for us.

It wasn't easy, and on behalf of all the parents out there with children with Epilepsy, please try and understand, it will never be easy.  We need your support, not to be ignored,  for you to ask how our children are doing, not to pretend it isn't happening.  If you knew of a child who had broken his leg, when you saw them you would ask them how there were, or ask their parents how they are doing, why is it so hard to ask about how a child is who has Epilepsy. Maybe you are embarrassed, but what we are going through is a trillion times worse than your embarrassment.

If you know someone who is affected by Epilepsy, young or old, help them in any way you can, drop them a line, write a note, please don't ignore it.

 My son has Epilepsy, YOU cant catch it, YOU can talk about it - and YOU can be more aware of it.

National Epilepsy Week - please don't be ignorant.

HE - Tuesday.

Group Trip.

Exmouth Museum - looking at :-

Exmouth Floods, Wartime in Exmouth, Geology,Art, Victorian Kitchen and School, Steam Laundry Engine, 1930's Dining Room and Social History.

After the museum we walked to the Sea Front, went to the park, where we spent the afternoon.  Later Mike arrived (after spending the morning sitting his OU exam) and took James to play Crazy Golf.

Wednesday

Social Group - Spanish for Becky, was supposed to be a Kung Fu taster session, which Danny wanted to do, but it was cancelled.  So he played football instead, that's a surprise.

When we got home, Mike went back to work, Becky and Danny read books from their literature list, then we did some baking - sugar everywhere - thank you James :-}

Weather has been lovely, hope it stays that way for Mikes birthday tomorrow, not that it will make that much difference to him, has to work in the morning, and as it is his birthday, I expect he will be watching all the World Cup Matches!

Lou x

HE - Tuesday.

Group Trip.

Exmouth Museum - looking at :-

Exmouth Floods, Wartime in Exmouth, Geology,Art, Victorian Kitchen and School, Steam Laundry Engine, 1930's Dining Room and Social History.

After the museum we walked to the Sea Front, went to the park, where we spent the afternoon.  Later Mike arrived (after spending the morning sitting his OU exam) and took James to play Crazy Golf.

Wednesday

Social Group - Spanish for Becky, was supposed to be a Kung Fu taster session, which Danny wanted to do, but it was cancelled.  So he played football instead, that's a surprise.

When we got home, Mike went back to work, Becky and Danny read books from their literature list, then we did some baking - sugar everywhere - thank you James :-}

Weather has been lovely, hope it stays that way for Mikes birthday tomorrow, not that it will make that much difference to him, has to work in the morning, and as it is his birthday, I expect he will be watching all the World Cup Matches!

Lou x

HE - Tuesday.

Group Trip.

Exmouth Museum - looking at :-

Exmouth Floods, Wartime in Exmouth, Geology,Art, Victorian Kitchen and School, Steam Laundry Engine, 1930's Dining Room and Social History.

After the museum we walked to the Sea Front, went to the park, where we spent the afternoon.  Later Mike arrived (after spending the morning sitting his OU exam) and took James to play Crazy Golf.

Wednesday

Social Group - Spanish for Becky, was supposed to be a Kung Fu taster session, which Danny wanted to do, but it was cancelled.  So he played football instead, that's a surprise.

When we got home, Mike went back to work, Becky and Danny read books from their literature list, then we did some baking - sugar everywhere - thank you James :-}

Weather has been lovely, hope it stays that way for Mikes birthday tomorrow, not that it will make that much difference to him, has to work in the morning, and as it is his birthday, I expect he will be watching all the World Cup Matches!

Lou x

HE - Tuesday.

Group Trip.

Exmouth Museum - looking at :-

Exmouth Floods, Wartime in Exmouth, Geology,Art, Victorian Kitchen and School, Steam Laundry Engine, 1930's Dining Room and Social History.

After the museum we walked to the Sea Front, went to the park, where we spent the afternoon.  Later Mike arrived (after spending the morning sitting his OU exam) and took James to play Crazy Golf.

Wednesday

Social Group - Spanish for Becky, was supposed to be a Kung Fu taster session, which Danny wanted to do, but it was cancelled.  So he played football instead, that's a surprise.

When we got home, Mike went back to work, Becky and Danny read books from their literature list, then we did some baking - sugar everywhere - thank you James :-}

Weather has been lovely, hope it stays that way for Mikes birthday tomorrow, not that it will make that much difference to him, has to work in the morning, and as it is his birthday, I expect he will be watching all the World Cup Matches!

Lou x

HE - Tuesday.

Group Trip.

Exmouth Museum - looking at :-

Exmouth Floods, Wartime in Exmouth, Geology,Art, Victorian Kitchen and School, Steam Laundry Engine, 1930's Dining Room and Social History.

After the museum we walked to the Sea Front, went to the park, where we spent the afternoon.  Later Mike arrived (after spending the morning sitting his OU exam) and took James to play Crazy Golf.

Wednesday

Social Group - Spanish for Becky, was supposed to be a Kung Fu taster session, which Danny wanted to do, but it was cancelled.  So he played football instead, that's a surprise.

When we got home, Mike went back to work, Becky and Danny read books from their literature list, then we did some baking - sugar everywhere - thank you James :-}

Weather has been lovely, hope it stays that way for Mikes birthday tomorrow, not that it will make that much difference to him, has to work in the morning, and as it is his birthday, I expect he will be watching all the World Cup Matches!

Lou x