My epilepsy began when I was fifteen. I had a febrile convulsion when I was six months old, which may have caused left temporal lobe scarring. I had convulsions (tonic clonic) seizures every three months or so, but complex partial seizures more frequently- one or two every couple of weeks, despite trying numerous medications.

The epilepsy had a big impact on my work. I had to take sick days off after major seizures, so I couldn’t take a full time job, or do the job I really wanted, which was childcare work. Instead, I did casual work at a major department store in Brisbane city area. Epilepsy also affected my social life. I had to always rely on someone to be with me, who knew I had seizures. I was unable to do what most young people think of as “normal” things, such as getting my driving license, going to parties, being able to have a drink, and planning on children of my own one day. Independence, and planning future goals was difficult, because of the frequency and unpredictability of my seizures.

When I was eighteen, I learnt that surgery may be an option, but at that time I was too scared to consider it. However I began to think about surgery more seriously, after I had a major seizure in October. I had been depressed, my speech and language were affected, and I had no appetite, so began losing weight. Surgery- particularly on your brain- is a big decision to make, and it was only after speaking on the phone with Leanne- a young woman who had surgery a couple of years earlier, that I felt someone really understood what I was going through, and how I really felt. She had been able to accomplish so many things since her surgery, things that I really wanted from life. I found this inspiring, and encouraging to have a role model like her. Talking with Leanne on the phone gave me confidence.

Of course, even after finding that I was eligible to have surgery, there was a risk of coming out the same, or even worse. This concerned both my family and me, but as the seizures got worse, I decided to take the chance. When I did make the decision to go ahead with it, the decision was mine, and mine alone. I feel you have to be 100% sure yourself, and not do it for anyone else. This is for you, and you must be completely sure and positive about it yourself.

My surgery was done in Brisbane, by a Brisbane neurosurgeon. I was originally told I would be in hospital for at least seven days, but in fact I was only in for five days. Straight after my operation I recognised both my parents, and all my friends, and I felt fine. I was walking around on the second day. I had some pain at night, and a light headache during the day, but was given medication for this. When I first went home, my dad looked after me for a week, then I was able to look after myself.

Three weeks after the surgery, my family and I with my little dog Jessie drove to the Gladstone area for a holiday, where we went fishing, saw turtles, and had a lovely holiday together. Six weeks after the surgery, I returned to work. The surgery was about six months ago now, and I am working at least twice the number of hours I used too.

I have not had one seizure since the surgery, and am able to live a normal social life where I do not have to rely on others, but can take responsibility for my own life. I have very much more self esteem, and am so much more confident in myself, and now feel I am just as good as anyone else.

I always had trouble in saying what I wanted to say, as the words would come to the tip of my tongue, but I could not get them out. But now my speech is much faster and more fluent. I was warned that my memory may be impaired, but I feel my memory is better than it was before. My family and friends also seem to think my speech and memory have improved. Many people have told me I look much healthier, and my weight and skin colour also look better.

I am much happier and more confident now. I feel like I am in charge of my own life, can make my own decisions, and be independent. I can make plans and set goals. I would like to study to work in childcare, to travel, get my driving license, and one day marry and have my own children. Epilepsy surgery has been life changing for me, in the best possible way.