When Debbie McCrudden received her epilepsy diagnosis in 2014, she faced an immediate question about her future: Would she have children? Though motherhood was a dream she cherished, the uncertainty brought on by her condition filled her with fear. “I was afraid to leave the house,” she recounted. Such sentiments echo the experiences of many people living with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that impacts approximately 22,000 individuals in Northern Ireland alone.
Epilepsy manifests itself through various types of seizures, which can involve uncontrollable movements, loss of consciousness, or even collapse. While anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) can effectively manage these symptoms, some medications pose risks to unborn children.
As Debbie contemplated starting a family, her concerns about seizure control during pregnancy weighed heavily on her. However, she found reassurance in medical advice that emphasized the support available for pregnant women with epilepsy. “Hearing that it could be managed was crucial for me,” she noted.
During her first pregnancy with her son Conall, now six years old, Debbie experienced a surprising decrease in seizures. Yet, the fear of falling and injuring herself or her baby remained. To manage pain during childbirth, she planned for an early epidural but faced complications post-delivery as absent seizures resurfaced.
The transition to motherhood was daunting; Debbie expressed anxiety about being left alone with her newborn due to her condition. Support from her husband and mother became vital during this period.
After Conall’s birth, Debbie struggled to find a medication that worked without jeopardizing future pregnancies. Faced with challenging decisions about expanding her family, she welcomed her daughter Lilly two years later under more taxing circumstances. Increased seizures led to physical injuries that further complicated caring for an infant.
Despite these challenges, family support remained unwavering. Her mother frequently stepped in to help care for both children while Debbie’s husband managed evenings.
About ten weeks after Lilly’s birth, a change in medication finally brought relief and allowed Debbie to regain independence with her children.
Now that Debbie’s epilepsy is under control, she remains vigilant about its unpredictable nature. She acknowledges that the anxiety associated with potential seizures is a constant presence in her life.
“Every decision I make comes with risks,” she explained, reflecting on the daily challenges of managing epilepsy while being a mother.
Debbie has taken proactive steps by educating her children about epilepsy and ensuring they know how to respond during a seizure episode. Although motherhood posed significant fears for her initially, she believes it was ultimately the right path.
“I’m grateful I didn’t let fear dictate my decisions; I didn’t want this part of my life taken away from me,” Debbie said confidently.
As society becomes increasingly aware of conditions like epilepsy and their implications on family life, stories like Debbie’s highlight the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and their drive towards normalcy in parenting amidst adversity.
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