The Person I Strive To Be is Not Confined By My Disability

Having your seizures under control doesn’t necessarily equate to them being gone completely.  I had a very intriguing conversation this week regarding my decision to move forward to get my third tattoo.

I had gotten two tattoos and wasn’t asked to sign anything regarding my seizures…but with the third one I was.  If I had disclosed my epilepsy, it would have meant that I would have needed to go and sit in my doctor’s office for nearly an hour and pay for a note saying it was ok that I get this symbol put on my shoulder.  I needed to get this done by the Friday after (this was a Sunday), so in the space of 15 seconds I made a calculated decision to sign a form declaring I don’t have epilepsy-when in fact I do. I knew that they just wanted to ensure that I wouldn’t have a seizure while getting the tattoo, and I was 100% positive I wasn’t going to.

Rob Thomas is my favourite singer/songwriter.  I’ve seen him with Matchbox Twenty 4 times and solo once.  The last two times I’ve gone to see him, just before the concert I’ve had seizures.  It’s a big piss off when you fork out the money and wait months, and these things happen.  The last time was in second row.  If given the opportunity to see Matchbox Twenty from first row I’ll take the chance of the seizure.  Those lights from concerts can be triggers, but again I choose the experience of being close to the band.  I hope to meet him someday.      

My epilepsy isn’t going to be some dirty secret anymore, and it’s not going to be something that hold me back.  On my deathbed I’ll be proud to say that my seizures didn’t stop me from doing things I love.