by Hannah

I'm just about to turn 14, but I've been having epileptic seizures since I was three months old. They happen when there's a discharge of electricity from your brain. Sometimes I have a dozen seizures in a day. Although I'm not aware of what's happening, it's not very nice afterwards, it's upsetting.

Feeling lonely

It can be difficult spending time with other people. They worry about you having a seizure. I can understand why, but it makes me feel lonely sometimes. When I heard that I might be able to have surgery for my epilepsy, I felt a sense of relief that I might be able to live like everyone else. I said to myself, ‘I wonder if the operation will work'. I was very hopeful.

Hospital experience

When I knew I was going into hospital for the first time, I wondered what it would be like, what the treatment would be like. The consultant was very nice, but I was too nervous to ask any of the questions I had. He explained a lot about treatment beforehand - he said that my head would be very sore - but there was so much information I didn't take it all in, it just flows over you. I asked a couple of people about it, but nobody knew what to expect.

Coming into hospital wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There's a very good team - all the doctors and nurses are great - and the other children are really nice. You feel safe here, everyone is here to look after you and make sure you are OK.

Live your life

When I was told that it wasn't going to work, I was very upset. I couldn't stop crying. You learn to cope with it. It's a part of your life. Your life is different to a lot of other people's, but that doesn't make you any different, you live your life the best you can.

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

• Visit the Epilepsy Research Foundation website.

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