Epilepsy Talk

What Part of Your Epilepsy Do You Hate Most?

May 16, 2022
29 Comments

Compared to others, I know I’m very lucky, but the concussions really stink.

And the anxiety never goes away.


The Isolation of Epilepsy

April 5, 2022
11 Comments

You’re reluctant to go out. Because having a seizure can be so unpredictable and embarrassing.

You think: “What if I have a seizure? What will people do? What will they think of me?”


Some Stress and Anxiety Solutions… 

March 17, 2022
10 Comments

Sometimes my hands shake so much, I look like I’m leading a symphony. (Without a baton.) Legs too, I have to sit down.

Maybe you panic before a test, the very fear of having a seizure, social rejection, job anxieties, debt, fear of failure, an anticipated argument, holidays, fear of flying.

Or the daunting prospect of being alone without any support system. Or even death itself.

There are probably as many kinds of stress and panic attacks as there are those of us who suffer from them.


Ode to a Doctor’s Visit…

October 29, 2020
15 Comments

They forget that we live 365 days or 8,760 hours a year with our illness…

We see them for four 30 minute visits or 2 hours in that year while we’re struggling…

We spend time planning in anticipation of this precious, important moment…


What Part of Your Epilepsy Do You Hate Most?

May 16, 2020
172 Comments

Compared to others, I know I’m very lucky, but the concussions really stink.

And the anxiety never goes away.


Epilepsy Nightmares – WHY?

May 30, 2019
11 Comments

Fear. Screaming. Visions. Bright lights flashing. Hallucinations. Tongue biting. Pain. Paralysis. Pins and needles. Bed wetting.

Do any of these sound familiar?

One person described it as: “During the nightmares, I often get up and run out of the room screaming while still asleep, as if something is chasing me.”

It’s agony. And there’s little to explain it or stop it in its tracks.


Children’s Brain Surgery…Preparing YOUR Child…

April 22, 2012
2 Comments

There is no “welcome” sign to the world of childhood brain surgery. And the resulting combination of fear, shock, and pain is almost too much to bear.

No amount of preparation or knowledge can help to ease or minimize the situation.

But preparing a child for surgery emotionally, is one of the most important things you can do. Surgery, without proper explanations and preparation, can traumatize a child…


    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

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