Thank you for sharing your story! My daughter just marked 10 years in her battle and you are spot on. You are speaking for so many battling this invisible disability! Keep fighting 💜
Matthew, You make some solid points. I appreciate you for standing on the stage, and saying what you said. You and Fyodor Dostoevsky are two individuals who have articulated (as best as one can) what it is like to have Epilepsy. Specifically, what a tonic-clonic seizure feels like. Hang in there. Remember you are not alone in this fight. I appreciate you and your time. Sincerely, Joe Loughery
Matthew, please don't be sad. I too have had seizures for 43 years now!!! My body rejects all medications. I can relate to ALL that you spoke. I'm trying the keto diet, meditation etc but the FIRST thing I am working on is "my worth". Learn to love and accept yourself, exactly as you are, right here, right now. Nothing happens for no reason. Please have faith in yourself!!!❤❤
Thank you Matthew for sharing your story. Our son (Sal) walks on the very exact same path with you. Your experiences are what Sal endures also. Prayers to you!
Not to come off as rude, but why're we praying for something that this _God_ can just snap his fingers and get rid of? I mean, epilepsy is the reason why I'm an atheist now, and it's questions like these toward prayer that further proves my point regarding what this god is capable of. We shouldn't be living like this if, well, a god exists. I mean, I can't be wrong about that.
Thank you Matthew - working in healthcare as well and also having Epilepsy, it has been a struggle sometimes dealing with the stigma that some of those in healthcare think I shouldn’t be allowed to work in healthcare just because I have this disability. Spreading awareness and continuing to make our community safe is so important, and we will all keep doing our part to try and makes our communities for better places. Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s hard to express what it’s like and you did that so beautifully.
While I'm not in the field of healthcare, definitely is it relatable to hear that, be it in person, or via phone, that you're not meant to pursue that certain career. Calling in and telling your teacher that you can't make it, so you're missing hours of valuable information because mentally you're incapable due to seizure recovery.
Very good talk Mathew, I was left with CPS which has now become Drop seizures over the last 6yrs after numerous blows to the head in 2005 by my partner at the time. It certainly changed my life, I have 1-3 per month around the same time of each month.
Listening to your pain resonates with my pain. At the age of 40 I finally got a sense of life without seizures. Let’s continue the conversation but I haven’t shared it with work due to fear of discrimination. Give me time to encourage epilepsy awareness in my workplace
I just watched this to get some idea of the problem because my brother also suffering from this. I just got to know how it emotionally affects than physically. But I suggest Mathew focus on getting mental health and stop worrying because that is something you can easily control than physiology. Most importantly practice stop worrying about what people around you think or react which will give you the relaxation to be amazed more than ever. Good luck!!!
I’ve always been fit and healthy so confident and bubbly but at the age of 25 I experienced my first seizure i realised something wasn’t normal after passing out uncontrollably nearly 14 times a day I lost all my confidence, I lost so much weight couldn’t even speak about my condition in public never mind accepting it. 2 years later I have made some huge changes including diet, sleep and personality. The right medication helps too. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help I was put on antidepressants for a while just to help me accept who I am. I nap twice during the day, eat a gluten free diet and refuse all caffeinated drinks. People are diagnosed with chronic conditions all the time I think self acceptance is the hardest part. You can control your disability or you can let jour disability control you, your choice x
Living like this, do I often have to calm myself, as I would blame my doctor out of anger and frustration because of the fact that I simply have this and what it's capable of. While I'm aware that it's not his fault, still do I try and find things to say mentally about it somehow being his fault, as I could leave here like anyone else with epilepsy. It's disturbing, really.
My epilepsy has all of s sudden began after I turned 50. The only big one fraction my spine in two places but the other 3 I just drop. I bonked my head twice and have a huge bump and a blackeye today as I write this. It's pretty strange let me tell you. It is difficult I am even afraid of stairs now.
I have idiopathic generalized epilepsy also - your story about having the seizure in class resonated with me. I had my first proper drop seizure when I was at uni - I was in a store buying some food and it just struck. I remember a group of girls full blown laughing at me as well as the cashier. I've never felt more embarrassed and pathetic in my life. I left all my items on the floor and walked out ashamed. Will never forget that moment
I listened to this with interest as my elderly but very active and healthy dog, suddenly, after some criminals home invasion incident developed epilepsy. I realized that I could foresee when the next one may happen. It is good to know that putting head in sand. Average person prefer not to know about a lot of, as self preserving interest. It may also be war in Ukraine, cancer, or your neighbor drinking. Not the best socially accepted attitude.
Matthew, your voice, story, and willingness to share your vulnerability with this audience is deeply impactful. Congratulations on this speech.
Thank you for sharing your story! My daughter just marked 10 years in her battle and you are spot on. You are speaking for so many battling this invisible disability! Keep fighting 💜
Matthew,
You make some solid points.
I appreciate you for standing on the stage, and saying what you said.
You and Fyodor Dostoevsky are two individuals who have articulated (as best as one can) what it is like to have Epilepsy. Specifically, what a tonic-clonic seizure feels like.
Hang in there.
Remember you are not alone in this fight.
I appreciate you and your time.
Sincerely,
Joe Loughery
Matthew, please don't be sad. I too have had seizures for 43 years now!!! My body rejects all medications. I can relate to ALL that you spoke. I'm trying the keto diet, meditation etc but the FIRST thing I am working on is "my worth". Learn to love and accept yourself, exactly as you are, right here, right now. Nothing happens for no reason. Please have faith in yourself!!!❤❤
Thank you Matthew for sharing your story. Our son (Sal) walks on the very exact same path with you. Your experiences are what Sal endures also. Prayers to you!
Not to come off as rude, but why're we praying for something that this _God_ can just snap his fingers and get rid of? I mean, epilepsy is the reason why I'm an atheist now, and it's questions like these toward prayer that further proves my point regarding what this god is capable of. We shouldn't be living like this if, well, a god exists. I mean, I can't be wrong about that.
Thank you Matthew - working in healthcare as well and also having Epilepsy, it has been a struggle sometimes dealing with the stigma that some of those in healthcare think I shouldn’t be allowed to work in healthcare just because I have this disability. Spreading awareness and continuing to make our community safe is so important, and we will all keep doing our part to try and makes our communities for better places. Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s hard to express what it’s like and you did that so beautifully.
While I'm not in the field of healthcare, definitely is it relatable to hear that, be it in person, or via phone, that you're not meant to pursue that certain career. Calling in and telling your teacher that you can't make it, so you're missing hours of valuable information because mentally you're incapable due to seizure recovery.
Really brave and wise, Matthew. I lost my nephew to SUDEP when he was 4. I appreciate you putting yourself out there. Keep at it.
Your story is truly inspirational Matthew. Keep fighting and spreading awareness! 💜💜
Thank you so much for being vulnerable and shedding light on this very important matter. Truly inspiring 💜
You’re crying my tears. I understand. My first fit was 3 years old. I was finally diagnosed at 17.
Solidarity epilepsy warriors.
I love you all. You are not alone. Thinking of you ☆
Very good talk Mathew, I was left with CPS which has now become Drop seizures over the last 6yrs after numerous blows to the head in 2005 by my partner at the time. It certainly changed my life, I have 1-3 per month around the same time of each month.
Really moving talk. Thank you for sharing this. I am going to work on educating too. Amazing, touching delivery. Great job!
Listening to your pain resonates with my pain. At the age of 40 I finally got a sense of life without seizures. Let’s continue the conversation but I haven’t shared it with work due to fear of discrimination. Give me time to encourage epilepsy awareness in my workplace
I just watched this to get some idea of the problem because my brother also suffering from this. I just got to know how it emotionally affects than physically. But I suggest Mathew focus on getting mental health and stop worrying because that is something you can easily control than physiology. Most importantly practice stop worrying about what people around you think or react which will give you the relaxation to be amazed more than ever. Good luck!!!
Thank you I have epilepsy and struggling living with it
Thank you for being so brave I have had epilepsy for many years.
I’ve always been fit and healthy so confident and bubbly but at the age of 25 I experienced my first seizure i realised something wasn’t normal after passing out uncontrollably nearly 14 times a day I lost all my confidence, I lost so much weight couldn’t even speak about my condition in public never mind accepting it. 2 years later I have made some huge changes including diet, sleep and personality. The right medication helps too. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help I was put on antidepressants for a while just to help me accept who I am. I nap twice during the day, eat a gluten free diet and refuse all caffeinated drinks. People are diagnosed with chronic conditions all the time I think self acceptance is the hardest part. You can control your disability or you can let jour disability control you, your choice x
Thank you for making me aware Matthew! This was a very educational speech that I won't forget!!
Make this video viral
I am saddened by the lack of awareness and the lack of effort to raise awareness. The Epilepsy Foundation doesn't seem to do much in Austin
Living like this, do I often have to calm myself, as I would blame my doctor out of anger and frustration because of the fact that I simply have this and what it's capable of. While I'm aware that it's not his fault, still do I try and find things to say mentally about it somehow being his fault, as I could leave here like anyone else with epilepsy. It's disturbing, really.
Matthew thank you for sharing your story. Very powerful. I’m glad the 11 year old boy didn’t keep it a secret. Stay strong. Keep speaking out.
My epilepsy has all of s sudden began after I turned 50. The only big one fraction my spine in two places but the other 3 I just drop. I bonked my head twice and have a huge bump and a blackeye today as I write this. It's pretty strange let me tell you.
It is difficult I am even afraid of stairs now.
You you are a brave handsome man.God bless you
my experience with epilepsy is a bit like yours but really different
"Idiopathic" is also described as "undifferentiated" (we know what seizures are, but not what causes undifferentiated epilepsy).
Fantastic!
I’m scared of that too my family wants me to do something alone but if I have seizure who’s gonna save me
What if we really are possessed
This guy is super sad. God and Jesus love you buddy.
No one has any idea what it's like.
9:00 я могу утонуть в ванне, 11:00 11 лет эпилепсии,
I also have epilepsy and was told not to tell anyone! I feel your pain, dear. Your story is powerful, don't let anyone stop you!!!
I have idiopathic generalized epilepsy also - your story about having the seizure in class resonated with me. I had my first proper drop seizure when I was at uni - I was in a store buying some food and it just struck. I remember a group of girls full blown laughing at me as well as the cashier. I've never felt more embarrassed and pathetic in my life. I left all my items on the floor and walked out ashamed. Will never forget that moment
I had my Seizure Tumor surgically removed when I was 8 years old.
I listened to this with interest as my elderly but very active and healthy dog, suddenly, after some criminals home invasion incident developed epilepsy. I realized that I could foresee when the next one may happen.
It is good to know that putting head in sand.
Average person prefer not to know about a lot of, as self preserving interest. It may also be war in Ukraine, cancer, or your neighbor drinking. Not the best socially accepted attitude.
I have someone very close to me who as epilepsy.