My New Life

I decided to get married at the age of 19. At first, everything was going well. As a year passed, I started to see his abusive side. Not only was I struggling with the abusive marriage but an illness I've been diagnosed with since I was 2. I had to take medication everyday and it had the side effects of depression and suicidal thoughts.

With the life I was having made my depression worse and I've tried to kill myself twice. I failed and had to continue living a miserable life. The only way out of the abusive relationship was to leave him before he continues hitting me. It was hard to find a home and have had to stay in 5 different shelters. My life was not stable

That's when I saw the light of my life! I got referred to the Epilepsy Regional Center to see if I was a good candidate for brain surgery. The surgery was risky but I'd do anything to outcome the seizures I continue having. It's either the surgery or continue taking medication that's less effective and cause you to kill yourself. I knew I would die eventually if I continue taking the pills. The chances of dying from surgery are very low. Technology has improved and surgery is easier today than than before.

After my surgery, my life has turned around and I got a positive result. I have not had a seizure since the day of my operation. I am more independent and don't have to live with medication everyday or be restricted from activities that seizures keep me away from. I met a wonderful man who has helped me while I was recovering from brain surgery. He cares a lot about me and want's what is best for me.

Now I am going to school to study psychology and help patients who are experiencing the illness I had to live with for 20 years. I?m going to let the patients know that if I can find a way out of the illness, I know they can. It's scary to live with a disability. I want them to live a normal life that's seizure-free and find a treatment that takes them away.

Everything I put up was only half of what I've been through. I didn't put the scariest, gruesome parts. I bet you get the picture though. That even though you are experiencing a terrible life, you can find a way out. There is a solution to every problem. You just have to keep trying to find it until you do. You don't want to be stuck in a life that keeps you down. Life is more precious than you think. I know that myself after what I've lived through. Now, I see that you never know what you are missing out on if you don't give it a chance. Don't give up. If I can do it anyone can.