To explain the years preceding our health deterioration, we both had been
married twice previously, to individuals that we were not suited for. As most
people do nowadays, we drank to relax and calm our nerves. And while that is a
poor excuse, unfortunately, very true for many. Never had we heard, read, or
even been told, by anyone, of possible derogatory health effects from alcohol,
so it all came as a real shocker.
Myself and my late husband were born to mothers who drank. We picked up the
nasty little drinking habit quite well, in our late teens, when first employed.
Being the youngest and newest recruit, you want to fit in and be accepted,
especially when you are hoping for a career in that field. Many lunch and after
work drinks became a ongoing way of life. Both of us were well educated and
extremely hard working, therefore rose quickly in the professions we loved. This
all came to a devastating halt in our mid 40's. It is called 'Grand-Mal
Seizures' somewhat related to 'Epilepsy'.
There are no known cures! Prescription drugs are the only help, along with
complete alcohol abstinence, permanently. The current medications have pages and
pages of horrific side effects, and hit each patient different times, different
ways. You must stay on these pills for the rest of your life though and they are
expensive. I have a distant relative, whose baby girl was born with the exact
same problem. So it's not really epilepsy, but almost another form of it. While
this tiny little girl's parents have never consumed alcohol, suspicions are that
her dad's biological parents did. But being adopted, leaves the question
unanswered.
When it first hit, our drivers license's were suspended, in addition to us both
having to quit our employment, which is very horrible, when you have worked your
entire life in a profession you loved, and are extremely well known and
respected in the industry. Not to mention the fact that you've been accustomed
to a certain level of income, which is now basically, vanished into thin air!
Your license to drive may be returned after 6 months, without an attack, however
it is like having a wretched poisonous snake, dwelling permanently inside of you
forever! The medication professes to hold it down, so to speak and yes it does,
however, it is always on your mind especially when your license to drive is
returned and makes travelling costs, to an unbelievable number of
doctors/specialists/surgeons and blood tests, slightly more affordable.
There is
a little journal book always here in our home, where it is noted, time and day
medication is taken, in dreaded fear of missing, then being served notice
basically, by the python dwelling inside. He is very aware when he hasn't
received breakfast or supper, call it 'tranquilizing medication'. Consequently,
you may or may not be served his wrath! I trust you get the picture. I never
ever leave the house, without checking this precious little diary, always
sitting in clear plain view, as having a seizure while driving could cause a
horrendous dreadful outcome! This is not drunk drivingso to speak, but the
aftermath of drinking for years and years, not to mention the continual worry of
it causing a fall, sometimes splitting your skull open (happened twice.)! A year
before my spouse passed away, he had a seizure while negotiating 2 steps, flew
over 20 ft., breaking his hip, resulting in surgery, then a year long recovery
process. This is for someone who at 6 ft 4" tall, in excellent physical
condition. Previously he had broken his arm and ankle from the same cause! And
all because of the almighty drink!
I am attempting to bring this to as many organizations attention, as possible,
as well as our Governments, Federal and Provincial. Hoping that along with AA,
ALANON, MADD it will result in mandatory warning labels on all liquor
containers, and an increase in purchase prices! Cigarette manufacturers have
been forced to do the same, and I don't remember having ever heard of a deadly
traffic accident or a bone breaking fall, from smoking!
This sort of affliction, does make life difficult. Causing again, a great deal
of stress, as suddenly everything you've known and been accustomed to, is
uprooted and basically gone! My lovely husband passed away, a year ago last
April, from a perforated ulcer, and his reluctance to go into the hospital
immediately, as he didn't want me to be on my own, I suspect, in case of an
attack! Well, my sweets, I'm kinda on my own now!
Thankyou for spending valued time, reading our story. I trust you will pass this
on to others. I have replied to by some, they absolutely convinced, seizures are
only caused from alcohol withdrawal! Well, not so, not so at all! I'm no
Physician, but have confirmed this with professionals, and it is only from
continued drinking! And having this wretched, horrible health defect, is like
wondering if the unwanted Tenant inside, is dead? alive? pissed off with you?
bored, or maybe, just MAYBE, peacefully content, for now!
Sheila Joyce Gibbs, sjgibbs@noospam.shaw.ca Victoria, B.C.
PS: Imagine of ALL the Beer Cans in the world, had this message largely
displayed:
WARNING: Any/all Alcohol, contains the power to cause , possible but severe
epileptic seizures, for life!
Think that would do it? I'm pretty sure it could have changed our habits fast!