BEATING SEIZURES
How Kruger refuses to let epilepsy limit her
Living with epilepsy can impose certain limitations on a person’s life. But with modern medication a person can control their epilepsy and with the right attitude, can definitely go on to live a fulfilling life.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by unpredictable seizures. A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person appears or acts for a short time. It can include a patient falling down, jerking, biting their tongue and if someone gets these fits or seizures repeatedly, medical doctors rule the condition as epilepsy.
For Mpho Katse-Kruger there was absolutely no warning before the seizures came on. In fact she didn’t even know she had seizures because they would happen while she was sleeping. “I would just wake up tired, a really bad headache and most of the time with blood on my lips and pillow, an indication that I had bitten myself.
“It was bizarre but I figured it was probably the side effects of medication I was taking for another chronic condition I have been battling,” she narrated. Kruger has Lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It wasn’t until her partner, now husband witnessed an episode while she was sleeping and told her about it in the morning. “We went to my doctor and different tests were done. I even had to sleep over at the hospital so they can observe me. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and I must say it was hard to accept at first. “I had been fighting for my life because of lupus, from failing kidneys, skin lesions and just as I was beginning to get my confidence back God slaps me with epilepsy. “It was a condition I had seen from some of my school mates and some friends but never imagined I could have it because I was not born with it. “The doctors explained that mine was probably caused by the lupus since autoimmune disorders have long been recognised as potential causes of seizures.” Although she takes anti-epilepsy drugs, she still has seizures but they have greatly reduced in frequency. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 70 percent of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate treatment. “I had my last seizure three weeks ago. It’s a big improvement considering I used to have at least two episodes in a week. As part of managing the condition, I have to monitor what I eat and drink closely and keep my stress levels very low to avoid triggering an episode,” she said. The 35-yearold attorney says having a good support system is also pivotal. “It’s good to have people around you who understand it and would know what to do not just when you have a seizure but overall support to help you thrive.”
And, like most epileptics, she says she can predict when she is about to have an attack. “Even my colleagues at work can now see when I get too exhausted and sleepy they would advise me to lie down on my blanket. And when I do have a seizure they are able to track how many seconds or minutes I’m out to determine if they should call an ambulance and my next of kin. And I’m very grateful I have people like that to count on during my most vulnerable state,” Kruger said.
To deal with the seizures, Kruger says it is important to learn first aid when one is experiencing seizures.
One of them is to give the victim enough space and en- sure there is no object around that could cause harm. The victim’s head should also be on one side to prevent choking, especially if there is foam being released through the mouth. If the convulsions last long, the victim should be rushed to the hospital. Most of all, she said, “it is vital for people to know that epilepsy is not a curse, neither can it stop you from living a lovely blessed life. You just have to be open to those around you, have a great support system and take your medication religiously.”