HOW LIFE CHANGED IN AN INSTANT
Darren’s shock in store
A Gwynedd man’s life changed in an instant when he suffered an epileptic seizure while out shopping 16 months ago.
Darren Wyn Jones, from Caernarfon, was waiting at the checkout of a Tesco store in Llantrisant near Cardiff when he illness struck.
The seizure caused him to collapse and he hit his head hard on the floor of the store causing a serious brain injury.
Fortunately for Darren an off-duty doctor was nearby and immediately went to his aid.
Recognising what had happened an ambulance was called and Darren was taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital at Llandough for emergency treatment.
He lost all memory of the four months prior to the seizure and has little recollection of the two months afterwards.
Darren has suffered from depression, anger issues and family turmoil causing him to sell his home in south Wales and move back to his hometown in Caernarfon.
The 33-year-old said: “I was in hospital for 10 days. I had suffered a brain heamorage which was secondary to the epileptic seizure but fortunately the doctors decided there was no need to operate.
“I was constantly monitored as the clot on the frontal part of my brain dissipated without the need for surgery.
“But while I have no visible scars my brain is scarred for life.”
It was the first time ever he had suffered an epileptic seizure but the episode has had a significant effect on his life.
“It came out of nowhere but these things can happen.
“There are a number of hidden effects to a brain injury and I was no different. I have no recollection of being in hospital at all.
“The first six months were among the darkest periods of my life with issues from emotional mobility, some anger issues, memory problems, lack of insight and an impulisveness. “It was a very difficult time. “However, over time, as with everything in life, you can improve and things did get better and I was fortunate in the support from family and friends and the support provided by Headway, the brain injury charity.”
Darren, who starts a new job with the Neurological Alliance in the nextr few weeks, insists he is not disabled but differently abled.
“It has been tough to readjust but I feel I am now stronger than I was. I was depressed fro a whole year and felt isolated but Headway provided a lot of help and support. Initially I didn’t accept that assistance but when I finally realised I needed help it was fantastic to meet nothers who had suffered brain injuries and talk about it,” he said.
To raise awareness of breain injuries and their effects Darren is hosting an informal event at Plas Menai near Felinheli on Sunday, May 14. Staring at 11am Darren will speak of his experiences and introduce others who have gone through the same process.
Darren’s younger brother, Martin, will also speak as to how his illness affected him and other members of the family.
The event is part of Action for Brain Injury week being held between May 8 and 14 across Wales.