Interview EP25

Age at interview: 32

Age at diagnosis: 20

Brief Outline: Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1988. Occasionally experiences night and day seizures, but had had none in the last 3 months. Current medication' Slow-release carbamazepine (Tegretol Retard).

Background: Part-time cleaner; divorced, no children.

Discusses the breathing exercises that have helped her to relax more.

But I did learn, I've learnt the technique with a group of people. So when I have had my night fits I just take a couple of deep breaths through my belly and I just relax and, or just turn over. To start with it was oh my God I can't do this. But if you just relax its fine.

' It's just breathing through your belly rather than breathing through, because if you breath through your nose you feel all light-headed whereas you just, well you just sit there and just, or lie there and you just turn over. The last fit I actually had this year in the year 2002, or one of them is, I actually was in bed, this was, and I hit my head and the following day I had a fit and it really shocked me because I hadn't had one for a couple of months and it frightened me to hell. And I thought no, just relax again and it did actually go away.

Discusses gradually building up her confidence and becoming more independent.

What's helped you over the years to have a positive attitude?

Just myself and building up my confidence myself because a year ago, before I joined up with this group, I didn't relax, I just didn't do anything. I didn't work. I stayed at home or just went out and just saw people. I have now got a network of friends so getting the job, I'd like to get a full time job eventually. Obviously I'm gonna come across people saying 'Oh you've got epilepsy, you've got this,' and I'll say 'Well I've just worked doing a job, why not take me on now? I've proved again that I can actually work.' Because before my husband used to keep me but now I keep myself, I get a little bit of help but eventually I would like to get a full time job. Not now, in the far future, so that I can look after myself but still have the people around and the family around.