The past week has been challenging. My 18-month-old son, Oliver, woke up one morning with his first stomach virus. Until then, he had been the picture of health, so I figured it was just his turn to face a minor illness. He experienced vomiting multiple times a day for what felt like an eternity, but eventually, he showed signs of recovery. I thought, “Finally, we can return to our normal routine.”
Little did I know how mistaken I was.
The following day, I awoke feeling queasy, the unmistakable sensation of impending nausea. Thus began an excruciatingly long day. After hours of discomfort, I finally mustered the strength to get out of bed. Standing there, ginger ale in hand, Oliver was playing with the condensation on the glass. I was chatting with him when suddenly his gaze became vacant. In what felt like slow motion, he toppled backward.
It took me a moment to comprehend what was happening. I scooped him up and realized he was having a seizure. Panic surged through me as I yelled for my partner, Jake, to call emergency services while I cradled Oliver in my arms. He was convulsing violently, his eyes rolled back, breathing erratically, and producing gurgling sounds—completely unresponsive. Jake, phone in hand, urgently relayed our address to the operator as I pleaded for help.
In that moment, I felt a fear I had never known. After what felt like an eternity, Oliver ceased shaking and fell asleep in my arms. Jake and I were both in tears.
“This must have been a febrile seizure,” I suggested, recalling that such seizures are common in toddlers with fevers. Surely, that was the explanation.
Once we arrived at the hospital, Oliver began to scream, and throughout the next few hours, he appeared to experience absence seizures intermittently, but there was no fever present.
Fast forward six months, and we’ve endured one additional grand mal seizure, two normal EEGs, and countless absence seizures, yet we remain without a definitive diagnosis.
I had always believed this would never happen to us. Until that week, Oliver had rarely shown signs of illness, and now I found myself as a parent navigating complex health challenges. No one can truly prepare for witnessing their child seize in their arms. The tests, medications, and hospital visits have been overwhelming, especially with a toddler.
At night, I find myself wide awake, consumed by worries. I fret about the possibility of another seizure and the forthcoming tests he will have to endure. I wonder what the future holds for his health. Will he eventually outgrow this? Will he still be having seizures as a teenager? Could these seizures be contributing to his speech delay? What are the long-term implications of the medication he is on? Will we ever receive a diagnosis?
The truth is, I lack answers to these pressing questions. There is an abundance I do not know, and some mysteries may remain unsolved. However, I do recognize that Oliver is remarkably resilient. His bravery is inspiring, and I often wish I could emulate his tenacity. Throughout his toddler years, his strong-willed nature has posed challenges, yet I believe it will serve him well into adulthood. He is a small but fierce warrior who will overcome any obstacles in his path. I am eager to witness the person he will become. Seizures will not deter him.
In the interim, I will continue to worry, wait, and advocate for him, striving to uncover the answers to my numerous questions. I will take things one step at a time, drawing strength from his example and embodying the resilient parent he needs.
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Summary
This article recounts the emotional and physical challenges faced by a parent of a child prone to seizures, highlighting the profound impact on daily life and the uncertainty surrounding medical diagnoses. The narrative emphasizes resilience, advocacy, and the importance of community support.