This is the story of a wife, author, entrepreneur, and life coach, Nathalis. On January 2022, after the pandemic hit the US, and after being affected by COVID-19 for a few months, she had her first seizure at the age of 37. She had no previous episodes, and no family history of the brain disorder.
After having a night of celebration on her new career path, she went to bed as she normally would. When around 4am, her husband was awaked by what could only be described as an eerie scream from his wife’s side of the bed. When he turned around, she was already convulsing, laying flat on her belly with her head buried in her pillow. He was immediately alarmed and tried to wake her to no avail. He had no idea what was going on and the danger his wife was in. In retrospect, his wife could have died – if not by the seizure, certainly by the fact that she was faced down unable to turn on her own, choking on her own spit and blood stained pillow.
He attempted to turn her on her side, but she was completely stiff and heavy, so the best he could do is use his arm as a kick-stand on her shoulder to keep her from choking. When he saw her face for the first time, he knew something was wrong. She could barely breathe, her lips were turning blue, foam and blood were coming out of her mouth – a feeling he describes as traumatizing. He dialed 911 and tried to keep calm as the paramedics arrived. A few minutes later, Nathalis went a bit limp, so he was able to turn her head to the side and position her in a way so that she wouldn’t be flat on her belly. He rushed to unlock the front door to their small apartment and leave it slightly open for the paramedics to come in.
She was taken to ER where she came about not knowing where she was or what had happened to her. Her husband followed behind but was not allowed to enter in due to new COVID-19/Hospital guidelines… so he went back home, got her cell phone, and brought it back to the hospital with an I Love You note. He kindly asked the nurse to take it to her, so they could talk on the phone. Soon after, they were able to talk, and a few hours after she was released.
Nathalis has never had anything like this happen before. By this time, they were still not sure what happened. About 4 months later, she had another one. This time she started feeling strange; she was feeling tired, drained, unable to focus, forgetting things, etc. It was at this point where she had to see a brain specialist, where she learned she was having nocturnal seizures with smaller silent seizures during the day. Again, no prior illnesses, conditions, or family history with this brain disorder.
Nathalis is what close friends and family know as a social butterfly. Very passionate, smart, business minded, resourceful, go-getter, and just the life of the party. A woman with a heart of gold who selflessly has served in her community, coach other women, helped countless through trauma, and very well respected in her church. That woman is also my wife.
She is full of life, very bright, and funnier than I could ever be! Well, I happen to think I am very funny as well, so you can imagine! lol Simply put, it is impossible to be around her and not leave with a smile on your face.
Throughout the past year and 2 months – ever since she had her first seizure, I have witnessed around 5 in total with countless daytime episodes. It is saddening seeing such a bright light be a little dimmed due to Epilepsy.
In spite of the toll on her mental, emotional, and physical health, she continues to push forward in life. While still trying to figure out medications, changes in mood, blackouts, and just getting used to her new life, she still works, still very much involved in her church, and still helping others through life. She is truly remarkable and my definition of inspiring faith and devotion. Life for us haven’t been the same. To this day I have trouble sleeping – thinking she may have another, and I need to be there for her.
I write this article to create awareness and because I know this is not a very well known subject. People may have bouts with some kind of Epilepsy and not even know it. If you experience black-outs, if you forget things a lot, if out of nowhere you feel drained, fatigued, extreme tiredness even after sleeping your full recommended 8 hours, it may be worth looking into. If you ever wake up and are unable to move or feel like you bit your tongue during your sleep, this is also a sign. Lifestyle changes, de-stressing techniques, and over all good health/doctor visits, could help prevent the unexpected.
Source: original.newsbreak.com, Emabajadores
