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Strength in Every Step: A Mother’s Journey of Hope and Advocacy
#1 | The First Seizure
Monday November 7th, 2022, an unexpected health event occurred that would change everything for us.
Connor might have felt an unusual aura or a sudden wave of confusion before losing conscious control. His body may have convulsed involuntarily, causing distress not just to himself but also to those around him. This first seizure experience often leaves a profound impact, filled with confusion, fear, and concern.
Monday morning; the first seizure
The school nurse called us at 9:36 A.M. to inform us that Connor had either fallen asleep or possibly passed out during class, and she advised that it might be a good idea for us to pick him up and bring him home so he could rest for the remainder of the day. As I drive to the school, I am thinking about the daylight savings time activity we had the day before and begin to wonder if the time change could have affected his sleep.
I arrived at the school and during a conversation with Connor's teacher, she explained that the children were returning to the classroom from their playtime in the gymnasium when an aide spotted Connor on the floor. The aide promptly called for the school nurse, who was able to respond very quickly; in fact, she ran past the classroom teacher, who was at the end of the line, while the other students were still making their way back to the classroom. Based on the information we now have, we believe that the seizure lasted less than a minute. We are truly beyond grateful for the swift and effective response from Connor's school team.
Monday midday: the second seizure
After eating lunch, at approximately 12:40 PM, Connor was sitting at the dining table when he experienced his second seizure. Connor slowly began to slump over to his left side and ultimately fell off the chair that he was sitting on, hitting the ground with a soft thud. I was standing right there in the kitchen, only 10-15 feet away from him but I didn’t see him collapse. It wasn’t until I heard that unmistakable noise and quickly turned my head in his direction, rushing over to his side, lifting him gently, and urgently calling out his name, but he was not responding in any way. His eyes were wide open, revealing a blank stare, his heart was racing noticeably, and he had an excessive amount of saliva spilling out from the left corner of his mouth. This episode of seizure activity lasted around 60 to 90 seconds, which felt like an eternity in that moment.
Terrified, I called my husband at work and we agreed that it was time to take him to the hospital. Auntie Kayla stayed with Rosie, Dave and I took Connor to the ER.
#2 | Emergency Room
Emergency Room: After Visit Summary
This document serves as a concise summary of your recent visit to the emergency room. It outlines the important details related to your treatment, any diagnoses made during your stay, and the recommendations provided for your ongoing care. Please review this information carefully to ensure you understand the next steps in your recovery process. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for assistance. It is essential to follow the outlined instructions to promote your health and well-being following your visit.
New onset seizures; History of Present Illness: Connor Williams is a 4 year old male who presents with mom and dad today for concern of seizure activity. Child has had 2 witnessed what sounds to be absence seizure type activity today. Mom states the first seizure happened at school. The story from the teacher that he was returning to his desk and had fallen down onto the floor. Did not hit his head. Proceeded to be flaccid with rapid eye movements staring off into space and drooling. The situation lasted approximately 2 minutes before he "came to". He seemed to be postictal. He was very slow to respond to questions and very tired. Mom brought him home. He ate a snack and was doing well at home. He was playing on his iPad when he had another episode that was very similar. Slumped off the kitchen chair was flaccid, drooling and having rapid eye movements. Patient called the clinic to be evaluated and was told to come to the emergency department. Otherwise healthy 4-year-old. Vaccinated. Afebrile no recent illness or respiratory symptoms.
Mom's brother has history of seizure disorder but due to TB meningitis, shunt placed when he was a child no other familial seizures. No trauma or injury.
#3 | St. Paul Children's Hospital
Arrived by ambulance on Monday evening and stayed for three days while a team of doctors performed a series of comprehensive tests.
We were transferred by ambulance to the Twin Cities and arrived safely at the St. Paul Children’s Hospital on Monday evening. Connor remained there for a total of three days while the dedicated doctors ran a series of important tests to assess his condition.
#4 | A Diagnosis of Epilepsy
Receiving a diagnosis of epilepsy can be a life-altering experience for both the individual and their loved ones. It often brings about a range of emotions, including confusion, fear, and uncertainty about what the future may hold. Understanding the condition and its implications is crucial for managing one's health effectively.
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