N UAC HT
February 18 2020
7
GNÉ -ALTANNA
Epilepsy & Me By Lorraine Lally I have written this piece in support of International Epilepsy Day 2020. My life with epilepsy began as a child, when I was not fully aware of the extent of the seizures, the daydreaming and losing time. The diagnosis of epilepsy was something that made my mother cry and made my dad smile, as he said, “at least we know”. The stress of epilepsy on those around you growing up does have an impact. I often wonder if the seizures are preventing me from dreaming like others. There is a definite link with my emotions, when I am distressed for someone I love, then I am likely to have a full tonic clonic. It is as if my body rejects the bad news. Having a boyfriend with the epilepsy is always an interesting conversation. Definitely one way to find out if he likes me. Going away to college in Dublin was my dream. In spite of the hesitation that my parents had, I believed that one life with choices and free will was better than a life of limitations with fear ruling over all decisions. I was careful living away from home because stress triggers seizures. On arriving in college, I had a seizure in the library and ended up in the nearest hospital with the neurologist that I still have
One important revelation I discovered living with epilepsy is the need to share the condition with others and to ask for help. I still hate asking for help, but I refuse to feel shame as a person with the most common neurological condition in the world
today. My independence was often not encouraged by medical doctors. The interesting thing about epilepsy is that you don’t have control of the condition, but you have control over most things in your life. I realised with my condition that I get to choose what I worry about and who I love. The other important revelation I discovered living with epilepsy is the need to share the condition with others and to ask for help. I still hate asking for help, but I refuse to feel shame as a person with the most common neurological condition in the world. My epilepsy has meant many medications, including one drug nearly killing me after a few months of being ill and an isolation unit in my home town. I overcame Stephen Johnson Syndrome and the other bad reactions to epilepsy medications. Epilepsy places you at an increased risk of depression and other mental health issues, partly because of the involvement of the brain. My family members have told me that after a seizure, I often push my loved ones away and look absolutely terrified. The aftermath of a bad tonic clonic seizure in my sleep means that getting up is really a big effort. My legs are cramping like I ran a marathon in my sleep along with bruising and pain. My epilepsy is a part of me and I have grown to love life with the condition.
First Year Diary
Final year diary
By Aoife Burke
By Sadhbh Hendrick
Hi guys! Aloha! Is spring on the horizon? I think so! I’m doing well but I can’t believe it’s February already! I’m making plans for summer already. Lazing about on the beach in Salthill. Beer gardens during the summer. Music festivals. That sort of thing! I’ve got to first off make a correction. There’s no negative marking in first year tort law exams in March! This is the best news! Also on the subject of news, I passed all my exams. In fact, I got 60% for my law exam at Christmas! So, I’m a happy camper right now. I’m working my way through the readings we are assigned but you know my enthusiasm for assignments never wanes. Yes, I’m usually the first to upload work to Blackboard finished. I guess, as I couldn’t find a job during term time, it means I have extra time
on my hands. Meaning better marks. Wahey. I have got to give credit to the amazing lecturers NUI Galway finds for us, though. Without the constant support and encouragement, I would not have done so well. In fact, I noticed my work for college has evolved. My writings have improved. I can read a book in no time at all. I have brought my A game now! At this moment in time, I am working on a law assignment where we have to write our legal opinion (no research) on a 30-page hypothetical case. I know. Send coffee. Seriously though, I’m having a blast so far. I had a story published last week in a woman’s magazine (Circulation 160,000!) and every so often, I am on “Trivia Matters” Friday 2-3 on Brian Currie’s show on Flirt FM. I also love the food in An Bialann. Every Wednesday, after my 9am lecture, I head down there for my brekkie and it’s got fantastic food! I’m a fussy eater (depending on my mood) but I am never disappointed there. I am currently recovering from a bad cold. I had the flu jab last year but I was so sick all weekend. So, thank you to whoever made me ill! I still soldiered on and finished an essay for English last weekend. I also like a new module we are doing called introduction to media and communication. We get to study Love Island and celebrities and social media. I am planning on doing (yes another) essay, this time on the regulation of social media in Ireland. Already looking forward to it. I also did my bit for the environment and bought a keep cup from the student shop! If I’m not mistaken, you get a cheaper coffee for using it. I encourage everyone reading this to think about purchasing one for 8 euro. It’s a great investment! Also, any law students out there – flash cards for studying are a great idea. I’m working my way through the study material and summarising the main points. Makes the exams seem so much less daunting. That’s all for now! Happy Valentine’s day to everyone also and chat soon. Aoife X
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Dear Diary, So long to the longest month of the year and hello to the loveliest one. (14th … Valentines… Geddit). Whilst this diary entry will be published after all that ‘Hallmark profiting’ or ‘Aww <3’ inducing holiday (depending on your political inclination), let’s still give three cheers to the florists of the world who basically do all the work of Cupid, but without any of the perks Mr. Claus gets to enjoy. Secondly; ‘Twas the night before UNOFFICIAL!!!!! rag week, when all through the county, Not a nightclub was stirring, not even a Coyote; The mixers were hung by the fireplace with care, In hopes that a mad ole predrinks soon would be there; The students were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of Smacs danced in their heads; And bouncers in their black getups, and I in my tanning pyjamas, Had just settled down anticipating a wild week but no dramaz. When out on the courtyard there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what the hell was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the curtains in one swift dash. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be security testing their brand new equip’. More rapid than eagles, the big burly figures they came, As they whistled, and shouted, and warned us all to be tame; Head honcho sprang to his sleigh (van), to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew to the office, almost like a missile. But I heard my neighbours exclaim, as they drove out of sight, Happy UNOFFICIAL!!!!! rag week to all, and to all a good night.
Thank you one, thank you all. Here’s hoping for a great week. The “UNOFFICIAL!!!!” that comes before or after anywhere the word rag is typed in all of county Galway always makes me chuckle. There seems to be the fear of God in us all that a lawsuit will hunt us down if we forget the unofficial bit. Maybe it will, I wouldn’t know. Better safe than sorry and all that jazz. On to ‘more important matters’ (ish). The General Election of 2020 is being held as I write this very article. And whilst I shan’t be disclosing my political alliances or beliefs to you all (soz but those kinda things really don’t do you any favours), I will say that this election certainly has the potential to be pivotal and will begin to impact us (well, me at least, I don’t want to get in trouble for implying anything about you trusty SIN readers) in new ways. Being a Final Year means things like taxes and retirement ages, to name but two, are now about to become my reality. Adulting. Yay. I suppose we’ll wrap things up there for now. In case anyone was wondering, yes I am still religiously watching Love Island and yes, I still absolutely adore Shaughna. That’ll be all. Hun. GRMA, Sadhbh x
