Karen Teacher THROWS AWAY My Kid’s Medicine! Claims He’s Faking his Illness! I’ve always been proud of my son, Henry. From a young age, he had an inquisitive mind and a kindness that made him stand out. Even when faced with challenges, he approached life with a courage that could put many adults to shame. His epilepsy was no exception to that. Diagnosed when he was just five years old, Henry didn’t let it define him, though it had a significant impact on his day-to-day life. Henry’s early years were a mix of joy and adjustment. He was a curious toddler, always asking questions and finding new ways to explore the world. When the seizures first began, they were terrifying—not just for him, but for our entire family. His first seizure happened during a family trip to the park. One moment, he was laughing and chasing after a frisbee; the next, his small body stiffened, and he collapsed onto the grass. I remember the panic that gripped me as I ran to him, shouting his name. It was over in seconds, but it felt like an eternity. The doctors explained that epilepsy presents in many ways. Not everyone experiences the dramatic, flailing seizures often depicted on TV. Henry’s seizures were usually tonic, where his muscles would stiffen completely, and he would lose consciousness for brief periods. What was even more challenging were the auras—strange sensations that acted as warnings. For Henry, these included tingling in his limbs and sudden, inexplicable smells or tastes. Despite the diagnosis, Henry remained resilient. He quickly adapted to taking daily medication and became incredibly responsible for his age. By the time he turned ten, he could recognize the signs of an impending seizure and knew how to take care of himself. As his parent, I did everything I could to support him while also teaching him to respect his condition. It wasn’t always easy, but Henry never complained. Henry’s maturity was evident in how he handled school. He loved learning and took his responsibilities seriously. Before starting middle school, we had a long talk about how to manage his epilepsy during class. I worked with his doctors to ensure he had a rescue medication in case of emergencies—a small pill that could prevent a seizure if taken during an aura. I prepared a special box for it, complete with a copy of the prescription, and ensured the school administration was aware. Middle school brought new challenges, including new teachers and classmates who didn’t understand epilepsy. Among them was his homeroom teacher, Rebecca. I didn’t think much of her at first. During the parent orientation, she seemed polite but somewhat distant. I brushed it off as her having a busy schedule. What I didn’t realize at the time was that her ignorance would soon become a major problem...

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