Samuel Dunsiger, living with epilepsy for over a decade, shares his experience of having a seizure in a supermarket aisle. He discusses the public nature of his condition, the anxiety it creates, and the unexpected kindness he received from the store staff.
Diagnosed with epilepsy a decade ago, Samuel Dunsiger writes about what it's like to navigate life with the uncertainty of seizures, and why the response from the staff at his local supermarket made such a difference.For Samuel Dunsiger, the public nature of his seizures — which most recently happened in a supermarket aisle — make managing his epilepsy stressful. This First Person column is written by Samuel Dunsiger, a career coach and accessibility advocate in Ottawa.
What had begun as my weekly grocery trip turned into a public — and rather unpredictable — chronic health flare-up, coupled with a dose of embarrassment and anxiety.My supermarket convulsion is a manifestation of epilepsy, a neurological disorder which I was diagnosed with over 10 years ago. Some people with epilepsy have seizures as often as every day. A decade later, I've now had four seizures — one every few years.
Dunsiger writes that unexpected kindness from strangers can have a big impact on those with hidden disabilities or those who are navigating the world with health issues. After the pharmacist told me what happened, I felt the usual post-seizure symptoms of confusion, body aches, chills and nausea. One of the clerks went to grab a blanket while the pharmacist gave me a warm smile as I lay in the fetal position.I shook my head, still feeling delirious coupled with feelings of embarrassment.
Though I'd been through seizures enough times now to know I was likely OK, I went to the hospital just in case to reassure my family. As expected, they released me a few hours later.Over the subsequent days, I felt groggy but physically fine. But mentally, I felt embarrassed and uncertain, and realized I was avoiding the store like the plague.
Epilepsy Seizures Public Health Chronic Illness Human Interest
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nippon Life in talks to buy Resolution Life in deal worth US$8.2-billionIf the deal goes ahead, it will be the largest ever foreign acquisition by a Japanese insurer
Read more »
Navigating Without a Smartphone: A Journey Through DependencyA traveler recounts a six-hour journey from Toronto to Brooklyn, navigating solely with a map and compass, reflecting on smartphone dependency and its effects on daily life and mental health.
Read more »
Navigating Without a Smartphone in New YorkA journey through Brooklyn Heights reveals the challenges of navigating without a smartphone, highlighting the reliance on digital devices in daily life.
Read more »
Gold investors are navigating in the darkThe Kitco News Team brings you the latest news, videos, analysis and opinions regarding Precious Metals, Crypto, Mining, World Markets and Global Economy.
Read more »
Wearing White to a Wedding: A Stylist's Guide to Navigating Faux PasA woman's choice to wear a white blouse to her brother's wedding, despite the 'no white dresses' rule, led to major family drama. Sakshi Agarwal, a fashion stylist, provides insight and advice on appropriate attire for wedding guests.
Read more »
Trudeau has made the right moves navigating Trump’s tariff pledgeThe dinner at Mar-a-Lago and premiers’ meeting earlier in the week form the correct approach to negotiating trade if the Prime Minister stays the course
Read more »