Last Tuesday I got a call from one of the nurses at Meg’s school telling me my little girl was having a seizure. The nurse couldn’t give me a lot of information, she told me a boy from the class had just come down and the other nurse had just left to go treat her.
“We’re on our way!” is all I could say before hanging up.
My mind began to race though a gazillion questions…
Did she fall? Was she in the classroom? Was she with an adult? Oh god the stairs! Did it happen in the lunchroom? Was she hurt?
I could feel the back of my throat start to tighten and the tears start to well up in my eyes.
Stop it! You have to keep it together!
I could feel anxiety starting in my chest and I was so glad my husband was home to drive and keep me grounded. Half way to the school the phone rang again and this time the nurse was able to tell us to head straight for the classroom once we got there!
It didn’t take long for us to get to Meg’s school, but it felt as though it took much, much longer! As we walked up the stair to her classroom, my heart was still racing, and I just wanted to see my baby girl. When we entered the classroom Meghan was lying on the floor, with the nurse by her side, throwing up. I sat down on the floor in front of her to let her know we were there and to make sure she wasn’t still seizing. Her eyes were a little dilated, she looked dazed, but she was definitely coming out of the seizure. I scooped her up, held her in my arms and then I saw her teachers face, she was visibly shaken by the whole event. She kept looking at me and saying… God Bless you! God Ble… I had no idea! I have such a new found respect for you! Again I could feel my throat tighten, I told her Meg was fine and asked her if she was okay. I could see tears in her eyes and the concern on all of their faces and it felt good to know so many people were caring for my daughter.
It’s crazy how time can pass when you’re dealing with an emergency, sometimes minutes can seem like hours and yet, other times, it can feel like everything has happened in seconds and before you know it 20 minutes have gone by. I think this is why there was a little confusion about how long Meg had seized!
From what I understand, the kids had just come back from lunch and they had put up tri-fold partitions to get ready for practice testing. The teacher had noticed Meg’s partition didn’t look right and had tried to get her attention, but Meg had not responded. Upon standing the teacher realized that Meg was having a seizure. The kids were lined up and led out! Thankfully they didn’t really see much because of the dividers. Meg was moved to the floor and laid her on her side. From what the teachers described everything sounded characteristic of Meg’s normal seizures. I gave Meg’s teacher a hug, thanked everyone and we headed home!
Once home we put a call in to her neurologist and gave Meg something for her headache. She slept for quite a while, which is pretty normal after having a seizure. By supper time Meg was more like herself, but we kept her home an extra day to make sure. It was so nice to receive calls and messages from the teachers and her friends; I honestly think it made her feel a little less nervous about it all.
Two days later, she went back to school and it was so hard to let her go! Of course, I know things needed to be as normal as possible for her, but as her mom I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms and keep her home! I’ll admit I did walk her to class the first day back! Her teachers all seemed confident and told me they were ready if she were to have another seizure. Her friend had made cupcakes for her coming back and the kids went on as if nothing had happened, which I think was really important for her.
I can’t say I’m not nervous about another seizure happening at school, this was her second, but it helps to know her school is prepared and willing to stand by her and do whatever they can to make sure she’s safe.
Coffee, Chocolate & Xanax 
Oh! My breath was taken away by the title and I couldn’t stop the tears from welling up as I read through the post. I’ve gotten WAY too many of those calls over the years. And that familiar feeling hits all to close to home. Thankfully, the last year or so the calls have been more for behavioral issues rather than seizures, but I don’t think I’ll ever loose that edge and the catch in the breath when I see the caller ID says it’s the school on the other line. I literally can’t breathe until I hear the reason for the call. And out of habit I’m grabbing my keys and heading for the door before I even hear what they have to say.
I imagine you’ll be doing the same, please know I think of you and Meg often even though we’ve never met personally, and I’m glad to know she’s feeling better and that the school seemed to have a handle on everything. And that going back was not too difficult for her.
Is the process of removing the other students something that is written into her IEP or just the school’s procedure?
Many hugs to you!!
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Thank you! I’m so sorry you have to deal with those calls and your child has to deal with epilepsy! When you see the schools number come up you do panic and instinctively check for your keys! I appreciate you thinking of us. I think the kids being removed from the class was protocol incase they had to administer her diazapam, which is given rectally!
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Yes, it does become an instinct. And yes, we’ve given many doses of Diastat (diazapam) over the years. 😦 We don’t leave the house without it, even though, thankfully, we’ve not to use it for awhile now. There was a time that Rachael’s seizures would not stop without the use of it, and even sometimes after 2 10mg doses they still didn’t stop. So I’m very grateful that she’s not needed it in quite sometime.
She currently takes Depakote for her daily meds and so far it’s worked far better for her than any other med or cocktail of meds she’s been on in the past. I really pray it continues as it’s the last medication option available for us. Our next step is the implant, and I’d prefer to avoid that if at all possible.
And I just realized that when signing my last reply it automatically set it to post as my blog (that I am really bad at keeping updated) and not my name. (Theresa) LOL
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Ohhhh! I’m sitting here in tears thinking how scary that must be – especially the phone call – for you. I’m so glad she’s OK, and even more glad her school (and her teacher) are well prepared for anytime this – god forbid – would happen again. ((HUGZ!!)) And the song choice? Perfect.
Overcome Livin’ On A Prayer – Every Rose Has It’s Thorn so Lean On Me, F•R•I•E•N•D•S
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Oh you poor dear! I hope your daughter is fine. Seizures can be so frightening, especially for the parent. It is so hard to stand by, see what is happening, and be able to do nothing for your child. I hope all the best for you.
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all i can say is sending light and love with a cyber hug
Come Say HI
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This brought tears to my eyes as a mom.
I know it must be so hard to let her go.
She’ll be strong. She has a wonderful mom and great support. I’m so proud of that school! Wow.
Great song.
Thanks for sharing with us today!
Just able to access my blog again from the hack.
Have a great week!
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OMG You had my heart racing. That was quite an ordeal for you and your husband I’m sure not to mention your little girl. I’m so glad that the other children treat her like nothing happen because sometimes kids can be so cruel. I’ll keep your baby in my prayers. Keep your chin up girl and wear a smile for her if not for anything else. You are her strength I’m sure. Great song to go with your Post.
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I just can’t imagine what it must be like to be on your end. It’s scary period when you have a child who is sick, but one who has to deal with a chronic issue on an on-going basis must be difficult at best never knowing when you’ll get a call such as what you did on Monday. Thank the good Lord all turned out well and your daughter’s school handled things as smooth as possible. My prayers are with your precious baby girl and for your whole family, as you continue to walk this path. I enjoyed Carrie Underwood’s song. It fits so well with your experience.
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I can’t imagine the scariness of receiving such a call. I’m so glad your daughter is okay and that her school is prepared. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
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