I've now had my VNS implant for over nine months, that's the same amount of time that it takes for a baby to grow in its mother's womb. And as much I'd love to say VNS has created a whole new life for me, it's not quite that simple. The five months since I last wrote...
Going through some old files recently I found some letters and notes written by child Susanna. Letters and notes that are distressing and need to be seen as they highlight the full effect that Autism has on a child. Today is World Autism Awareness Day, so I figured...
As society pauses I take a deep breath, Look around me and accept I am blessed, Isolated but by no means trapped, Surrounded by family including my cat; I have a home that is cosy and safe, Unlike others who have far more to face. The feeling in the air is panic and...
At the start of this year the one commitment I made was becoming a member of my local gaming club. Every Thursday night I spend four hours playing role-playing games (RPGs) with a bunch of awesome people (the club also hosts boardgames). Campaigns are run in four week...
Last Wednesday morning, whilst staying at my grandma's, I had two seizures. And although they left me feeling sore and frustrated for the first time in a long while they didn't leave me feeling hopeless. You see, four weeks ago I had my first follow up appointment...
Right now one of my main triggers for social anxiety is having to constantly answer the question, ‘so what are you doing at the moment?’. My automatic response is normally ‘not much’ but it seems this is insufficient. Although most people ask the question because they’re either genuinely interested or just want to start a conversation, for me it is painful to answer…
Yesterday marked 10 weeks since my Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Device was first switched on. Although the implantation surgery and the few weeks that followed it were very difficult (read more here) the difference I've noticed in just 70 days makes it all worth it....
In the week leading up to Guy Fawke’s night lots of people complain about how traumatic it is for their four legged friends. Yet not a single news organisation has discussed the effect that fireworks can have on humans.
Two weeks ago today I returned home after receiving my VNS Surgery. Describing these past 14 days as a rollercoaster would be an inadequate understatement. I only received the date five days before the operation took place. Very little information was given to me,...