George's Poem

An incredible poem to share with you by George, telling us about his epilepsy diagnosis...

It always hurt, it made me feel funny.

A funny smell, a churning feeling in my tummy a metal taste, when I wake it would be in a different place.

What was wrong? What was this feeling? Inside it was awful, I felt like screaming.

Mum took me to the doctors said it would be alright, I could see in her eyes I could see the fright.

Mum was never scared, she never cried but this was a fear she could not hide.

The doctor seemed sure she knew what it was, but first there would be tests and lots of!

The hospital was huge, I didn't like it here Oh no I can feel it again that awful fear.

I met the doctor, she seemed nice Mum listened carefully hoping for advice.

She mentioned some scans, some tests, some wires it was so hard to listen I felt so tired.

Next came the medicine it tasted so yucky, just like the stuff my sister played with, girly pink putty.

They glued lots of wires to my head, on for 48 hours they said.

That night I didn't sleep much neither did Mum, but I got to share her bed and that was fun.

What would the results say? What was wrong? When would I find out? Why does everything take so long?

I had to have a scan they said to get a better picture, the doctor didn't know what was happening, what was making me have the seizure.

Two weeks passed, lots more seizures came, Mum looked more tired, was I to blame?

The hospital called they had some news, my results were in, no more feeling the blues.

You have epilepsy the doctor said, we can control it, we can stop the funny feelings in your head.

What would my friends say? They would all think I am stupid, I can't do my favourite things, my life is ruined.

They gave books, lots to read Mum listened carefully while the doctor spoke at speed.

There was lots to think about, changed had to be made, but working together plans could be laid.

My epilepsy was special, it was caused by the light, some sunglasses would help, it wouldn't be so bright.

Some cool shades were needed, if I had to wear them all the time, maybe a baseball cap too, partners in crime.

I liked my new look, I felt pretty cool. Now to show it off to all my mates at school.

The medication made me sad and sometimes very angry, Mum was used to my moods and knew what to do when I got cranky.

Things started to feel normal but the seizures didn't stop, I didn’t want more medication with someone else I would love to swap.

I am the little boy behind the shades, with a smile that never fades.