Fiona's story
My first memory of having an RAS attack was when I fell over in the garden chasing my older brother. I fell and bumped my head on a rock and the next thing I remember was waking up on the sofa with a chronic headache and a very worried older brother’s face looking at me (Mum was used to me ‘having funny turns' as she would call them. Obviously she was concerned but was familiar with my blackouts by the time I was of the 6 - 8 years, whereas my brother who is three years older thought he had done something wrong as I had a 'funny turn' and fallen unconscious. My 'funny turns' started many years before this.
I think it is key to raise awareness of RAS because if I had not been diagnosed correctly then my mum would not have been able to receive information and care advice from STARS and Trudie, otherwise my earlier attacks could have been treated and cared for in the wrong way. I was about 2 years old and toddling about in the playground waiting for my older brother to start school and I fell over and banged my head on the concrete. My head was bleeding, my eyes rolled back which sent most of the parents into alarm and complete panic and my mum just picked me up, held a tissue to my head and took me to the first aid room. No ambulance was needed, I just slept it off that day. If my mum hadn`t dealt with me correctly and knew what she was doing the story could have turned out very differently. So it is events like this that my mum tells me about that I am so grateful to STARS and the support they provide.
My last RAS attack took place over 3 years ago when I collapsed at the dinner table at home after work. My attack was triggered by stress, illness and low immune system - pain, shock or tears can be a trigger and I was extremely upset at the time and fortunately I can feel 'funny turns' coming on - I let out loud screams and go blank - all I can see is complete darkness. I lose my hearing for a while and then I can hear again but can`t see and then slowly regain full consciousness. I have not had a 'funny turn' since I was 19 (I have just turned 23 now) and get on with my life and don`t let it get in the way or stop me! I am aware that the seizures can return in your 30s so I never completely let my guard down and my partner is fully supportive and aware of my medical condition. I also have decided to wear a Medicalert bracelet now so should I be out on my own or with people that don`t understand R.A.S - my unique I.D number allows the company to inform emergency services of the condition. I would encourage people to invest in the same.
I don`t let R.A.S stop me from doing anything - I have a full time Human Resources job. I am an active member of my local scout group, and enjoy spending time with my family, friends, going swimming, baking and shopping (far too much!). I try and live my life to the full, because life is really too short to let medical conditions get in the way.
Fiona