For this year’s International Epilepsy Day, Pat has reflected on the many hospitals stays which have come as part of his journey with the condition, and the people who support him during his hospital stays…
I was first diagnosed with epilepsy 20 years ago in 2006. I was working as a Hospital social care worker in the local hospital and had finished up my day’s work there. 10 hours later, I was being rushed back to the hospital by ambulance having had a massive seizure in my sleep – my first seizure and my first epilepsy-related hospital stay.
Throughout my years of living with epilepsy, I have stayed in many hospitals up and down the Irish western seaboard - it is fair to say I didn’t really have much choice in the matter! After a seizure, I wake up in hospital with an identification band on my wrist and momentarily wonder how I got there; then I see my wife Heather sitting beside me waiting for me to come around.
I have stayed in hospitals in Derry, Donegal, Mayo and Galway and each facility had good ambulance services. Because of the individual nature of my epilepsy, I never see the ambulance paramedics who take me to hospital - but I have nothing but praise for how they have handled each situation. Each time, I am told I was brought to the hospital as fast as possible so I could get treatment.
During my stays in hospital, I have met many people who care about the patients and the work they are doing. The catering staff in hospitals really do a great job and offer a good selection of meals, all professionally prepared and usually with a cup of tea; something that makes every meal into a good meal. In a wider context, all staff in every hospital I have been to have been professional and helpful. One night I had a headache, and a nursing assistant brought me an ice pack to help soothe my head; it was the best pillow I ever had, so relaxing and really helped to calm the pain.
My journeys to hospitals are always full of stories, as well as meeting lovely people along the way such as nurses, hospital porters and doctors. I try and find humour in it where I can to help me and others on my journey – like one time I remember coming around from a seizure and I began speaking Irish!
Unfortunately, these days, I can’t predict when I might have a seizure.
I know it can be very distressing for my friends and family who need to respond to my seizures. However, I am very grateful to every one of them for responding quickly when they need to and for knowing the importance of seizure first aid and Time, Safe, Stay. Knowing how to respond to a seizure can make a huge difference to someone living with epilepsy as it gives the person peace of mind that if something happens, they know they are safe.
On a personal level, I try and look at the positive side of living with epilepsy, and I am grateful for the support network that I have around me. I just get on with it. I could have a seizure at any time, but I can’t stop my life because of it. Having epilepsy is about forward thinking. Everything I could do before; I still can but just with that little bit of extra planning. I’ve had to adapt.
There are simple things that I can do that help me such as remembering to take my medication, getting a bit of exercise and getting enough rest at the end of the day. All of this helps me live with my epilepsy each day. I wear a seizure bracelet which is helpful when I am out in public as it tells a person that I have epilepsy.
I wanted to share my reflections on living with epilepsy this year as I hope somebody reading will see that they’re not alone on this journey with the many ups and downs and that my approach may help them on their journey. There will be good and bad days, but it is about how you approach it. To everyone else I would say to please learn more about epilepsy and seizure first aid today – great strides have been made regarding epilepsy awareness and taking a few minutes to learn more will help so many people.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you, Pat, for sharing your story with us for this year’s International Epilepsy Day and some of your reflections on living with the condition. We know it will help others on their journey and encourage the wider public to learn more.
To follow Pat’s advice and learn more about epilepsy visit the ‘Epilepsy Information’ page on our website.
Further Information
- If you have been inspired by Pat to share your story for International Epilepsy Day 2026, please contact our Advocacy & Communications Manager, Paddy McGeoghegan by emailing pmcgeoghegan@epilepsy.ie
- To see how you can get involved in International Epilepsy Day 2026 by hosting an engagement stand in your local community, visit the 'Raising awareness for International Epilepsy Day 2026' page on our website.
- To learn more about seizure first aid and the key words of TIME, SAFE, STAY, visit the 'Seizure First Aid' page on our website.
- Should you need any information or support about your or your loved one's epilepsy, please do not hesitate to contact your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the ‘Our Local Service’ page on our website.