Robert - Interview 37

Robert is 17 and a full-time student at college. When he is was 6 he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Robert remembers having what he used to call "funny turns" when he was little, as early as Year 1 in school. He says he didn't know anything about epilepsy at the time and didn't realise that these were in fact seizures. Robert went to a special needs school and he found the work too easy. He is now at college which he says he enjoys much more.

When Robert was 16, 10 months before the interview, he had neurosurgery to treat his uncontrolled seizures. Robert says he was nervous about the operation but decided that he definitely wanted to go through with the it because he wanted to free from the seizures. Straight after the surgery Robert found it difficult to remember things like his friends' phone numbers and also walking was difficult at first. Robert recovered well and when he went back to college he noticed major changes for the better.

The brain surgery has changed Robert's life in many ways. Robert says he used to be really hyperactive and his moods would be up and down. He also used to find it difficult to work things out in maths, for example. Robert describes himself after surgery' “I was more calm and I could think lot more, work out things,” and he didn't need his teaching assistant anymore either. Also his hearing has improved and he says he's much more able now to hear the lyrics in music and the chords the music is played in. He is now training to play his guitar by ear, rather than by reading the tabs. Robert has been seizure-free since the operation and says he is really happy that he had it. Robert still takes his epilepsy medication as it is a long process to wean off.

Robert lives at home with his mum. He is into heavy metal music and says he'll be able to go to gigs and festivals more often now. He also likes hanging out with his mates. Robert would like to be a plumber and plans to take a plumbing course after college.