I figure I better get a topic up about this, just in case anyone else ever comes across the same problem. I was diagnosed with epilepsy September this year, three weeks after I finished my Army training; needless to say this put that career on ice permanently. I've had to readjust my life quite a bit and one thing I've had to take a careful look at was sports.
Martial arts is my life and fortunately my condition hasn't really affected it at all. Running, however has. I was told by my specialist that I shouldn't do any climbing sports, cycling bungee jumping... to hell with him, I just had to find a way around it. So, I had to come up with ways to train, without being a danger to myself and without worrying my family. So here are the fruits of my labour:
1.First and foremost, you CANNOT train alone. It is dangerous and stupid if you are at risk of seizure. Get friends to come with you, even if they don't train themselves, make them aware of what happens to you and what they should do in the event of a seizure.
2.Recognize the warning signs. Most people have warning symptoms before a seizure and can use it as a sign to rest. If you feel you are going to have a seizure, call your friends over to you, sit yourself up against a wall or lie on flat ground and rest for an hour at least. When you are sure you're fit, carry on, but at a lower level of intensity.
3.Know your triggers. You should, if diagnosed, be aware of what triggers your fits, so avoid anything that could trigger a seizure as far as reasonably practicable. There are a number of triggers as well, a common one being undernourished for the day. Sometimes eating breakfast can help you for the day. Dehydration can be a real bad one, that will increase the chance of seizure in any sufferer. Carry water and some food and you'll be able to hold off dehydration and hunger.
4.Medication. I know being on medication for life is a pain, but it's necessary. DO NOT EVER SKIP YOUR MEDS. EVER.
5.Use your common sense and better judgement. It is not sensible to jump over a gap that's fifty feet high in the air when you are prone to seizure. Know your epilepsy and know the dangers. If you think that something is too big a risk or even a small one, forget it and move on to something else. In all honesty, you shouldn't be freerunning if you suffer with it, it's just too dangerous. But I'm passionate about everything I do and so I couldn't give up. So just be sensible and safe.
Remember thee are only guidelines and I am not saying this is an alternative to doctors advice, so be warned, if you freerun with epilepsy, YOU CARRY THE RISK, so try to keep that risk to a minimum.
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