Hi! I am 42 years old and had E when I was 4 years old. We lived in Detroit Michigan
at the time. All I remember was that I had the chickenpox and afterwards I woke up
from a nap one day and I couldn't get out of bed. I began screaming hysterically and
my dad picked me up and kept yelling at me to stand on my feet. I couldn't. I was
rushed to the hospital where I stayed for about 3 weeks. I couldn't eat on my own and
my parents couldn't stay with me. I do remember a nice black man that would pick me
up and talk and sing to me when he was around. I also remember being separated from
the other children. It was a frightening time in my life.
My parents say I almost died. I never knew much about E as I grew. I've always had
problems with nerves and memory loss. Also organization and later as a teen,
depression. I never thought that my actions might be connected to E. I was married
at 19 and had 2 great kids. When I was 35 I had the opportunity to go to college. It
was the most difficult thing I have done in my whole life. It took me 7 and 1/2 years
to complete a 4 year degree. I had to sit in the front row of every class. Tape record
some classes so I could go over the lessons. Algebra was a nightmare. I knew I had a
difficult time in school but never put my lack of concentration or memory with E. I
found myself very depressed and got help from the campus clinic. Prozac was prescribed
and I was able to get a few months worth of samples. It really seemed to help me,
but with no insurance we could not afford the prescription.
I am still married to the same man that I fell in love with at 19. Reading the
stories of others with E has shown me that I am not alone or "weird". This group
has been a real encouragement to me when no one else seems to understand. There
are still times that I have a terrible time with understanding directions, when
I say things that I don't realize I say, that I don't understand what people say
or mean when they say it. It is very frustrating to me and embarrassing at times
to my family. I realize now that it probably is from E.
I find a complete release when I do my artwork and photography. I am in the process
of sending resumes to local decorators and will be having my first show in October
of 99. I love to do murals and hope to be able to make a living as an artist. I have
found a source of encouragement and knowledge through this group.
