A blogger who was hospitalised several times after epileptic seizures during pregnancy has been honoured for her writing on the subject.
Last week Faye Waddams of Hanson Drive, Loughton, received a volunteer award from national charity Epilepsy Action for her blog Epilepsy, Pregnancy, Motherhood and Me.
Mrs Waddams, 29, started the blog when pregnant with her son Noah, now eight-months-old.
Her writing gives advice and support to women in the same position – something she found was lacking when she became pregnant.
“[The epilepsy] had been controlled really well for about 18 months and it started playing up a bit and I realised it was linked to the pregnancy,” she said.
“I could not find any support really, nothing of any great help, so I started writing and it kind of went from there.”
She added: “I have been overwhelmed by how many people it has reached and helped.
“Knowing that my blog and campaigning plays a part in improving the lives of other families affected by epilepsy is very rewarding.”
A host of problems can come from being epileptic and pregnant, she said – medication can stop working, the baby might be affected and seizures become more likely.
Mrs Waddams was five months pregnant and heading to work when she had a seizure in Bow Road Tube station.
She collapsed, falling down a flight of stairs.
“I remember trying to get to the floor before I passed out, but that is the last I remember.
“Next thing I knew I was at the bottom of the flight of stairs with a lady next to me.”
The fall highlighted the risks, says Mrs Waddams, and she says she is determined to give people a realistic view of living with epilepsy rather than a “rose-tinted” idea.
She said: “If I helped one other person and it gave them a chance to talk through concerns, then I am happy.”
Mrs Waddams received her award at a ceremony last Wednesday (February 24).
Epilepsy Action’s chief executive Philip Lee said: “We’re delighted to acknowledge Faye at this year’s Epilepsy Action Volunteer Awards.
“This award is a fitting and deserved tribute for her efforts and successes.”
To read Faye’s blog, visit http://fairyfaye1986.weebly.com/.
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