chronic phase?
From an article in Exceptional Parent, entitled “SEIZURES AND TEENS: The Impact of Seizures and Epilepsy on Families”
To effectively cope with epilepsy, families must navigate through
three stressful phases. These include the initial crisis period, the
chronic phase, and long-term maintenance of the disorder. In the
initial phase, parents begin to recognize symptoms, explore evaluations
and testing, obtain an initial diagnosis, begin medications,
and increase their knowledge of the condition. This phase usually
takes around six months to two years. In the chronic phase, children
and parents will need to establish a relationship with healthcare
professionals; understand and accept the seizures; disclose
and educate peers and family members about epilepsy; manage
medications; learn about treatment options and side effects;
watch for other conditions such as learning disabilities and mood
disorders; search for appropriate schools and programs; and deal
with bullying, teasing, and stigma. The third group of tasks will
address longer-term effects of seizures. These tasks include coming
to terms with one’s strengths and weaknesses; understanding
what is reality versus perception; establishing long-term goals;
gaining independence; and maintaining flexibility in spite of the
unpredictability of seizures. The growth and independence of the
family members and stability of the family will ultimately depend
on the parent and family’s successful adaptation to the stressors
and ability to address these tasks.
I wish I had found this article last year when I was afraid I was going crazy. I think we are in the chronic phase…perhaps even moving towards maintenance…
>
