Finding A New Normal

Hi guys! I know it's been forever since I've posted anything. But this was something important that I needed to share.
There are so many kids and adults who are like me that have this disorder. And there are people like this who make us not want to speak about our disorders or mental health problems. As you all know I'm not a verbal person I don't go back & forth but if there's anything I'm passionate about it's this. I made the promise to you all to always fight for kids & adults who are just like me who go through this everyday.
I just want you all to know that you can not worry about people like this who comment on something they know nothing about. Because I promise you if this was affecting them & their families they would not be saying things like this. Mind you I don't know her & I have never had a conversation with her before.

I say all this to say don't worry about people like this. Continue to embrace and find your new normal. Don’t let people like this tear you down or make you discouraged. You have to let God handle people like this.

I love you all so much! I’ll be keeping you guys up to date about what’s been going on soon!

I met Brandi Tyson through Finding A New Normal. I remember our very first conversation. We connected on the so many different levels because we shared the same struggles. We were both diagnosed almost around the same age. Even though we had just met it felt like we had known each other for years. She understood a lot of troubles I was having with my seizure disorder because she was going through it or went through the same thing already. Brandi had the biggest heart. She could turn a bad day into a great day. She always made time to check on me & make sure that I was okay even with her busy schedule. I’m so happy I was able to spend the time with her that I did. I’m so heart broken & still in disbelief.

Brandi, I will miss our weekly conversations. I love you, & you will be missed dearly. Until we meet again.. 💜

Guess who’s approaching almost being 2 months seizure free 👀

I never thought making a post on this page would take so long for me to do. I’m very sad to announce that on April 6 I suffered a Grand Mal during class. Before that seizure I was at that time 9 months seizure free. Thankfully I had a good friend in that class that knew the right steps to make sure that I didn’t injure myself.

That day was one of the hardest days that I’ve had in a long time. And because of that seizure I am unable to participate in any physical activity at this time. I have felt so many emotions since that day. No one talks about how much having a seizure disorder or Epilepsy will affect you not only physically but mentally. It is very hard to recover from them depending on how severe they are.

To be honest I have struggled these past couple of weeks since that day. I remember after that seizure one of the first feelings that I felt was disappointment. Just because I had went so long without having a seizure and I was slowly returning and feeling like my normal self again. It just felt like those 9 months that I had worked so hard for just went to waste, and now I’m starting from the very beginning all over again. I have moments to where I just want to sit in my room all day and not speak to anyone and just sleep. Moments to where I randomly cry or get upset because I don’t understand why this is happening to me. But I have to remind myself that God would never give us something that we couldn’t handle.

I do want to thank everyone who has helped me these past couple of weeks it means so much to me because you didn’t have to. But most importantly I want to thank my twin sister Aliyah. She has missed out on somethings to monitor me and make sure that I am okay. Even though sometimes she makes me mad when she asks if “I’ve taken my medicine” or when she tells me that she’s going to stay with me to make sure that I’m okay whether I want her to or not. It means a lot to me and I want you to know that I appreciate and love you so much.

I want to leave you all with this scripture that has been getting me through these past couple of weeks.
Romans 8:18 “The pain you have been feeling, can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.”
Thank you all for your prayers and love it is greatly appreciated!

- Enjoy this nice picture of me & Aliyah :)

Today I was able to share my story with the HPU football team. I want to thank Coach Bachtel for having me! I was blown away by how much love and support I received from the team as a whole. Will always love and support HPU football! 💜

Finding A New Normal 💜

HPU’s McKoy battles seizures to get back on the court It was a college career that started on the worst possible note. Ariel McKoy said, “When I was in high school, I just had high blood pressure. It was nothing too serious or anything to worry …

I bet you can’t guess who’s been 6 months seizure free!!👀💜

After 400 long days of battling with my seizure disorder, I was finally cleared to step on the court for the first time. And I was able to score my first college basket.
I want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for never giving up on me & the encouragement they give me everyday. This is only the beginning for me. And I pray for a seizure free year this year.
I also want to thank you guys for your constant prayers and messages they are so greatly appreciated. I can’t wait for the journey ahead of us! I love you all! 💜

After having so many setbacks this year I am proud to announce that today makes me 3 MONTHS seizure free! I have been full of emotions all morning. Because today I will be able to participate in my first basketball practice in over a year. There will be precautionary things I will need to do before, during, and after practice in order to not trigger any seizures.

But I do want to thank God for allowing me to get to this point once again. And I also want to thank my friends, family, and my coaches for their constant encouragement and laughs you all give me daily. I couldn’t have made it this far without you all either. I want to leave you all with a couple of things.

Never give up no matter how hard it gets and understand that there is purpose in the pain that you experience. It might not feel like it right now but I promise it will all pay off in the end. Thank you guys so much for your support it is greatly appreciated! 💜

I was really hesitant about making this post, but if I didn’t make it, it would defeat the purpose of this whole page.
Recently as you all know I started my sophomore year of college. These past few weeks have been extremely hard for me. I have been fighting with depression and anxiety. This is the side of Epilepsy that no one really talks about. These two things can worsen by not knowing when the next seizure will come, concerns about medication, and also trying not to feel like a burden to your friends and family.
If you are battling with any of these even if you don’t have epilepsy, it is very important that you talk to an adult or a trusted source. For example stress for me and probably many other children and adults with this condition can trigger a seizure. Sometimes you can not deal with everything on your own and you may need a little help. And there is nothing wrong with asking for help.
I want to continue to thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words. I love you all! Always remember there is a purpose in the pain you experience. I want to leave you with this scripture:
James 1:2-3,
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 💜

I know it's been awhile since I have made a post on this page. I promise I haven't forgot about you all. So here is a little update for you guys.
On July 13 I suffered a couple of seizures at work due to my body overheating. I just recently moved back to school on the 17th and school has started already with us wearing our masks. As of right now I am not allowed to participate in any physical activity until October 13th. This is because I am going through the 3 month period since my last seizure on the 13th of July. I am currently 1 month seizure free.
I have had some really good days and some really bad days. But in order for me to succeed I have to trust his timing and understand that I am on his time and not mine.
Every season is not a harvesting season. There is a season of watering, planting, weeding and fertilizing. These are the testing times when God is seeing what we are really made of. I want to thank you all for your encouraging words and your support they are very appreciated. I want to leave you guys with this bible verse:

Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Mental Health is a very important topic. Know that there is ALWAYS someone you can talk to. 💜

Though patients with chronic neurologic conditions like epilepsy or patients who just have a seizure disorder, are not at increased risk to contract COVID-19.
They are more susceptible to have seizures from the high fever associated with the COVID-19 or just from any other sickness they may come in contact with. This is another reason why it’s important for people who have this condition to try their best to avoid getting sick. People may also see an increase in seizures as a result of growing stress and anxiety over the pandemic.

*Here are just a few recommendations to help people like me who have epilepsy or a seizure disorder:

1. Reduce stress.
*To reduce stress. Try limiting news to once or twice daily and take time for yoga or something that relaxes you.

2. Create a seizure action plan.
*Try talking to your neurologist or your other doctor, and develop a seizure action plan. This means figuring out in when should you call 911. Or when should you need to call the physician or provider about it.

3. Have all your medications with you both what you need for daily use and to help in reducing your stress.
*This may be the time for you to do the three-month prescription refill plan if possible. That way you have plenty of medication at all times. And you don't have to call anyone or make a trip for any urgent refills of those prescriptions.

It is important that we all stay safe during this time. Please wear your masks, stay home as much as possible, and practice social distancing. 💜

1 month seizure free! 🥳💜

Dear Epilepsy,
It’s clear we don’t get along at all. You decided to take over my life at the wrong time. 18 years in and my first year of college, where I was supposed to be having the time of my life. But then I met you. So I was left with no choice but to introduce you to my friends and family. You not only scared me but everyone I came in contact with. I missed out on so many things that I wanted to be apart of. You came and left whenever you wanted to, and you know what scared me the most? Is that I had and still have no control over you. But don’t get me wrong I did learn a couple of things from you. I met so many new people and I even had to do something I would never do. Which was find a new normal, since it was very clear to everyone that I wasn’t. At that point you left me with no other choice than to find a new one. That was a great wake up call for me, so thank you for that. You made it very clear to me that it was either your way or the highway. My life was flipped upside down within a blink of an eye. You gave me experiences and injuries that I will never forget. You are still by my side now as we speak, allowing me to share my experiences with other people who don’t get along with you to well either. But guess what I’m here to let you know a few things about me. I won’t give up anytime soon. I just have too much hope and faith for that. And I promise you I will not go down without a fight. Just because you’re in my life and a big part of it at that does not mean that you own it at all. I look forward to where we can go together. Maybe even argue with each other a little bit less?
Sincerely,
Ariel McKoy 💜

I am sad to inform everyone that my 6 months seizure free streak came to an end Sunday. Multiple seizures took place that morning and I am so blessed to have the most amazing parents. With their fast decision making, I was able to make it to the emergency room before my condition got even worse.
My journey is far from being over. This a pretty big set back for me physically and emotionally but God has a bigger plan for me. Everything happens for a reason and I am so blessed to still be alive today. My recovery process is going well, and I also want to thank you all for your prayers and messages they’re greatly appreciated. 💜

EPILEPSY: DO’S AND DON’TS

please pray for me as much as you can. i was in the hospital all morning today. And I’m not doing well at all. thank you all in advance..

* With a seizure, signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the type of seizure. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:

• Temporary confusion
• An Aura
• A staring spell
• Sudden falls
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety or deja vu

* Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how and where abnormal brain activity begins. Seizures may also be classified as unknown onset, if how the seizure began isn't known. 💜

There has been so many people who have reached out to me about the recent segment about me that was aired on channel 6. I want to personally thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement as I continue to share my story and spread awareness about my condition. You all are amazing and I honestly can’t thank you all enough.
Every time there’s something good going you’re always going to have people that are going to try and ruin it. This has been a emotional roller coaster of emotions for me. And this is not by any means easy for me at all opening up to everyone about my condition. So please keep your negative and nasty comments to yourself. I don’t need them and neither does anybody else. Now I know why people feel like they have to keep this hidden from others.
My journey is just beginning and I am excited to see where I can go with this awareness. If you guys don’t mind please keep me in your prayers. They’re greatly appreciated. 💜

*A tonic clonic seizure is also known as a Grand Mal seizure. This type of seizure has two stages.

*Loss of consciousness occurs first and lasts about 10 to 20 seconds.

*Followed by muscle convulsions that usually last for less than two minutes.

*It is VERY important that you follow these steps to keep the person in the seizure safe.

*I suffer from these types of seizures as well. This will no doubt be scary to see, but it is also important that you stay calm as well. 💜

A question that I’ve gotten a lot recently is..

“What is it like having seizures?”

To be honest with you guys it’s one of the hardest things that I have ever had to deal with. I didn’t know when they were coming on. Which is what embarrassed me the most. One minute I was fine & laughing with my friends. Then the next I was have a seizure & having my friends transport me to the emergency room. A lot of times I would always apologize to my friends for ruining the moment. Because they shouldn’t have to be dealing with this. This was my problem but sadly I couldn’t handle it on my own so I needed their help. Some of my seizures caused me to miss class, assignments, practices etc. On top of that I was trying different medications changing some & taking some out. I was learning so many different things about myself that I didn’t know before. My body would be worn out depending on how severe or frequent my seizures were. Each one caused me to be more depressed each time. To describe it on my own words it was like the seizures were ruining my life.

Many times I felt like I was burden to my friends and my teammates. Just because I was having to depend on them to help me when the seizures came on. Even though they stated to me many times that I wasn’t. God blessed me with some amazing friends, teammates, & coaches at Howard Payne. They always made me feel included. After I had my seizures they would always check on me no matter what time it was. They would bring me food, work I missed from class etc. And they will never know how much that cheered me up. To me the best part was they never treated me any different. They made me feel like I was normal which was really hard for me at the time. There are no words that I can use to say how grateful I am for each one of them. 💜

If you guys have any question about seizures or epilepsy that you would like for me to answer on my page or privately feel free to message me. I will answer them to the best of my ability. Please don’t be afraid to ask. 💜

‪BIG SMILES FOR TODAY!! After going through MONTHS of very frequent & severe seizures. Today marks me being SEIZURE FREE FOR 6 MONTHS!! God is SO good! I am so so proud of myself! Excited for many more seizure free months to come!! 💜💜‬

*A tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure, causes violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.

*These are the type of seizures most people think about, and what they usually picture when they think about seizures in general.

*Tonic-clonic seizures last between one and three minutes. Any seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes will need medical attention.

*This is one of the 2 types of seizures that I suffer from. 💜

Happy Sunday!! Here are a few things that can trigger a seizure. Keep in mind that everyone is different and so are their triggers. 💜
- My triggers are stress, missed medications, & exertion/overheating.

My name is Ariel McKoy I’m a college athlete and I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at the age of 18. I hope to use this page to share my story and spread awareness about seizures and epilepsy. My goal is to help others understand what seizures are and describe not only what they might look like, but what to do when someone is having a seizure. I believe the more we discuss this important topic, the less people like me, who are diagnosed with this condition, will live in fear of discrimination and feeling like they have to keep it hidden from others.