End 2008

2008 for the Mathesons continued to be dominated by Sarah our third daughter's, aged 7, epilepsy syndrome.

We seemed to get used to the 'stability' of 1 or 2 overnight seizures but no daytime seizures. 
After trying but failing to wean one of her drugs(clonazapam) in January(causing hospitalization) and July the seizures got worse and we gave up.

But after a good holiday in Northern Ireland in October, we tried again this time we landed in Inverness hospital for 10 days and Sarah was completely out of it for 3 of those days

She spoke only a few words 'I missed you' to her sisters in that time but that was a big encouragement.

It was suggested we try clonazapam again, the drug we had come off but we resisted through the support of our neurologist in Dundee.   Many people were praying around this time.

We also knew from the epilepsy support group we are part off, getting of this drug may help her but there was no guarantee.
After moving to Dundee hospital Sarah, got better and better such that for the last 2 months she has only had 1 short seizure and she is now back with us and we had  a great Christmas.   She is still on her special high fat diet and her favourite phrase when seeing things her sisters eat is 'I'll be allowed that, when I am better'.  Her teachers at schools are amazed and she is really going ahead again.

So we have come through a real storm but most importantly Sarah is so better after 2 very tough years.

'First Do No Harm' with Meryl Streep sometimes on True Movies is very similar to what we went through with Sarah.