Surgery cures seizures disorder of woman

People who have epilepsy often deal with seizures that can cause permanent damage to the brain. But a Little Chute woman became seizure-free through surgery.

Three-and-a-half years ago, life was very different for now-29-year-old Kelly Petersen.
"I couldn't drive for two years, you know? Future family of my own was not an option. Just -- very limited life."

Kelly used to have six to eight epileptic seizures a month. She says people like her husband, Ryan, would watch her freeze up and black out for 15 to 20 seconds, and not be able to do a thing.
"After that, coming back to reality, it would take me over two hours to realize what happened."
Kelly used to take 12 pills a day to try to control her seizures, but they didn't work. Doctors say for one-third of epileptic patients, medication never will.

"So the chances that a surgery is going to be your best bet are vastly superior to any medication after you've tried a couple and been unsuccessful," Dr. George L. Morris III, an Aurora Bay Care neurologist, said.

At a seminar run by Dr. Morris, Kelly learned not all people with epilepsy are candidates for surgery but she was. She decided to go for it.

Surgeons found the non-vital part of Kelly's brain that was causing the seizures and removed it. Kelly's had no seizures since the surgery.

"Really built my confidence again. I ain't afraid to step forward any more if I have something to say. I used to hide in the corner -- and I think that's the biggest thing, it just really builds your confidence."

Aurora Health Care is hosting a seminar on epilepsy February 1st from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center on Green Bay's east side. Please RSVP online or by calling toll-free 1-888-863-5502.

Check with your health care provider to see if it offers similar services.