Japan: the only barriers we have are in our own heads

Conference on Epilepsy 2007: Japanese Epilepsy Association, Japan

WOW! Arrived in Tokyo on thursday evening, after having left Paris wednesday evening and it was time to sleep again! After a brief meeting with Mayuni san and Suzuki san, my hosts I whisked off to my hotel about an hour from the airport for a very good night`sleep.

Friday I got up early and visited the UCB headquarters in Tokyo and met with some people from the Japanese Epilepsy Association, there is work to be done! Friday afternoon and evening I dashed around Tokyo with Mayuni and we saw a beautiful shrine (Ill add photos when I return home) and I learned in order for my wishes to be granted I had to bow, clap twice, wish, and bow again.....

Saturday was a big day in Tokyo the Japanese Epilepsy Association`s presentation and pannel discussion. The main topics that were addressed were changing the legislation in Japan to allow the new AED`s on the market ( there are newer meds for epilepsy that have been out all over the world and are still pending authorization in Japan) The importance of communication between a patient and their epilepsy specialist-Many patients as all over the world seem to think doctor knows all and doctor knows best which quite often is not quite true. It is important that the specialist be kept to date on any and all side effects you feel when on any medication so the optimal treatment can be found for your lifestyle!

AND last but not least EDUCATION! The importance of educating the school system, parents and children on epilepsy so everyone can take a step forward in the right direction

My Last comment is just to say that the only barriers we have are in our own heads....For a long time the world pursuit record stood at 3`35, this was the `mythical` time barrier. In 1996 I was the first woman to ride a 3`30 creating a new `mythical` time barrier that lasted 4 years.....all of this to say that WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY!