Weathering the Storm of Epilepsy
Dr. Howard Berg
Dr. Howard Berg, born in Texas and raised in Pittsburgh, is a retired chiropractor who has weathered a number of storms in his life – including being diagnosed with epilepsy in his early 50s.
“My first practice, Island Chiropractic, was on St. Simon’s Island, but I became fed up with dealing with insurance and all the paperwork that took me away from treating my patients,” he said. “So, I decided to sell my house, sell my practice and move to the Caribbean – to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. All people there wanted was to come in, get adjusted, and get rid of whatever pain they were experiencing,” he said, adding that “It was a really wonderful experience.”
Dr. Berg had never heard of or known anyone with epilepsy. But one day in his office, he had his first seizure. He took a hard fall, and three days later went to the hospital where they performed a number of tests. “The doctor told me I had an issue – I was epileptic,” Dr. Berg said.
He stayed in Tortola for around five years and had several more seizures while there. But when hurricanes Irma and Maria struck, he was left without a practice or a place to live. “We were told the power would not be back on for six or seven months. So, I took the last flight out of St. Croix, which took me to Tampa,” he said. “It was just by chance that I got a seat on that flight.”
Tampa was too big and crowded for him, so in 2017 Dr. Berg discovered Siesta Key and decided to make it his new home. Since he can no longer drive, Siesta Key’s trolley and bike paths, Uber, and nearby friends made it possible for him to get around.
Dr. Berg says not being able to drive has been one of the biggest challenges. “It was a big adjustment, going from being a doctor who took great care of my body and was dedicated to self-care and avoiding any drugs, and all of a sudden have everything change.”
He said living alone presents its own set of challenges, but he has learned to take life as it comes. “I have friends who stop by every morning on their way to the beach to check on me,” he said. “I live on the first floor, which helps, and am just very careful in everything I do.”
Right before Covid, Dr. Berg learned about JoshProvides from his neurologist. “JoshProvides has taught me that I am not the only one going through this. I used to beat myself up thinking ‘Why do I have this?’ and I don’t do that anymore. I am now among friends who understand what I am going through.”
When he got involved with the JoshProvides support group, hearing from those who were experiencing three or more seizures a day had a profound impact. “Their stories just break my heart and put what I am dealing with in a different perspective,” he said.
This past year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton had a devastating impact on Siesta Key and Dr. Berg lost his first-floor condo. After evacuating during the hurricanes, he returned to Sarasota and moved into Heartis Seniors Living in Venice where he has all the resources necessary to live independently.
“Having seizures for almost twenty years, at age 69, I live one day at a time,” said Dr. Berg. “And, I have to say, life is pretty good.”
