Beyond my Control: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond (Paperback)

~ (Author) "My journey in life started in 1960..." (more)
Key Phrases: post seizure response, post seizure state, coming surgery, Stained Glass World, Austin Hospital, John Lennon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Stuart Ross McCallum shares a true account of his battle with epilepsy-beginning with the peculiar sensations he experienced as a teenager that led to his diagnosis and concluding with his eventual recovery from a temporal lobe lobectomy.McCallum vividly describes his twenty-year journey of living with epilepsy and how this unpredictable disease has not only impacted his life but the lives of everyone around him. For years he operated a business and managed his staff while battling an ever-increasing number of seizures. As his condition worsened and his postseizure responses became more intense, he was often prone to violent outbursts that threatened his safety as well as the safety of those in his inner circle. McCallum shares how the perception of the disease and the socially unacceptable behaviors that occurred as a result of his seizures eventually forced him to risk everything-he made the life-altering decision to undergo two brain operations that he hoped would provide freedom from a life of instability, danger, and stares from strangers.Beyond My Control provides an honest, emotional look into a highly complex and often misunderstood condition and how one man's perseverance helped him break through the darkness to find hope on the other side.

About the Author

Stuart McCallum was born in England and now lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his wife and two children. After successful seizure surgery, he is now working as a freelance journalist. In his spare time, he enjoys studying health issues and volunteering to help the needy and underprivileged.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (May 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059548705X
• ISBN-13: 978-0595487059
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,997 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for Your Story Stuart!, February 4, 2009

By	R. Owen (Orinda, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

McCallum's story is remarkable and completely engrossing. Reading it is much more like hearing a good story being told rather than reading it on the page. It was an excellent education for me -- to get the perspective that he communicated. I have no personal experience with epilepsy, but I felt that I could relate to his story. It is not an uncommon experience among human beings to find yourself in a situation where you have no control. I think it is an experience we all share, and knowing that helps us all understand and identify with what it means to struggle with epilepsy. He does an amazing job of bringing humor into a decidedly not funny situation, at one point, comparing his behavior to Basil Fawlty's. His pre- and post-surgery experiences were harrowing, getting through that part is hard to imagine. The short-term and long-term support that he received from other people was truly amazing -- and his story makes it so clear how crucial that support was. To sum it up, I'm very glad to have read it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positve Message of Hope, January 16, 2009

By	Ginnetta Correli "author of The Lost Episode... (Nevada) - See all my reviews

I think of a perfect soul. Stuart emits friendship, love and style to those he comes in contact with. Never any negativity or hard feelings towards anyone. I find myself wondering what it would be like to ghost walk into Stuart's gallery with him not knowing I read his story. A fairytale-Mister Rogers existence. Surrounded by beauty and happiness. Yet, never lasting forever.
Stuart emits this persona that sticks to a goal of having a good life through his glass business and also a genuine love of life with his family and loyal friends. Only the seizures get in the way. Nothing else. This is the beauty of Stuart's book. Stuart shows the reader a lesson of what matters in life and why. Nothing else.
Anybody suffering should read this story for it's positive message of hope.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Health to You, Stuart, November 21, 2008

By	Linda S. Perry - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read the book and I hope Stuart stays well. A great book for any having to deal with Epilepsy. The stark black and white cover is elegant. I think of Stuart Ross McCallum as a warrior, a warrior that by having told his story has offered to help carry the load of any walking this same difficult road. Often he mentions his family and the help it was knowing they were there for him.
The book is on my desk, I see Stuart's face every day. I think...when I see his face. I think...
Linda Newton-Perry