The first blog ...
Last bank holiday Monday, I had a few errands to run in town. Recently my epilepsy is stable so I've been doing this kind of thing on my own.
In my purse I carry an ID card, its quite large and can't be missed when I open my purse with the heading "I have epilepsy". I carry this card in case of an emergency, it has basic first aid for an epileptic seizure and who to contact.
I was stood in a queue waiting to pay in a shop whilst in town, opening my purse to see if I had any cash, the gentleman behinds me says "are you one of those funny epileptics?"
I turned around and obviously had a look of shock on my face. He then continued to ask "are you one of those that have those funny dos you see on TV?"
Not being on the ball to come up with a better answer I just said "I don't find it funny, but yes I do have epilepsy"
I then left to carry on with my day. I am still unsure whether he was trying to make a joke, or this was his view of epilepsy. But this is why more awareness needs to be raised regarding Epilepsy and to help change the attitude towards it. All the more reason to support the work Epilepsy Action do, as I can't speak for others with Epilepsy but I know a comment like this does knock my confidence.
I just hope the gentleman if he came across someone having a seizure wouldn't just stand and laugh as he found it funny!
Sara