Purple Day Podcast

'Episode 8 is an episode particularly close to Joe's heart, as we talk about epilepsy on Purple Day, which is the annual awareness day for epilepsy. Joe was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 11, and is joined by Ellie Henry and John Priestman, two other epileptics. Ellie was diagnosed with epilepsy in the past few years, whilst John has had it since he was 7. It was a pleasure to have them both on.

Max asks us all various questions that you have submitted, leading to a wide ranging discussion across a range of topics. We discuss what happens when we have a seizure, what you should do if you are with someone having a seizure, our experiences with epilepsy and alcohol, SUDEP, misconceptions, positives to come out of having epilepsy (if any!) and so much more.

Please note that WE ARE NOT MEDICAL EXPERTS! So any advice we give should totally be secondary to that given by your doctor. Every epileptic is different - we just hoped that sharing our unique experiences would give those with epilepsy the reassurance that they are not alone, and would raise awareness with those who aren't epileptic and would like to learn more about it.

As mentioned, this is released to raise awareness of epilepsy in line with Purple Day. A number of great charities are helping to raise awareness on this day, and we strongly encourage you to check out their websites and social media. They include Young Epilepsy, which Ellie and I are reps for, the Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Action, and the Purple Day website. Please support the cause and, well, wear purple!'

Thank you all so much for listening, we really appreciate it! Huge thanks too to Ellie and John for coming on and talking about their conditions. Ellie has a YouTube channel called Small and Strong, and an IG page too (small_and_strong) - check it out!

Follow us on Spotify, on Instagram @GlutenFitzPodcast and on Twitter @GlutenFitz. Big love everyone, Max and Joe.

Creds to Sophie Champion for our logo and the royalty music is Flow [Sting] from https://www.avnishparker.com/logo-intro-music

Timestamps:

00:00:07 – Intro, welcome to Ellie and John 

00:00:50 – What is Purple Day? 

00:02:00 – What type of epilepsy do we have? Our first and latest seizures. 

00:08:50 – What are absence seizures? Our experiences of absence seizures. 

00:15:00 – Can we drive? Alternatives to driving when you’re epileptic.  

00:18:20 – How many people have epilepsy? Is epilepsy genetic? 

00:20:00 – What caused our epilepsies? 

00:25:50 – Epilepsy and alcohol. How does it affect going to bars/uni/clubs/social gatherings? 

00:38:40 – Are there any positive things that have come out of us having epilepsy? Being a Young Epilepsy rep. The London Marathon. Max talks about celiac disease. 

00:45:30 – What are the biggest misconceptions people have about epilepsy? Annoying comments that people make? Photosensitive epilepsy. 

00:48:20 – Being epileptic and autistic.  

00:51:40 – People being overprotective/treating us differently because we have epilepsy. 

00:53:50 – Joking about epilepsy. 

00:55:40 – What’s an EEG? 

01:00:30 – What happens when we have a seizure? What are the effects of having a seizure? How are our seizures treated? Are we on medication? Are there any side effects from any medication we take? 

01:20:20 – Has epilepsy hindered our friendships/relationships? Epilepsy and confidence. Epilepsy and dating.  

01:27:50 – Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Cameron Boyce’s death. Raising awareness. 

01:30:00 – What should you do if someone is having a seizure? General tips. How to help. When should you call an ambulance?  

01:40:00 – Closing remarks, Ellie’s YouTube channel.'