Hate when people tell jokes about epilepsy

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I was re-reading some of the posts here, and it struck me that if the people who tell the tonic-clonic = crazy dancing jokes had ever actually seen such a seizure they would not tell the jokes or laugh. Unlike the stereotyped convulsive seizure, which is usually portrayed as someone standing up and making shaking movements, actual tonic-clonic seizures, as we all know, are terrifying to watch. It would be great to be able to show a video of a tc at one of the comedy shows where they tell the e jokes. I bet no one would laugh then.
 
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I got married in April 2013 and went on a cruise for our honeymoon. I was officially diagnosed with epilepsy just three weeks before the cruise.
On the ship my husband and I went to see a comedian who was pretty funny. During his bit he brings up ethnicity in relation to dancing, comparing a white man to an epileptic and not being sure if they should call 911. My husband stopped laughing automatically and got offended. I on the other hand found myself chuckle a little bit. For the first time since I started having confirmed seizures, I was able to hold a smile when the word was said.
I didn't look at it like he was picking on epileptics so much as the non rhythmic jerky movements of a white male dancer. I don't joke about epilepsy, I am still unsettled by the diagnosis and drastic change in my life but now every time I hear an epilepsy joke I never get upset by it. Any way to smile when the subject is brought up instead of a deep sense of dread I will take any day.
I can understand why others would get upset so I refrain from turning my situation into a joke because it isn't and I don't want other to think it is . I juat can't let epilepsy negatively effect me any more than it already has.
 
It would be great to be able to show a video of a tonic clonic at one of the comedy shows where they tell the e jokes. I bet no one would laugh then.
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Probably the one and only time I'd actually want to have one, blue lips and all..
 
I used to be more laid back about it when I wasn't having so many issues, but now it just pisses me off.

I'm not an angry person, but if someone says that stuff around me, I tell them thats funny.. almost as funny as you getting your ass handed to you by someone with epilepsy.

Just because I have a seizure now and then doesn't mean I can't still kick some ass when required..

The thought always makes me feel better anyway.. :rock:
 
Dignan said:
I used to be more laid back about it when I wasn't having so many issues, but now it just pisses me off.

I'm not an angry person, but if someone says that stuff around me, I tell them thats funny.. almost as funny as you getting your ass handed to you by someone with epilepsy.

Just because I have a seizure now and then doesn't mean I can't still kick some ass when required..

The thought always makes me feel better anyway.. :rock:
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I'm not sure what I'd enjoy more...handing someone's ass to them or having my ass handed to me...hmmm I guess it doesn't matter as long as both people are enjoying it...

:bondage: :D
 
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