While epilepsy has many causes and can appear in a variety of ways across different individuals, here are some details about James’ history:
- James was diagnosed with epilepsy at 9 years old and he was told he would be epileptic for the rest of his life. Since then, his seizures have ranged from once a month to no seizures for 4 years.
- Aspartame increased James’ seizures dramatically. You can find out more about aspartame here and here, and a list of drinks with aspartame is here.
Epilepsy does not dominate my life, but it is a part of my life and I cannot escape it.
Some of James’ more remarkable seizure incidents are highlighted in this video:
- James fell off a platform and onto a railway track when he had a seizure. Only the kindness of strangers saved his life.
- James nearly walked around the streets on London with a bloody face “looking like a homeless guy”.
- He had a seizure while on the toilet and they had to knock the door down.
Other important things James talks about:
- He has never driven anything other than a go-cart, but he loves THAT.
- “The health of my soul is tied to my epilepsy.”
After a seizure, you’re knackered because it’s like running a marathon in two minutes’ time.
- The guilt you feel when people pray for you and you don’t get healed…as if you’ve done something wrong somehow.
- “I don’t have seizures because something is wrong, I just have seizures because my brain is wired that way.”
- James has a very unique book about grace coming out soon, and he talks some about it in an essay he wrote for Sarah Bessey.
Hope you enjoy this interview:
Please ask any questions or voice any concerns about epilepsy or James’ story. Would love to see some dialogue here about this illness, which is very dear to my heart.
James, thanks for being so transparent in this interview!
A piercing talk – thank you both. (and on video!!)
Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your struggle, James. When I hear a person’s story it always reminds me of how most of the things people struggle with are “hidden” …a good reminder to be kind to everyone…we have NO idea what others are going through.
Wonderful interview. Thanks for sharing so openly, James.
Eileen truee, I always wish if people could know what I had given up in life and how I managed to live with some horrendous things but then again that will reveal a side of me I do not want the world to know, I plan to write a fiction novel changing the characters to help people learn from my experiences, Most of them bitter realities of life and society we live in
James, thank you for sharing so openly and giving us a picture of what life has been like for you with epilepsy. Good interview, Chris.
And yet Dania, sometimes when we do open up and share part of our lives and the struggles, we somehow free others up to do the same. Those who are afraid to share and think they will not be accepted for who they are.
Anne, it takes more than just courage in a society like mine, there are lives involved and consequence may disrupt families even. So i decided to explain it in my upcoming ebook Love in the East. Maybe I will be able to of some help for people of my society and others around the world
Thanks Anne – appreciate your support, thank you.
You’re welcome Chad, thanks.
Absolutely spot on Eileen – and that’s something we all need to remember, whoever we are.
Totally agree Anne, when we are vulnerable, we open up a door which can be walked through both ways.
I listen to my coaches….sometimes
Dania, I can see by how you write about this how difficult your struggle may have been – and I’m certain your courage in speaking out is going to have a huge impact on people. So much respect and admiration, and hope things improve for you.
You’re welcome Mike!
You’re welcome Chris – thanks for being such a great interviewer, and for asking me.
I want to say, thanks to Chris for allowing me to share here so honestly. And also to everyone reading, if you have any questions about epilepsy, aspartame or anything like that, I’m completely willing to answer them. You can ask them here, or if it’s more personal, e-mail me at jamespressgang@hotmail.com and I’ll try to help.
Thanks everyone, and again, thanks Chris.
James its literally amazing to find out people who really care about what the truth is, what lies behind pretty faces and wide smiles can sometimes be horrible. Yes, Life has been great, no complains no demands, I wish to complete my book soon and share with you guys. You have been an inspiration in my journey:) Thanks
Can’t wait to read it Dania. And yes, there are people who care what the truth is – probably more than you would think. Honoured to have been an inspiration to you, you’re totally welcome.
Thanks much James, means a lot. I really appreciate your honesty and would love reading more from you:) I left you an email, Idk if it went through…. Cheers
Dania, thanks for your e-mail. I did get it, and would love to help you on your writing journey. I will take a proper look, have a think and get back to you later this week. Thanks.
Yayy.. Sounds awesome
Thank you for taking time out to read it. I really really appreciate:) You are super awesome
🙂
Dania, I echo what Anne says, there’s something so freeing about sharing those far from perfect parts of our stories. People resonate best with “real” and human. Someone out there benefits from our stories…even the ones we hesitate to share.
James, thank you in being open and honest in sharing your story. I learned much through listening to the interview. Chris, thank you for hosting this today.
Honored to give James a chance to bare his soul
So glad to give you an opportunity to share your story.
I think it’s a shame we live so much of our lives undercover, pretending we are okay when we just aren’t. One of the reasons I love this series is because we pull back the cover and show one person’s real life.
There are pieces of my story I simply cannot share, because of all the other people involved in it. I connect with what you’re saying on a real deep level.
Waiting to give a proper watching James. Thanks Chris for doing this interview. And thank you James for your willingness to share your story. Love you dudes. Chris thank you for doing this series it’s so important and you are touching others.
Eileen, I agree with you cent percent. On a larger scale this could help many lives improve and I am really glad to find out there is people like you and james and anne who actually give me the courage to speak my heart out. I am still in the process of weighing my decision because there are costs involved
Yesss Chris, a;; the bitter experiences in my life obviously involve others and even those who I love, I cannot imagine exposing them because that could cause worst consequences
Joan, thanks so much for this encouragement – really glad you learned a lot, really great. Thanks again.
Honoured to be asked Chris.
Troy, you’re totally welcome – really hope the video encourages you and helps you in your understanding of this condition and these issues. And agreed, Chris, this is phenomenal series, every single one of them so far (well, the guy today I’m not sure about…)