Before diagnosis The rude awakening.
Hi all. This message is to enencourage the undiagnosed Narcoleptic. I have seen a few GP's, 4 specialists, been to 3 private hospitals without any luck. No one could tell what is wrong with me untill now. Ive exhausted my medical aid (insurance) twice without being helped properly I ended up going to a public hospital and was seen by a neurologist. Both he and the senior Neurologist is 99% convinced I have Narcolepsy (not sure if I have cataplexy) Im just waiting oj a date for a MSLT sleep test which will be in the unknown future. I am on temporary meds which kinda works but not really. Problem is this vondition is affecting and mesaing up mu life. I cant think straight, havent been driving for almost a year now, always tired, experience sleep paralysis, vivid dreams, experience real like hallucinations, experience insomnia struggle to fall asleep. Other things I experience is that I suddenly go into this slump mode where my face and jaw droops, arms just hangs and my speech becomes slurry. My eyes would move rapidly and blurrry with dizziness. This use to last for about 20-50 seconds but now up to 2 minutes and it just happens by itself no emmotions needed. I forget peoples names no matter how hard I try. I get very anxious as I cannot do a simple task. I also have a tendency to fall alot due to clumsiness( just sprained my ankle as Im writing this) To me it feels as is my whole life was just a waste. Thinking back it must have started when I was 19 (Im 39 now) my boss aint happy with my undiagnosed condition, my wife Im sure is getting fed up as I cannot fulfill ny daily tasks(although she is very suppportive and understanding) . Im writing to encouratlge others to not give up no matter what the outcome. My wufr us concerned that what if its not narcolepsy what then? Will I be fired or placed in a desk job.
My past
2000 I was an intern technician and always fell asleep while working alone
2001 I was a technician and alwas fell asleep while working (luckily I was alwAys alone)
I was a cop for 14 years and experienced very little of this probably Because I was always in an alert mode and ready for action. I got a sort of desk job a year ago and suddenly these symptoms appeared They became worse and I couldnt function properly. I put this message out there to alert the undiagnosed . Do not lose heart and have faith that all will be well. Do lots of research and be mindful. I pray and havr faith that the hospital will call me with a date got the test . We all wanna just give uo sometimes and break down and cry but this will make you realise that your not alone. Somewhere out there is someone feeling tge dame way and hopefully experiencing similar symptoms. Be patient and take care. Oh and tge dr promised that ince diagnosed he will be able to give me medication which will pit me in a position to perform 10 times better.
1 Heart
I got a date for my sleep test in this month. Lets hope to find answers