Since my late 20's (I'm 44 now), I remember falling asleep at the drop of a hat. I used to describe it as an internal switch, and when I was tired, the switch would turn off no matter what I was doing. My friends thought I was weird, and a boyfriend or two were offended when I fell asleep during sex. I seriously never thought I had anything medically wrong. I thought I just pushed myself to the brink of exhaustion, and the result was unexpected sleep. About a month ago, I actually fell asleep on the toilet white urinating. I know....it's quite amusing, as my friends let me know. But one friend quickly spoke up and said "you have narcolepsy". Now I am trying to find out as much as I can about the disorder. I have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor, nor do I plan on seeing a specialist. Nothing can be done, and I don't want to take medication, so I just want to learn all I can about the disorder and monitor myself. And hopefully not fall asleep on the toilet again ;-
Newly diagnosed by friend
Started by
bellevuejf
, Nov 16 2007 02:57 AM
4 replies to this topic
#2
dane
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Posted 16 November 2007 - 09:47 AM
there is not much to do without medicin. it will be the best if you saw a doctor who could tell you about the ways to live with narcolepsy. I have lived with it for 6 years and from the day i startet with medicin i got my life back.
the medicin have some sideefekts but i can live with it so far.
the medicin have some sideefekts but i can live with it so far.
#3
narcoJackie
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Posted 19 November 2007 - 09:59 AM
(bellevuejf)
Since my late 20's (I'm 44 now), I remember falling asleep at the drop of a hat. I used to describe it as an internal switch, and when I was tired, the switch would turn off no matter what I was doing. My friends thought I was weird, and a boyfriend or two were offended when I fell asleep during sex. I seriously never thought I had anything medically wrong. I thought I just pushed myself to the brink of exhaustion, and the result was unexpected sleep. About a month ago, I actually fell asleep on the toilet white urinating. I know....it's quite amusing, as my friends let me know. But one friend quickly spoke up and said "you have narcolepsy". Now I am trying to find out as much as I can about the disorder. I have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor, nor do I plan on seeing a specialist. Nothing can be done, and I don't want to take medication, so I just want to learn all I can about the disorder and monitor myself. And hopefully not fall asleep on the toilet again ;-
Of course, without a diagnosis you can't get the meds, but I disagree that you have to have them. There are many different things that work for different people, I saw on this board about the gluten-free diet, or on others about having good sleep hygiene, proper vitamins and exercise, etc. I would also check out the other board that has been around a bit longer than this one, they can help you as well, it's at talkaboutsleep.com in the forums. Good luck!
#4
SleepyMeg
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Posted 20 November 2007 - 01:05 AM
I went most of life undiagnosed, despite seeing doctor after doctor. When I finally was diagnosed, it was life changing...first and foremost because I finally had an answer to why I was so incredibly tired all the time. I would think you'd want the diagnosis for that if nothing else.
What you describe sounds like N to me, but it's hard to say for sure. There are so many different illnesses that can result in excessive daytime sleepiness.
When I was diagnosed, the idea of taking a pill everyday sounded terrible, but it's done so much good that I now call it a blessing. Being that tired and going untreated is dangerous for yourself and others. I cringe to think of the number of times (pre-diagnosis) that I nearly went off the road driving due to sleep attacks. This is another reason why I would encourage you see a doctor. As someone else has already stated, a doctor can always help you explore alternative methods of treatment. But the key is treatment!
Good luck,
Megan
What you describe sounds like N to me, but it's hard to say for sure. There are so many different illnesses that can result in excessive daytime sleepiness.
When I was diagnosed, the idea of taking a pill everyday sounded terrible, but it's done so much good that I now call it a blessing. Being that tired and going untreated is dangerous for yourself and others. I cringe to think of the number of times (pre-diagnosis) that I nearly went off the road driving due to sleep attacks. This is another reason why I would encourage you see a doctor. As someone else has already stated, a doctor can always help you explore alternative methods of treatment. But the key is treatment!
Good luck,
Megan
#5
digdonn
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Posted 20 November 2007 - 11:19 PM
Hello,
I'm not sure why you are reluctant to get a medical diagnosis, and to try medication, if it is required (unless there are financial considerations). Getting diagnosed and treated with medication was the best thing that I ever did. I also use naps, exercise, a regular sleep schedule, a very healthy diet and lifestyle to help me cope (medication is not the only solution). Getting treatment has allowed me to chase my dreams while awake (for a change). I never want to go back to what it was like before when I was sleepy most of the time. The treatments really do help. There are still bad days, but at least I have lots of good blocks of time to compensate for them. I can't imagine living with excessive sleepiness for over 20 years, when there are treatments that might help you.
I'm not sure why you are reluctant to get a medical diagnosis, and to try medication, if it is required (unless there are financial considerations). Getting diagnosed and treated with medication was the best thing that I ever did. I also use naps, exercise, a regular sleep schedule, a very healthy diet and lifestyle to help me cope (medication is not the only solution). Getting treatment has allowed me to chase my dreams while awake (for a change). I never want to go back to what it was like before when I was sleepy most of the time. The treatments really do help. There are still bad days, but at least I have lots of good blocks of time to compensate for them. I can't imagine living with excessive sleepiness for over 20 years, when there are treatments that might help you.
