> Introducing myself, I have narcolepsy, sleep apnea, ADD, OCD

Hello all. I'm 54, a retired teacher on disability and have had narcolepsy as long as I can remember. I think I was finally diagnosed in 99 or 2000. I was first diagnosed with periodic limb movements, then another sleep study, then diagnosed with sleep apnea, then another study, then diagnosed with narcolepsy. I have been diagnosed with ADD and OCD within the last 2 years.I have always been hyper, unable to sit still, which I now know was my attempt to stay awake. In high school and college friends would tease me because "Dolly's always in bed by 9:00", which is true. By college, if I sat too long I'd fall asleep. As I got older I naturally started to slow down, and that's when I started to feel the effects of narcolepsy.

I've read a few comments on the forums here. I've learned that some of the things I do, and can't seem to stop, are common narcoleptic behavior. While I love my sleep doctor, he isn't able to give me any coping skills and what else to expect. All I've ever been told is "take a nap" and "you'll only ever be 80% of what you used to be".

I'm planning on attending the Narcolepsy Network Conference in October in Jacksonville Fl. Is anyone else going?.

I'm an old lady. I hope to post more in the future, assuming I got this one right.
God bless us all.

Hey,

good to hear that you have found this message board to talk to people on.

i know that it has been quiet at the moment on these boards but i would suggest that an NN conference is a good idea - although i am from England i went to the NN conference in Albany last year and i enjoyed it immensely and found it very useful.

it was also very useful for me to meet other people with Narcolepsy, i had never met anyone with it before and it was a relaxing environment.

I hope you find it a useful experience

Sam

Hello there!

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the conference, I really wish I could. I know even my doctor who is an expert on narcolepsy can't really help me "cope", that can only come from talking with others like yourself. It is just something that comes from experiencing it. That said, you've got us! Each of us individually may not be able to relate to you, but that's why we are 300 strong!

Good luck and have fun at the conference!
Chris"Toph4er"

Thank you all for the encouragement. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm looking forward to the conference; my sister is joining me. I'm supposed to be meeting with someone about starting a support group where I live.

Hi everyone,

My name is Royal Moore and I have narcolepsy. I realized something was wrong with me in High School because I was addicted to sleep. As a result, I slept in class and did poorly no matter how much I slept at night. The same thing happened when I attended college in Chicago and I withdrew because of it. Things really got ugly when I moved to Georgia in July 2009. I would fall asleep while waiting to be served dinner at the table, while sitting in a waiting room, while watching TV. There were times when I slept for 24 hours. I was diagnosed in September 2009. Oh and the dreams are awful, but I can't remember them upon waking no matter how I search my mind. I used to have a good memory, now I'm forgetful, I mean its horrible. One time I did something unspeakably dangerous. I have cataplexy, but before I collapse, I always sit down. I just worry that I won't be lucky one day and that's what scares me.