Living with Narcolepsy

I am a 40 year old female and was diagnosed with Narcolepsy at 15 years old. I suffered thoughout my childhood with being extremely tired, especially after playing, often which resulted in dizziness or vomiting.

After being diagnosed with no medication prescribed I fell asleep during class, conversation with others, while driving and was referred to as being lazy with many laughs from family and friends. Thoughout college I fell asleep during class and often slept though class, but I was there.

This has also resulted in me being late to work, taking kids to school, and falling asleep while driving. I’ve taken Ritalin for the past 7 yrs and it has helped me live a somewhat normal lifestyle. I’m still tardie/late and regardless of how hard I work, because of being continuously tired and I still dose thoughout the day I’m considered lazy at professional jobs that I’ve worked.

So yes, medication does help improve your lifestyle, but you still lack energy thoughout the day and sometimes you feel out of sort(lethargic). The medicines doe’s help when you work, if your employer is willing to work with you. Also, although one takes medication it does’t help with energy, being on time, or guarantee you will not fall asleep or hallucinate during the daytime hours. My son is 18 and helped me out alot thoughout his childhood. I’m still raising a 7 year old with development issues(maybe from taking medication).

My advice to others is first acknowledge you have a disability, find a field to work in that allow flexability and that keeps you moving physically, acknowledge you have Narcolepsy even when others don’t, and please educate your children because Narcolepsy can affect them due to your limitations. Also, please do not cook or drive long distances alone or without loud timers.

Good luck, I’m 40 and still trying to take control of my life.