|
|
|
|
socks Posts: 3
New Member
|
Hey, I am new to this site. I don't like talking in great detail with strangers about medical info, but I want to know if I am just being a hypochondriac or if I might have something here before talking to my doctor! Well... I am often tired and I fall asleep several times a day. I am currently unemployed, but when I was a student I slept through lectures and even final exams, including an art exam which required me to be on my feet most the time. I'd be engrossed in the lecture as usual and writing notes/doodling, when suddenly without warning my muscles would start tn let my head flop, my eyes would be IMPOSSIBLE to keep open and I'd drool, before finally falling asleep. This would happen regardless of how much sleep I had the night before, I generally got about 7.5 hours a night. I tried caffiene and moving around, but I'd still sleep as soon as I sat down. I've suffered a lot from sleep paralysis, when I find myself unable to move and hallucinating as I try to sleep or when I wake up. Recently this has become so bad I fear sleeping at night. I'm not sure if this is relevant or not, but I am a sleeptalker... I am perfectly capable of a 10 minute conversation in my sleep, my family have all tested this for themselves out of amusement. Right now I am housebound from an anxiety condition and don't leave the house, but if I ever start my degree again I want to know how I can resist the overwhelming urge to fall asleep when it comes. Also, I want your opinion as someone who has dealt with narcolepsy, do you think I might be a sufferer? |
|
Reply |
|
|
|
sleepySheri Posts: 90
Member
|
welcome to this site. your symptoms do sound similar to narcolepsy and possibly cataplexy, but there really is no way to know without going to a doctor. i know all of the tests are quite expensive, but you might want to think about getting the blood test that can tell if you might have narcolepsy. i remember not knowing what was wrong with me and wondering what it could be. the stress of that is not fun. have youever mentioned any of this to your regular doctor? they might be able to give you some advice. good luck. if you have more questions or comments, we are here. Sheri aka sleepySheri...just another narcoleptic and cataplectic; NOT A DOCTOR |
|
|
|
|
|
naddya819 Posts: 4356
VIP Member
|
What kind of blood test are you talking about Sheri? I thought for a proper diagnosis you had to have the sleep study as well as the daytime one? Love,
Naddya, CPhT(R)
Gabapentin 1,200mg/day
Tramadol 400mg/day
Tizanidine 4mg/bedtime
Amitriptyline 10mg/bedtime
Meloxicam 7.5mg/day
Fioricet as needed for migraine
~~Please remember that I am not a doctor. I am a pharmacy technician, however that doesn't mean I know it all! This site should never substitute medical advice from a qualified medical professional. Check with your doctor before adding any over the counter products or herbal supplements!~~
!!My friends, this, too, shall pass!! |
|
|
|
|
|
sleepySheri Posts: 90
Member
|
the blood test is an hla typing. it is not a definite diagnosis. you would still need the sleep study, but the blood test is significantly less expensive than the mslt and other sleep tests. if i remember correctly, the blood test will tell if u have the possibility of even having narcolepsy. Sheri aka sleepySheri...just another narcoleptic and cataplectic; NOT A DOCTOR |
|
|
|
|
|
naddya819 Posts: 4356
VIP Member
|
Oh, ok, thank you for that info. Seeing as I've already had the first sleep study done, the doc who reads the results will probably just sign me up for the mslt anyway. Maybe I'll ask my NP to write me orders for the HLA typing. Love,
Naddya, CPhT(R)
Gabapentin 1,200mg/day
Tramadol 400mg/day
Tizanidine 4mg/bedtime
Amitriptyline 10mg/bedtime
Meloxicam 7.5mg/day
Fioricet as needed for migraine
~~Please remember that I am not a doctor. I am a pharmacy technician, however that doesn't mean I know it all! This site should never substitute medical advice from a qualified medical professional. Check with your doctor before adding any over the counter products or herbal supplements!~~
!!My friends, this, too, shall pass!! |
|
|
|
|
|
Pearson Posts: 4
New Member
|
Yer, i dunno about the whole blood test thing. An mlst is the proper,efficient way of being diagnosed and knowing for sure that you do have Narcolepsy.It;s been a while but i think it picks up the Cataplexy on their readings.Although when you sit in a room by yourself(mslt), it's hard to have emotions like laughter,surprise,anger,...ect that usually trigger C. I remember all i could think about is when am i going to get out of this place. Not to scare you at all.It's only a day or two of your life,which will then path you on your way to management of the Narcolepsy. Crossed fingers that you dont have it but, i say! Good luck Previous discussions I participated in: Hi to ALL |
|
|
|
|
|
MissStacey Posts: 14847
VIP Member
|
The blood test is something about antogens and also they usually do a urine sample for a drug screening. The blood test can sometimes be negative when the person actually does have Narcolepsy, so they dont always fully rely on it but do always draw it anyway. That is why the sleep study and MSLT are most times necessary. I suffer from Rapid Progressive MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Epilepsy, Migraines, Neuropathy, IBS, Narcolepsy, Arrythmia, Arthritis and too much more complete list on profile.
"Just because we have the right to disagree with a person, does NOT give us the right to disrespect that person."
I'm not currently active due to many personal and medical issues. I will not be participating in MDJ for awhile, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I hope everyone is well and I appreciate all of the thoughts, kind words and messages. I have tried to respond as much as possible and apologize if I have not gotten back to everyone. Love & Hugs, Stacey |
|
|
|
|
|
socks Posts: 3
New Member
|
Oh, what is cataplexy? Expense is not an issue, most healthcare in this country is free or subsidised, lucky me. The main problem is waiting lists to see specialist doctors, as they are few and far between. But still, I don't want to talk to a doctor about it unless I am certain that it is a problem. I always feel guilty when I talk to a doctor, as if there is a set amount of times I can visit them per year before they get sick of me. I don't visit the general doctor very often, maybe twice a year! I just feel he will get suspicious of me if I have too many different problems. However, that's a story for a different support group.  |
|
|
|
|
|
MissStacey Posts: 14847
VIP Member
|
It's more detailed but basically Cataplexy is the inability to move. If money is no option as you say since you have free insurance from the country and such severe symptoms you should get checked out. Leaving it untreated is only hurting yourself more everyday. Narcolepsy is not cureable but it is manageable with meds. If you are suffering like you say you are your dr shouldn't have any problems sending you to a Neurologist or Sleep Specialist. Good luck. I suffer from Rapid Progressive MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Epilepsy, Migraines, Neuropathy, IBS, Narcolepsy, Arrythmia, Arthritis and too much more complete list on profile.
"Just because we have the right to disagree with a person, does NOT give us the right to disrespect that person."
I'm not currently active due to many personal and medical issues. I will not be participating in MDJ for awhile, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I hope everyone is well and I appreciate all of the thoughts, kind words and messages. I have tried to respond as much as possible and apologize if I have not gotten back to everyone. Love & Hugs, Stacey |
|
|
|
|
|
sleepySheri Posts: 90
Member
|
Sheri aka sleepySheri...just another narcoleptic and cataplectic; NOT A DOCTOR |
|
Reply |
|
