Wakey Wakey! People with Narcolepsy

Hey peeps.

I just got a email from a friend, Chris"Toph4er" reminding me about one of the greatest forums ever. He does a hella job over there at "People with Narcolepsy" so I wanted to mention it here. It may be a forum that you have never checked out yet. The people over there are friendly and love new folks stopping by.

If you like to do the forum thing, this is a great forum to check out. Click here to go check it!

I hope everyone is doing well. And how about that proof about Narcolepsy being an autoimmune disorder! I was really excited to read that, but now I am just crazy to know what that really means for us. Anyone havve any ideas?

Does Narcolepsy Make You Post to Your Blog Less??

Hola!

I have really been trying to write in this blog on a regular basis. I am guessing that it is quite apparent that I have not been doing such a fantastic job at it :(

My little cutie dog got sick, and it has been tough to deal with, but I am sure It might be most difficult for him. He went completed blind literally overnight. When we got to the vet explained it could be a illness caused SARD where pet go blind rapidly, without know why. Then, that same week he was diagnosed with Diabetes. After that, all sign are pointing to another additional diagnosis of Cushings disease.

My poor little guys has really been through some difficult times lately. If anyone gets a moment, would you please say a prayer for him? Thank you in advance!!

Helloooo! Check Out This Great Narcolepsy Blog Site!

Good day everyone! I remember a couple of months ago looking at a site that different people had posted some things in a blog type format, about having Narcolepsy. I just checked It out again, and it has a lot more entries from many different perspectives! On the site it states;

"If you've got something to say about sleep disorders

you can say it here. Prose, poetry, photography;

whatever form of expression suits you
best (within reason). Please email your contribution
to (email is listed at the actual site) with the
subject line "We are not lazy". Please include

your name (or a pseudonym), age and location."

Even If you don't want to add to this really cool blog, make sure you at least go check them out!! It is really nice to be able to read about how other people feel, and what they think about Narcolepsy. Just CLICK HERE or up at the title of this entry to check out the blog called "We are not lazy".

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Going Gray Early? Is There a Link to Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is such a mystery. Some people think that it is an autoimmune disease. Check out this article about the connection between autoimmune diseases and having gray hair before the age of 30. Did any of you peeps with Narcolepsy go gray early? Here's the link, let me know what you think, ok?

Gray Hair Before Age 30 May Mean Health Risks...

Have a great day!:)

Long Term Effects of Narcolepsy - What Do You Think?

I have seen many articles lately about Narcolepsy, and it's symptoms and general information regarding this illness. One of the interesting things, to me anyway, are the differences in opinions about Narcolepsy and how it effects it's target. I have collected some opinions from various websites, and posted them below, with links, to see what you think.

Do any of these explanations seem accurate in your life? How does Narcolepsy effect you? I am so interested in the opinions of others on how Narcolepsy has changed your life. What is different since you have been effected by Narcolepsy?

Here are some snippets from various sites on the subject. The link to the actual website is included. Let me know what you think, OK?

Long Term Effects of Narcolepsy

From the website of Narcolepsy Network - Click here to go to site.
...The consequences of narcolepsy may be many and far reaching. Sleep attacks and cataplexy in public are embarrassing and can cause serious social and economic difficulties. Cataplexy may interfere with physical activities, and efforts to avoid emotions may lead to social withdrawal. Inability to work and/or drive may result in loss of independence, financial difficulties and a multitude of other problems. In these situations, a person can easily lose touch with others and become depressed...
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The following text excerpts taken from SleepFoundation.org - Click here for the exact page
...The symptoms of (and some of the drugs taken for) narcolepsy may affect your sex life. Sexual problems, such as low sex drive and impotency, may result from severe sleepiness, depression, medications or cataplectic attacks. These problems, especially any resulting from a new medication or changed dosage, should be discussed with your doctor....

...Narcolepsy symptoms can also result in a change or loss of employment, physical restrictions and social withdrawal. Loss of self-esteem, learning difficulties and depression can result...
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Below are a few words from the Aurora Health Care site, from an article intitled "In his own words: living with narcolepsy". The whole article is good. You can check it out, click here.

...I've had to make many lifestyle changes. I had to give up my military career and change jobs. I only swim in shallow water. I'm still a heavy coffee drinker, just not three pots a day. I take regular naps, generally after lunch, around 4, and after supper. I can regulate when I need a nap. And by taking naps, I don't have to take as much medication. Since emotions can trigger cataplexy, I have to walk away from confrontational situations or I may fall over...
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At the website of Health Central, here is what they have to say about the emotional and social effects of Narcolepsy. Click here to go to the website.

...The patient suffers emotional and social difficulties from the uncontrollable sleep episodes and cataplexy. Studies have reported rates of depression in people with narcolepsy ranging from 30 - 57%. (In the general population, prevalence of depression is 8%.) Studies have shown severe emotional and social dysfunction in all areas, including work, relationships, and leisure activities. One study reported that 25% of men with narcolepsy suffered sexual problems. Some experts believe that the psychological and social effects are more serious than those caused by epilepsy (which narcolepsy can be mistaken for)....

There are many opinions about the effects of Narcolepsy on one's life. We all have our own unique experiences and opinions. How does it effect your life? What area in your life that is effected by Narcolepsy do you find the most difficult to deal with?

I am really interested in hearing different experiences, and I would like to post some of them here, with your permission.

Well, everyone, have a great rest of the week, and oh yeah, have any of you seen the film "90 Naps a Day" yet? I got some interesting opinions from some of you who have seen it, and I hope to write a little about it soon. I haven't seen it yet, I am in the U.S, and I haven't found a way to see it, I have only been able to see some clips.

Scientists pinpoint genetic driver of narcolepsy

Scientists pinpoint genetic driver of narcolepsy- click here for a link

I have been seeing quite a few news articles related to this genetic discovery in the past week.

Scientists in Japan have identified a genetic mutation linked to narcolepsy. I wonder what this means for the future of those with this disease, and finding a cure or alternative ways of treatment. Pretty interesting stuff!

On a side note, I have been sleeping approx. 15 hrs. a pop/day, for about a week. Today, I woke up, and felt like I had energy. I forgot what that felt like. I will NEVER take any energy or "good" days for granted! Oh what a great feeling it is to feel like moving, reading, working, shoot, doing anything!!

How are all of you doing?

This puppy was at the gas station, and I had to take a pic! What a cootie bug poo!!!

Upside Down Rainbows, in the midst of mayhem...

WOW...

These past few weeks have been filled with mayhem, craziness, and odd happenings. So many things that have happened in the world lately have been devastating. From natural disaster to tainted products in China, hurting so many people. Please, don't forget, if you are a prayer-er (highly recommended here:)) to keep all of these people in your prayers, thoughts, and actions.

While reading the news today, I came upon, yet, another strange incident, but this time, it was beautiful, and a winner!

In the UK, Cambridge to be exact, a upside down rainbow was spotted, and captured by photo. Take a peek at the story here. Click here for the story and picture.

Wow. One commenter on the story mentioned "It looks like God's smile!". It is a beautiful thing.

Thanks God! I am sure that it really helped some people today. When I take the time to look at the beauty of nature, it seems to always put things back into perspective. I am so blessed. I thank God today for his mercy, and kindness he has given me. Again, I am so blessed.