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Re: problems with partners?

Posted by Sleepyhead on March 07, 2003 at 06:59:38:

In Reply to: problems with partners? posted by Texan_sleepy on March 06, 2003 at 13:20:25:

Hello!

I have OSA with EDS. The OSA is treated with CPAP therapy but the EDS rages on. I am not a PWN. My diagnosis after a MSLT to check for N is Idiopathic Hypersomulence (spelling?) (IH). I think of it as almost N but without the cataplexy and other symptoms of N I’ve read about.

When I first began treatment for OSA my wife referred to it as the new medical “fad”. Most people I try to explain it to refer to it as a "breathing problem". With some people you get the "1,000-yard stare". When I sleep late or complain that I’m tired because of the EDS she says I’m lazy. Well, I AM tired and I can’t do anything about it sometimes. Sorry! The meds are helping a lot so I no longer fall asleep at work, in meetings, watching TV, at stop signs or in the driveway at home because I “just need to rest for a minute” before I go in the house. But I’m “getting there” (as my sleep doctor says) with the meds. Almost “normal” now and, after about a year of dealing with me, my wife is much more understanding. This stuff really impacts relationships. (BTW - My kids think I look cool with the CPAP mask on.)

The thing is “normals” just don’t get it. We, that have the afflictions, seem to educate ourselves relentlessly. We strive to know everything about different treatments and it’s important to know what happens with other people. Some people use meds, some people work it out with naps. Some employers don’t care what your problem is and some employers work with us. It helps us all to get a new perspective from each other in this Forum. It’s like group therapy :-) and I’m addicted to it. Having a spouse, significant other, family member or friend that will go to the extremes we go to is rare. Someone that just copes with us and understands our needs is a gift from heaven. It may just take time. If the relationship is important to both of you it will become better. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Take Care!

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