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Posted by Brian Hertia on October 05, 2000 at 11:25:28:In Reply to: epilepsy and sleep disorders posted by della on October 05, 2000 at 07:35:41:
Go to a sleep clinic ASAP. I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy and Cataplexy 11 years ago at the age of 28. There is absolutely NO connection between epilepsy and Narcolepsy. Epileptics have siezures, Narcoleptics DO NOT. While it is true that many States try to classify Narcolepsy, for insurances purposes, under the heading of Epilepsy it is because they are ignorant and uninformed.
However, if you have been falling down and lose muscle control (legs, arms, facial,etc..) it's a very good possibility that you might have Cataplexy (an offspring of Narcolepsy). The ONLY way to have Cataplexy is to have Narcolepsy. Period!
I've always been able to work thanks to medication but it is still a struggle at times. However, the reason for my ability to function is that I stopped going to just ANY doctor. I went to a specialist. There are many good doctors but very few who really understand Narcolepsy and Cataplexy. The website (http://www.users.cloud9.net/~thorpy/NARCO.HTML) is a great start in a search for help. I take a mixture of meds (everyone has to experiment until they find the right mix). I take Provigil (new drug with NO side effects) for Narcolepsy, I participate in a test study for the new drug Xyrem for cataplexy (which is the closest thing out there to a cure), and I also take Zoloft once a day to also help with the cataplexy. I'm one of the lucky ones who still gets to function pretty normally (although I can't play certain sports still) since I'm a pretty high-strung individual. I can tell you this. Try anything and everything until you find something that helps. Never stop looking for help! Try to get to sleep at the same time everyday and wakeup at the same time EVERYDAY, take naps BEFORE you feel sleepy, and exercise as much as possible (it really makes a difference).
Good Luck and God Bless
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