Hi Lis,I got your note on my site and so I checked out yours.WOW, can I relate to the sleep deprivation. With FMS I was getting only stage 1 sleep, and constantly waking with me aware of only about 1/2 of the wakings. SOOOOOOOO Tired and still having to parent my daughter, work in the family CPA firm, help my Mom with the house and co-parent with my daughter's father who had her 2 days a week. And I was active in a charitable civic women's organization, toooo active. (Give 'em an inch and they'll delegate a mile to you!)I only know of narcolepsy from TV and you know how slanted that is. I am surprised at what you do accomplish. I'm concerned about you driving, scary stuff. And how you dealt with your little ones, who are such a JOY and so TIRING.I've really found all of your posts interesting. Actually, I have a cousin who is a Priest who has a form of narcolepsy. He talked about it with me one time the family was together for an event. Now it's not mentioned. I hate when families feel they have to keep these things hidden.....private is ok, but hidden is wierd.sweet gal, is your husband any more understanding or helpful now? I certainly hope so. You need support from adults in your life.Well from one 'zombie' to another.....I'm glad we've 'met' and will stay in touch and keep checking in with you here.Hugs and Blessings, judy
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TITLE: Time slips by
AUTHOR: Lis
DATE: 8/20/2004 06:29:20 PM

Hello, Lis. Your story is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Thank you for taking time to write your blog. It is very throrough and an insightful look into the real-life symptom history of a patient, or rather a person.I am particularly interested in narcolepsy because I am currently writing a screenplay with a narcoleptic protagonist. I have always been interested in disorders involving the crosstalk between states of wakefulness and the impact this has on one's psychology, and I am striving to write a truthful character. Your journal has already been very helpful, but I am especially interested in more about your current experiences now that you are optimistic about the treatment, and also in the effects of different treatments, i.e., your experiences with various medications, and what the adverse effects were. Did they affect memory or hypnagogic imagery either way? What warnings do you get for sleep attacks?Thanks again for your openness. I wish you the best.SincerelyJohnGod176@hotmail.com(I posted anonymously because I do not have a blogger account)

Thank you and wonderful work, John! I am working on something for you right now, so please be patient.
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TITLE: Crash boom splat!
AUTHOR: Lis
DATE: 8/26/2004 04:11:47 PM

Hello there.I'm a fellow narcoleptic that experiences almost exact day to day life that you decribe for yourself.Narcolepsy alone a very frustrating condition for myself,my kids,family or friends.Nobody wishes to sleep most of there life away and have absolutly no control over it!I'm Having a very hard time with the three sleeping disorders that you have discribed.1.Narcolepsy2.Cataplexy3.Sleep paralasisI want to be normal Dad with a normal job.I cannot find work that will support my sleeping habits.Who wants to hire someone that needs to have a nap when their body tells them,scheduled naps are easier said than done.I'm glad I found your diary.I feel a little better that its not just me that can feel this way. Its great you had a good run of feeling well and hope it keeps up.My name is Brian and I'm looking for Narcoleptics to chat with.dustbrain@hotmail.com

DATE: 11/23/2004 06:00:15 AM
Hi Brian. I know it all sucks. Even this selegiline has not proven to be perfect, consistent, or lasting as I continue taking it. What a bummer. I hope you don't do what I did when I could no longer hold a job due to uncontrolled symptoms. I wasted more time fighting myself than I should have. If you financially and physically need to, apply for disability and in the meantime, seek aggressive treatment. I know it feels like a blow to do this, believe me. The process is a horrendous wait, too. But for my kids sake, it had to be done. Please keep in contact with me. I'd like to stay in contact with other PWN's too. My address is gizda1@yahoo.com.
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TITLE: Clear for the Moment
AUTHOR: Lis
DATE: 9/11/2004 08:40:19 AM

I think it's ironic that you don't want to sleep and how all I think about is sleep. I know that people take things for granted and your story has inspired me to be thankful of my ability to keep my eyes open while in class and or while driving,. I will post here again when I know more about the disorder you are suffering from. I will read about the narcolepsy, and the others so I may have a little more insight as to what I am reading about. Krystle