- Narcolepsy
- Interviews
Ottery's interview
How did all start?
My husband has a sister with narcolepsy and recognized the symptoms. The symptoms started in my teens but my parents just called me lazy.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took a while to get a diagnosis, but after the idea was floated it took a few months.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
A neurologist has been useful.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Ritalin and better sleep hygiene.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Keeping a good sleep schedule and not accidentally becoming nocturnal.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family is abusive so they have ignored it, but my husband has been helpful in recognising when I need to lay down and sleep.
What things have you stopped doing?
Driving
What do you think about the future?
I have anxiety so I don't like to think about the future.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My current years because I'm away from my family and with my loving husband.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Stay awake more.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Pain and tiredness.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Listen to your body and nap when you feel tired.
