- Idiopathic Hypersomnia
- Interviews
Madeline's interview
How did all start?
Around the time I turned 10 years old. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Ligamentous Laxity. My chronic fatigue was always attributed to my thyroid or the fact I was still growing.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes, I have been diagnosed. It took 10 years.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
A stimulant. It is the only reason I am living a relatively normal life. I would have lost my job otherwise.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Missing out on so much. Not finishing school due to IH. Not being dependable for others.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
They have all been wonderful and understanding. I don’t have much of a social life due to IH. My relationships have changed, I’m not reliable and often subconsciously viewed as lazy.
What things have you stopped doing?
Exercising, leisure activities, schooling, most of my social life.
What do you think about the future?
Just hoping for the best.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My early childhood, before I had IH. I was able to run around for hours and enjoy life.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Go back to school and exercise regularly. Travel all over the world, volunteer my time.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Always extremely tired.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
It gets better. You learn your limits and how to cope, so it at least makes it feel like it’s better.
