Casey Veater's interview
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How did all start?
I was really tired since I was 12 then started have cataplexy. Went on for years being diagnosed with depression. Finally diagnosed with narcolepsy at 27.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Years and years. I was diagnosed 2 years ago but I’ve been struggling since I was 12. I was misdiagnosed with depression for 10 years.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Finally getting referred to a sleep doctor was the best thing I could have done. He really knows his stuff and the right medication for me.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Xyrem has helped me tremendously. I would have never even heard of it if not for my sleep dr.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Staying awake. Getting through classes in college while being misdiagnosed with depression. Driving long distances when I wasn’t properly medicated.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
They understood. Everything made since. I met my wife shortly before I was diagnosed and she’s been amazing through it all.
What things have you stopped doing?
I don’t drive long distances cause my wife does the driving. On the medication I function great and can do about anything.
What do you think about the future?
I’m excited for the future and I’ve learned you can live a full life with narcolepsy. It doesn’t have to stop you.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The past two years have been the best. I got properly diagnosed and treated for my narcolepsy. I married my best friend and we are talking about starting a family.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I honestly think I can do anything with my condition. It doesn’t define me.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I live my life to the fullest with my beautiful wife and our fur babies.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Find a sleep specialist. This isn’t the end of your life, it’s just a bump in the road. You have an interesting an exciting journey ahead of you. Give your body time to adjust to the proper medication and you can take on the world.
