Self Medicating Narcoleptic
I developed the disorder in 1970, though I wouldn't know what it was called for another thirty-five years. Throughout those years anytime I spoke with a doctor about the issues I was having with staying awake, and that I was coping with those issues by using illicit stimulants, the doctors turned me away as a drug user.
It wasn't until I was released from prison (drug charges) that my son came to live with me. Within a few months, I realized he was suffering from the same symptoms as I. Because my son's future was now at stake, it became my mission to find out what was wrong with both of us. We were diagnosed with Narcolepsy in 2005.
Unfortunately, my history of drug use, and my honesty about my past history of dealing with the symptoms, have only served to more firmly attach the label of drug seeker to my person. As a result, the Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States has flagged my medical file, and I have been told I will not find a doctor to treat me. I would suggest that anyone who has Narcolepsy symptoms tread very lightly and not be completely honest with doctors if you had to manage your symptoms in the manner that I did.
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