Hi, I'm 20 and diagnosed a couple months ago N/wC but have been dealing with it for much longer. I was put on nuvigil but had to stop after a week because I couldn't take the side affects and while I had mostly stopped falling asleep at bad times, I was by know means wakeful. It was just pure painful.

I feel the same way about my summer. Like I should be having fun and doing things but I just can't and even when I try the fog is too strong for me to enjoy it. I also hate how it affects the people around me. I'm rooming with a friend for the summer and she always wants to do things and its not that I don't want to but I hate that she doesn't always get to have fun either because I'm not up to going. Its miserable and makes me feel lazy, but there isn't anything I can do about it. I hate it. I wish I could just be normal with nothing wrong with me.

Hi, I am 40. Narcolepsy probably began after a really bad flu in 4th grade, but hit me in earnest by 7th grade. Here's some advice for young narcoleptics. Here's what I have learned. The sooner you accept yourself... the sooner you will be able to find happiness. I think I have found it. I sleep on my lunch breaks, when I get home from work, and take modafinil. (however you spell it). One of the things to accept is that you may need to take life slower than your peers. I have found nothing in this world is better than a regular schedule that includes naps. That means it may take longer to get through school and accomplish the things you want in life. (I am now on the home stretch of a PhD and I work full time - but it's taken me 8+ years.) There is no normal. EVERYONE is suffering something (often times quietly). Even those freakin' high energy over achievers have a dark side (One of my friends gets really depressed if she isn't going 1,000 mph - imagine that never being able to rest) Some have sever allergies. Others binge eat. Accept that life is challenging.... find what you love anyways and be kind to yourself (It took me years (wasted years) to figure that out.) Don't waste time being miserable about what you can't do. (And if at all possible, please DON'T drive.) It's painful, if you let it be. SLEEP. When you feel good, get up. At first that might might mean every three hours til you find the perfect regime for yourself. ALSO, GO TO SCHOOL. You will need to find a job that you can do AT YOUR OWN TIME. I am an instructional designer, and yes, I have crazy mad skills. :) I can work whenever I want. THIS HELPS. I know it sucks, and it is really hard not to be bitchy 24x7, but find understanding friends. My husband is super awesome at this (no worries he has other flaws :P ). DON'T stop living. Just do it at your own pace. good luck

WOW- this response is inspirational. I am new to this group. Struggling. Ironically I am a teacher and I have my Master's degree in Instructional Design! My job does not allow for naps or downtime as a teacher (I don't even have a classroom:) So I work hard all day but suffer the cataplexy throughout. I have to say I love being creative and designing my own instruction that is innovative and challenges my students minds. On the bad end, I have even developed a fear of walking down long hallways due to cataplectic attacks in the past. I push on. I have 12 years to retirement and keep thinking of how I can do this? Slowing down is helping a lot- great advice. I will work and live at my pace- any advice for coping with cataplexy episodes at work? Thank you!!!

Trish, I started in corporate, but about 10 years entered the federal world... it is rather awesome, I must say. USAjobs.gov - boomers are finally leaving... just keep knocking til they let you in ... great benefits and flexibility.

Thanks this really help. I’m at a place where I’m like yes I finally have answer to things that have been going on with me... I finally have a reason to slow down and focus on my health and to live in the moment. I was that person who is so use to going 1,000 miles/ min and felt bad if I wasn’t doing anything or I would call myself lazy. But I know I need help with not to push myself and to make sure that I am well rested... any tips?