Question posted by Bill Jaillette ( BillJ@odys.com) on 16:9:3 9/7/97
Question: I am 56 and was diagnosed with narcolepsey only 3 years ago uin Sleep Disorder Center in Charleston, SC I believe I have had this disorder for over 25 years with a long history of mis-diagnoses such as bi-polar disorder, major depression, dysthymic, hypo-thyroid and a long list of other disorders, of which I had none of these but did have Narcolepsy. I was 53 barely could function and read abour sleep disorders. I had to insist my doctor to sent me to sleep disorder center for testing. I was at lest glad to know what I had. I have literally taken every anti-depressant on the market for the last 25 years, sometimes I took two different ones at the same time. I turned into a walking zombie. After being diagnosed I have been under the care of a doctor accredited in sleep disorders medicine. I am disabled and could not work if my very life depended on it. Fortunately I get SS disability and SC state employees disability. I have developed Fibromyalgia which is very painful every day, I take 9 fifteen Mg. capsules of dexedrine daily and 450MG Wellbutrin. My question is about Narcolepsy and Fibromyalgia, Do many people have both them at the same time. Do many people have to take as much dexedrine as I do on a daily basis., It works great and side effects are not bothersome as I have been on this same dose for over a year. I have taken Ritalin-7 twenty mgs daily and it dosen't seem to work as well. My sleep attacks are such that I can safely drive for at least two hours. I am HLA positive. My 18 year old son has diagnosed narcolepsy and is HLA negative. He responds well to Ritalin and is a sophmore in college and his sleepiness and sleep attaciks are very well controlled. What do or what can you do for the pain of Fibromyalgia? Chronic pain will occupy you thoughts daily. I would also like to know if anyone out there has Narcolepsy and Fibromyalgia at the same time and how do you cope with them mentally as well as physcially