Narcolepsy and Relations
Question:
I’m recently diagnosed. I feel like I’ve visited just about every N site on the web. After reading parts of an on-going argument here, I’m left with a question for other PWN. Many of the N sites seem to indicate that many PWN can drive when their N is treated properly. I’d like to hear opinions from PWN and related disorders. Sorry apnea folks, but its somebody’s else turn to occupy the bandwidth.
Response:
Well, the onset of my N was at about age 13 (as near as we can determine following diagnosis of my N), I began driving at age 16, and diagnosis of my N was not until I was age 50. In those 34 years of driving and the 7 years since I never fell asleep while driving. I didn’t even know that it was supposed to be a problem. I have heard that some narcoleptics fall asleep suddenly, but I have ample warning, so I just stop driving and take a nap. This happens very rarely – probably less than half a dozen times in 41 years of driving. Meetings are another thing altogether <z-z-z-z>! Kent Taylor (Mongo) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sarah Bellum wrote in message <379FD703.1D1B3…@worldnet.att.netnospam>… >I’m recently diagnosed. I feel like I’ve visited just about every N >site on the web. >After reading parts of an on-going argument here, I’m left with a >question for other PWN. Many of the N sites seem to indicate that many >PWN can drive when their N is treated properly. >I’d like to hear opinions from PWN and related disorders. Sorry apnea >folks, but its somebody’s else turn to occupy the bandwidth.
Response:
I’ve been driving for 6 years and I was diagnosed about a year after I obtained my driving license. The neurologist that diagnosed me said not to worry about reporting the narcolepsy (regarding driving) because as long as I don’t drive when I’m tired, or when I haven’t taken my medication, I’m fine. Actually, I read that narcoleptics actually cause less accidents related to sleepiness than the general public. I think that’s true because I know that several of my friends will drive home after getting off work 1- 2 am and I would never do that! I am realistic about my disorder and if have to pull over for naps or nap before I leave to go somewhere, not big deal! I don’t drive for long distances and I don’t like to drive at night, but that’s just me. The other person who responded (Kent Taylor) obviously is able to drive safely at a more ‘normal’ level than me. I think it is up to the individual to determine what is their safe range and stick to it. Kent Taylor wrote:
<snip> I have heard that some narcoleptics fall asleep suddenly, but I have ample warning, so I just stop driving and take a nap. <snip> I also get enough warning with my sleep attacks to feel them coming and to have time to pull over. Sarah Bellum wrote: > I’m recently diagnosed. I feel like I’ve visited just about every N > site on the web.
I’m very glad to know that you’ve decided to educate yourself about the disorder! Believe it or not, many people don’t bother. It makes things much easier when you understand them! Good for you! NL
Response:
Sarah e-mail me if you get this.. I was diagnosied in October and I had problems with my license but it can be resloved.. Please contact me.. Joyce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sarah Bellum wrote in message
