Posted by srd1074 on November 4, 2003, at 13:37:19
In reply to Re: Wow, some of the things I read here scare me. » srd1074, posted by Larry Hoover on November 4, 2003, at 13:00:20
Yes, it is true that most medical stuff is in common man's greek - I still have a hard time with a lot of it. However, on that, when I was trying to assess myself, it was before I went back to school and had any science background. There is some really easy-read stuff out there. One type of source that I found to be great was the support networks out there. I am not referring to "support groups," but organizations that have been created to inform and educate non-medical people. I am narcoleptic. The day I put all the pieces together was the day that I found Narcolepsynetwork.org. Their page gave me the last piece to the puzzle. After that I spent a lot of time comparing my findings to other sources to decide if this was a valid self-diagnosis. Then, I researched the medications (and their side effects actually added to my validity). Then, I read stuff like these postings to see how similiar my life problems were. Then, I called a sleep disorders neurologist. He put me through all the necessary testings and here I am. No longer do I have to take iron pills and diabetic meds. No longer are doctors trying to shove toxic ADs like serzone down my throat to treat my "insomnia." That drug isn't even one associated with treating sleep disorders. GEEESH! Now, I have my Ritalin (at my request due to the cost of Provigil) and my Paxil for my cataplexy. Aside from having to schedule around the 6-hour time limits of each pill, my life is just about normal. Why none of the other meds? Because I had a theory that proved to be right. I kept telling my doctors and my family that "my get up and go, got up and left." I also said that I think that the reason why I am borderline diabetic is because my body's metabolism is slow because I am too damned tired to metabolize. I was right. No issues when I am on stimulants. No more sleepy face right after I eat. My blood is even a darker shade of red - a sign of being higher in nutrients. My grumpy ass mood goes away when I have my meds. People would swear I was depressed because I was grumpy all the time. Well, wouldn't you if could never quite wake up?
The efforts I went through to be diagnosed were ones that I didn't expect to have to go through. I had thought up to that point that if I went to a doctor or two, someone could tell me what was wrong. Problem is, general practitioners aren't educated in sleep disorders beyond sleep apnea and those related to depression. UGGHHHH!!!
This is why I highly encourage people to get out there and know everything they can about their body and how it works and what they put into it. No need for and A&P class. I am talking about knowing your individual body, getting into a gym and maybe talking to a trainer about A&P and nutrition. Talking to a nurse or ... the list of references are endless.
S.
poster:srd1074
thread:276285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031030/msgs/276523.html