Guest Post: Dear Jennifer

Screen shot 2013-11-06 at 10.53.25 AMGuest post by Jennifer in response to the “Dear Diagnosis” Blogathon prompt. Read more letters and join us here.

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Dear Jennifer,

Today you are finally relieved to find out you have had Narcolepsy this whole time.  After visits and visits to the doctor with Mom and them telling you over and over that its just you, and nothing is wrong with you. After 5 years of being made fun of everyday while trying to stay awake to even graduate high school, getting best in class sleeper your senior year, falling asleep while working and being blamed for missing money with no memory of it,  driving home and coming to the conclusion that you have no clue how you even made it home.  You have the answer finally!!!

What a huge relief this is, BUT this doesn’t change the fact that there is no cure.  You will still need to cope with this everyday, and learn new ways to handle your new feelings of Cataplexy.  You will need to change your life for this new chapter in your life. Take naps, don’t drive any longer than 1 hour, and keep on a schedule.  Emotions and laughter may knock you down, but don’t give up on it.  You will have to visit the doctor every 3 months in order to receive the medications you will need. It does get better, and easier to understand.  Always remember you have a wonderful family and husband that will continue to take care of you no matter how many times you fall asleep during Christmas and Thanksgiving.  Keep your head up!  Sometimes people will not even know you have this disease, but tell them, you deserve to let the public know.  16 years later, you will meet a wonderful person online by the name of Julie Flygare that will make you feel like a new person.  She is amazing, and will make this disease aware!  If you are having a bad day, go to her website, and her Facebook page she will make you feel better. It will be ok!  Be open, and know that God will watch over you!  

PS – don’t forget to remind Mom that it is not her fault you have this disease.

Love always,

The future, yours truly – Jennifer

2 Comments

  1. Dear Diagnosis Blogathon on November 6, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    […] Guest Post – “Dear Jennifer” […]

  2. Terrie on November 7, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing your story. You are right to remind you mom it’s not her fault. Who are we to blame? We are connect by this “disease” and now need others to know just how bad it can be. It doesn’t change who we are and in fact can lead us into being a better person. Take care.

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