[margie.g]

We have a son that was diagnosed with Narcolepsy a couple of years ago. He takes Provigil which helps during the school day. He sometimes takes naps through his lunch period, but definately has to sleep when he gets home in the early afternoon. We are working with him to be successful and have fun through the remainder of his High School years. We are trying to figure out things he can do to be successful in college and in a career when he is on his own. Any feedback or links would be appreciated.

[narcofarkle]

Hi, Margie, My name is Vickie. I am a severe narcoleptic. My son, Kyle, is also a severe narcoleptic. He was diagnosed in high school. At 22, he is working his way through college. I too would like to see my son thriving in a successful career. He has not decided exactly what that career will be yet. He is getting all his general courses out of the way while he decides, because you have to have them no matter what you do. One thing to remember is not to be in a hurry. It took Kyle an extra year to get through high school. It will also take him longer to get through college than it would a non-narcoleptic. But I don't care. As long as he works hard and sticks with it, he will eventually wind up with a career.
I'm glad my son and yours were diagnosed at a young enough age to do some good. I was 50 when I finally got diagnosed. It was too late for me, but our sons are young enough to benefit from treatment enough to get an education, which will hopefully lead to a successful, fulfilling career. That hope is what keeps me going.

[margie.g]

Thank you for your response. It's nice to know it is working for your son. One day at a time

[Tonya36]

While in college I had to bring a taperecorder to my classses because no matter how exciting the teacher or topic was I will go in and out of sleep while still writing my notes! Ofcourse I'll wake up to see scribble scrabble on my paper so after class I'll review the tape and try to do my notes that way.
Also I have been very lucky to work for an awesome supervisor and an awesome team! They are aware of me having narcolepsy (which everywhere I work at I'll let them know, after I've been hired) The other key thing is to do something he likes, not to be a mundane job needes to be active, preferably not to sit at a desk all day! I work at a group home so I'm constantly doing different things with the clients from teaching them to cook, make a bed, teach them their numbers to taking them to their fitness class (which a participate) and their art class which I'll asssit them. The other thing that does help but you have to be committed to doing it everyday is exercising! For my I just listen to a couple a my favorite songs on cd or the radio and just simply dance for about 30 minutes maybe twice a day, over time it does start to help.
Most importantly make sure he gets on the right medicine to help him sleep at night and to stay awake during the day ( I recommend Adderall or Dexedrine) !