Diagnosis

[Little Hooves]

He's been having a tough time with life... As a teenager, he started having seizures, although, not officially diagnosed with epilepsy, he definitely is by my book. But, the past few years have been extremely troubling for him, always tired, can't concentrate on things, has difficulty learning/remembering. We thought it was his seizures at play for the longest time - perhaps it started to destroy more brain cells to make an impact.... Or, maybe it was a side effect from his medications. He saw many doctors, but none could explain why he was always tired.

One morning, 2 years ago, I was sitting at my computer, next to the bed and looked over at him. I wondered how long it would take for him to wake up. But as I watched him that moment, he breathed out a BIG SIGH, and ...I waited....waited...and several seconds later, he took another breath in. The rhythm of his breathing was very abnormal, and when he awoke, I mentioned it.

"You might have sleep apnea. You should look into that, and maybe if you're treated, you won't feel so tired anymore." But, we didn't have the means right away, and we were having relationship troubles (which is an emotional side effect from things like this). I kept getting family pressure saying my hubby was no good and I should leave him. He was lazy and withdrawn. Eventually, I decided to stick by my hubby regardless of what anyone said. I still loved him, no matter how "broken" he was.

Finally, after so much time had passed, my husband was referred to a sleep specialist. After a few appointments and 3 sleep studies, the diagnosis came back. He has moderate sleep apnea AND narcolepsy! This is on top of his "epilepsy." Ironically, what makes his seizures worse is "irregular sleep and no sleep," so we're hoping that with the treatment of his sleep disorders, he can function normally again. But he might also find improvement with his seizures if he feels rested. I'm all hopeful about that, but at the same time, I feel sad. Sad that he has to deal with so many problems.

My poor husband. He is going through so much - I can't imagine. And now I am so glad I didn't leave him - but I came so close. Knowing the problem is half the battle, though! Now we can move on. Now we can explain. Now people won't look down on him so much (well, some may for lack of understanding).

I just need to be strong to get through this. *sigh* I just wanted to have someone listen.

Thanks,

Brenda

 

[REO]

{{{{{Brenda}}}}} I admire your strength. When you love someone, you find out how strong you can be. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Hang in there!

 

[Shari]

It is very hard when a loved one has health issues. If you need anyone to talk to I am here. Will keep both of you in my thoughts!!

Hugs

 

[miniwhinny]

Your hubby is so blessed to have you at his side

And to help with your strength-----((((((((HUGS)))))))))

 

[Mona]

Sending well wishes for your husband. At least now he knows what he's dealing with, so he can begin his course of treatment to help improve his health.

 

[Sonya]

So glad you were able to track down the problems..so he can begin treatment. My niece..who is now 24...was diagnosed with narcalepsy about 6 years ago..she does very well on the meds. It was tough for her though..everyone called her lazy, no ambition, blah, blah, blah....she of course was considered a 'difficult' teenager...well of course she was difficult..we all know how crabby people get when they are tired..imagine being that way all the time..constantly..I know I'm a bear when I'm tired.

Good news for your hubby though..it's treatable...finding the meds that will work good for him will be trial and error but they will find one.

 

[Little Hooves]

So glad you were able to track down the problems..so he can begin treatment. My niece..who is now 24...was diagnosed with narcalepsy about 6 years ago..she does very well on the meds. It was tough for her though..everyone called her lazy, no ambition, blah, blah, blah....she of course was considered a 'difficult' teenager...well of course she was difficult..we all know how crabby people get when they are tired..imagine being that way all the time..constantly..I know I'm a bear when I'm tired.
Good news for your hubby though..it's treatable...finding the meds that will work good for him will be trial and error but they will find one.

To everyone, thank you for your words of encouragement. This is an "ah-ha!" moment for me, and I am relieved that a disorder is to blame. My husband had no clue what was going on with him, but couldn't understand why he was always tired. He was always envious that I could go, go, go, even if I had only 4 hours of sleep. He USED to be able to do things like that and was so frustrated. He never was reliable at staying awake to help me watch a foaling mare (so I was up almost all the time, and just got a taste of what it was like to be tired all the time). It's just one of those things you wonder about - just when did it all begin? And I only wish we figured it out sooner.

Sonya,

My husband was labeled the same as your niece - difficult, lazy, unmotivated, etc. It took all he had every day to get by. I'm glad to hear that treatment is working for your niece, and hope that we will have similar success. If you don't mind me asking, what prescription is she on, or do you know? My husband was given a sample pack of drugs to keep him alert during the day. He has to take one in the morning. He'll also use the apnea machine at night so he can go into REM sleep without losing oxygen. We are both looking forward to his life improving, even if he only feels halfway normal again. 50% normal is still better than 0%, we discussed the other day. It's like someone who finally gets a kidney transplant.

OK, bad comparison, maybe, but at the time, it made us laugh.

Brenda

 

[HGFarm]

Sleep apnea is eventually deadly- it starts to destroy internal organs due to lack of oxygen and other things... and causes heart attacks and stroke. It is vital that he get it treated and he will feel MUCH better!! There are a few people on the Forum here with apnea... it is nothing to play with.

I hope your hubby feels better soon!!

 

[sfmini]

Your hubby will be amazed at how much better he will feel and it will be quick, too. I don't go anywhere without my CPAP machine, never want to feel that bad ever again.

Just tell him when he first starts using it to relax, breathe deep, don't panic, he won't suffocate, relax.

Also, tell him that if he catches a cold he can still use it, the pressure will clear his stuffy nose and he will be fine. The trick to that is to open the mouth for a second to let the air blow through the nose and clear him.

I am the upper resp. infection queen and have yet to need to skip using it.

 

[Ellen]

I am so thankful for you and your husband that you have found the root of the problem. I just hope you both continue to heal. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers.