Little Hooves
Well-Known Member
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 He was lazy and withdrawn.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
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