Okay, let's get one thing straight. Grade 9 BEATS Grade 8. Okay, now that that's out I can tell you all about sleepy me in high school.
I have Science, English and Art this semester. I love my classes. Okay lets be truthful here, Science only keeps me awake because I can't fall asleep when important notes are needing to be written down. Can't say NO to the notes. Nope. I think I just don't find it very interesting compared to English and Art. I've just never really enjoyed Science and that's okay because everyone has their own opinions.
The first time I fell asleep at school was in Art, guaranteed that it's my 3rd period and I'm so tired at that time. But, I love art and don't know why it would put me to sleep. My first time I fell asleep in Science was...get this...right before a test!! I know, I'm so bad - well not really cause it's just my sleepy side that sneaks its way into my classes sometimes. Of course sometimes I get that nap in Science sometimes and that results in me not having one in Art! Yay!
I've joined the Book Love Club, Student Council, The Flyers Newspaper and I think that's it right now. But I intend to join more clubs once they become available.
Ultimately, I'm happy at my high school! Everything about it just makes me smile. As well as the people that go there!♥
Sunday, 22 September 2019
World Narcolepsy Day!
To really have a day dedicated to narcoleptics, kind of feels comforting after all these years.
September 22nd, 2019 - this world's first Worldwide Narcolepsy Awareness Day! It's so exciting, you know?
Even though I can't take part in any of the actual activities because they are in the states :( it doesn't mean I'm not there at ♥heart♥, because I am!!!
I bet Julie Flygare is doing an amazing job raising awareness on this special day. I mean, she always does an amazing job but, she's that much more amazing today! I love talking about Narcolepsy not because it makes me special but because it makes me know that it does not define who I am. It's just one small part of me and the rest is creativity, inspiration, kindness, and everything else that I am!
It's as simple as that. Just believe in who you are and except it and then, everything else will fall into place.
Today, I feel like people all around the world is raising awareness for our way of life. This makes me believe that no one can be alone, when there is somebody right beside you, facing the same problems.
Anyways, I give my thanks to everyone who made this day possible! It is truly special day♥
September 22nd, 2019 - this world's first Worldwide Narcolepsy Awareness Day! It's so exciting, you know?
Even though I can't take part in any of the actual activities because they are in the states :( it doesn't mean I'm not there at ♥heart♥, because I am!!!
I bet Julie Flygare is doing an amazing job raising awareness on this special day. I mean, she always does an amazing job but, she's that much more amazing today! I love talking about Narcolepsy not because it makes me special but because it makes me know that it does not define who I am. It's just one small part of me and the rest is creativity, inspiration, kindness, and everything else that I am!
It's as simple as that. Just believe in who you are and except it and then, everything else will fall into place.
Today, I feel like people all around the world is raising awareness for our way of life. This makes me believe that no one can be alone, when there is somebody right beside you, facing the same problems.
Anyways, I give my thanks to everyone who made this day possible! It is truly special day♥
Monday, 24 June 2019
Graduating Grade 8!
I'm so excited. It's the last day of school for the students in grade eight at Central Public School. OMG!
Tomorrow everyone I know in grade eight will be graduating by my side. We will be dressed up in our beautiful dresses, with our hair and makeup all done making us shine like the stars.
I will cherish these past 5 years at this school and hold them in my heart forever because they are a chapter of my life and every chapter must be remembered.
I can honestly say that I am sad to leave this school, knowing that I will be leaving my E.A. that I've known since grade 3 and all my friends that I've known since grade 4. The group of friends that I've made throughout my years at Central have become my chosen family. They were all so supportive about my medical condition and so kind to me all the time.
After the summer, we will be going into grade nine and starting a new chapter of our lives.
Sorry.... just letting this all sink in. Okay we're good. I am grateful that I could have known all the teachers and friends that have helped me reach this point. Since I am not going to the same high school as all my friends, that will probably result in the loss of contact between my friends and the making of new friends at the high school I'm going to.
just because we are leaving this chapter, it doesn't mean that we can't revisit it in the future. Like people say,
Tomorrow everyone I know in grade eight will be graduating by my side. We will be dressed up in our beautiful dresses, with our hair and makeup all done making us shine like the stars.
I will cherish these past 5 years at this school and hold them in my heart forever because they are a chapter of my life and every chapter must be remembered.
I can honestly say that I am sad to leave this school, knowing that I will be leaving my E.A. that I've known since grade 3 and all my friends that I've known since grade 4. The group of friends that I've made throughout my years at Central have become my chosen family. They were all so supportive about my medical condition and so kind to me all the time.
After the summer, we will be going into grade nine and starting a new chapter of our lives.
Sorry.... just letting this all sink in. Okay we're good. I am grateful that I could have known all the teachers and friends that have helped me reach this point. Since I am not going to the same high school as all my friends, that will probably result in the loss of contact between my friends and the making of new friends at the high school I'm going to.
just because we are leaving this chapter, it doesn't mean that we can't revisit it in the future. Like people say,
How does Narcolepsy Affect Everyday Life?
Any normal person would just think what kind of difference does it make if you are a little more tired than others. Well...that's where they are wrong.
If you think it's just mere sleepiness, it's much more than that. In my case, if I don't have a nap everyday I start to become nauseated which is a result of being over tired.
First of all, if you have type 1 Narcolepsy you get a little gift called Cataplexy which seriously limits your ability to do and perform certain activities. Don't stop reading there, there's a lot more to learn about.
Speaking from personal experience, I understand how much narcolepsy can impact a person's life and how it does. For me, I can't do certain things that my friends are certainly capable of doing, and without supervision. That includes swimming which can be very dangerous if unmedicated. If you can imagine, the cataplexy paralyzes your body but just because your body is paralyzed that doesn't mean that you stop breathing. Knowing this, your body paralyzes and you drown so, that can be a very dangerous sport for us narcoleptics.
My advice to those out there who don't have this medical condition is that you don't just see the disability; see the person behind the disability.
If you think it's just mere sleepiness, it's much more than that. In my case, if I don't have a nap everyday I start to become nauseated which is a result of being over tired.
First of all, if you have type 1 Narcolepsy you get a little gift called Cataplexy which seriously limits your ability to do and perform certain activities. Don't stop reading there, there's a lot more to learn about.
Speaking from personal experience, I understand how much narcolepsy can impact a person's life and how it does. For me, I can't do certain things that my friends are certainly capable of doing, and without supervision. That includes swimming which can be very dangerous if unmedicated. If you can imagine, the cataplexy paralyzes your body but just because your body is paralyzed that doesn't mean that you stop breathing. Knowing this, your body paralyzes and you drown so, that can be a very dangerous sport for us narcoleptics.
My advice to those out there who don't have this medical condition is that you don't just see the disability; see the person behind the disability.
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Hope
Almost every year my family sends money to Wake Up Narcolepsy. Since I have this life altering medical condition and I understand how people with Narcolepsy feel, every year I like to donate to Narcolepsy Research in the hopes that they will someday procure a cure or type of miracle medication.
I, myself go through each day and like every other person on earth I live through my struggles but that doesn't always mean that it's easy. I just want people living with Narcolepsy to realize that you are NOT ALONE. You may not know people who have Narcolepsy but, that doesn't mean that you can't get the same understanding and support from your family and friends. And even though I'm only 14 years old, I have hope for my future and that's what matters.
I raising money for Wake Up Narcolepsy so that this unrecognized medical condition will be known. I am raising money to have hope and to raise awareness so people know what kinds of days and nights we narcoleptics have.
I like to think that I will someday drive or be able to get through a whole day without a nap and I do hold the hope of those dreams but the amazing thing is that my family is always going to be there to help me get through the times that I can't do the things that most other people can do.
To everyone else out there who understands the complexity of Narcolepsy and to those who live through everyday the way I do, always remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I am here for those who need support and understanding and who knows you might be sitting right beside a narcoleptic on the train or bus. Who knows.
All I know is that the most important thing to me is hope. Hope for my future. If I have hope for my future that's all I need to keep me going everyday.
If you would like to support my cause of helping narcoleptics get the proper medications and living a hopeful and wakeful life, give a donation to Wake Up Narcolepsy.
I thank everyone who has given a donation to Narcolepsy Research and the future of narcoleptics. I think I speak for everyone out there when I say it is greatly appreciated. Thank You!
I, myself go through each day and like every other person on earth I live through my struggles but that doesn't always mean that it's easy. I just want people living with Narcolepsy to realize that you are NOT ALONE. You may not know people who have Narcolepsy but, that doesn't mean that you can't get the same understanding and support from your family and friends. And even though I'm only 14 years old, I have hope for my future and that's what matters.
I raising money for Wake Up Narcolepsy so that this unrecognized medical condition will be known. I am raising money to have hope and to raise awareness so people know what kinds of days and nights we narcoleptics have.
I like to think that I will someday drive or be able to get through a whole day without a nap and I do hold the hope of those dreams but the amazing thing is that my family is always going to be there to help me get through the times that I can't do the things that most other people can do.
To everyone else out there who understands the complexity of Narcolepsy and to those who live through everyday the way I do, always remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I am here for those who need support and understanding and who knows you might be sitting right beside a narcoleptic on the train or bus. Who knows.
All I know is that the most important thing to me is hope. Hope for my future. If I have hope for my future that's all I need to keep me going everyday.
If you would like to support my cause of helping narcoleptics get the proper medications and living a hopeful and wakeful life, give a donation to Wake Up Narcolepsy.
I thank everyone who has given a donation to Narcolepsy Research and the future of narcoleptics. I think I speak for everyone out there when I say it is greatly appreciated. Thank You!
Thursday, 10 January 2019
Often Asked Questions About Narcolepsy
When I first got Narcolepsy I was 5 years old and didn't understand the seriousness of my condition. As I got older I started to realize more and more how it affects my daily life. I started to ask questions about Narcolepsy and what it was. My parents typically would know the answers. I just wanted to talk about some of the questions that have risen during my time with Narcolepsy.
1. What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a rare neurological disorder that affects the sleep center of your brain. The first thing you should know about Narcolepsy is its a life-long medical condition. There is officially no cure but, there are treatments and medications that can improve your day to day life. Narcolepsy can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and some more symptoms. To comprehend the effects and life changing disorder of Narcolepsy visit Wake Up Narcolepsy.
2. Is there a cure for Narcolepsy?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Narcolepsy. There is intensive worldwide research being done to find a cure for Narcolepsy but currently there is no cure. The unique circumstances (loss of hypocretin) in ALL cases of Narcolepsy causes for it to be irreversible and life-long. However, Narcolepsy can be safely controlled by the use of regular drug treatments. Some effective drugs are Xyrem, Modafinal and Effexor. The effectiveness of medications can vary depending on the person taking it.
3. Is Narcolepsy dangerous?
It is dangerous because you can have excessive daytime sleepiness or a sleep attack which can cause the disruption of any activity (eating, walking, driving, swimming, etc) being done at the time of the sleep attack. Operating a vehicle with untreated narcolepsy can be extremely dangerous for you and others around you. There is also the cataplexy aspect of narcolepsy which can cause serious danger such as car accidents if you have a cataplexy attack while driving.
4. Is Narcolepsy the same as Epilepsy?
Narcolepsy can come with the symptom Cataplexy which some people mistake for seizures. Epilepsy is a disorder in which a person has seizures. When a person with narcolepsy and cataplexy has a cataplectic attack it may seem as though they are having a seizure; but it is actually just muscle loss in which the body is paralyzed. Cataplexy causes NO internal brain damage that seizures can cause. Narcolepsy is totally different than epilepsy even though it may seem similar.
5. Do people with narcolepsy have trouble sleeping at night?
People with narcolepsy are known for being very sleepy during the day. Although, it is not uncommon for people with narcolepsy to have trouble sleeping at night. I speak from personal experience when I say, narcolepsy has caused me many difficulties during the day and at night.
6. Are you born with narcolepsy?
People are not born with narcolepsy. In most cases, symptoms become apparent during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. However there are cases where children as young as 3 have been diagnosed.
7. Am I alone?
The first thing to know is that you are never alone. Even if your family isn't there to support you, there are many people in the world who have narcolepsy. Some may live near you, others on the other side of the planet. But the most important thing to realize is that you are never alone. There are people who raise awareness about narcolepsy, who believe it is a condition that needs to be known throughout the world. My personal inspiration to let people know about my condition is the one and only Julie Flygare. She herself has narcolepsy and although at times it can be frustrating and difficult I live in peace with myself because of the awareness she raises about narcolepsy. I give a shout out to Julie for all the work she has done for all of us sleepers across the world. She and many others give me hope.
I hope that this helps answer some of your questions.
1. What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a rare neurological disorder that affects the sleep center of your brain. The first thing you should know about Narcolepsy is its a life-long medical condition. There is officially no cure but, there are treatments and medications that can improve your day to day life. Narcolepsy can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and some more symptoms. To comprehend the effects and life changing disorder of Narcolepsy visit Wake Up Narcolepsy.
2. Is there a cure for Narcolepsy?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Narcolepsy. There is intensive worldwide research being done to find a cure for Narcolepsy but currently there is no cure. The unique circumstances (loss of hypocretin) in ALL cases of Narcolepsy causes for it to be irreversible and life-long. However, Narcolepsy can be safely controlled by the use of regular drug treatments. Some effective drugs are Xyrem, Modafinal and Effexor. The effectiveness of medications can vary depending on the person taking it.
3. Is Narcolepsy dangerous?
It is dangerous because you can have excessive daytime sleepiness or a sleep attack which can cause the disruption of any activity (eating, walking, driving, swimming, etc) being done at the time of the sleep attack. Operating a vehicle with untreated narcolepsy can be extremely dangerous for you and others around you. There is also the cataplexy aspect of narcolepsy which can cause serious danger such as car accidents if you have a cataplexy attack while driving.
4. Is Narcolepsy the same as Epilepsy?
Narcolepsy can come with the symptom Cataplexy which some people mistake for seizures. Epilepsy is a disorder in which a person has seizures. When a person with narcolepsy and cataplexy has a cataplectic attack it may seem as though they are having a seizure; but it is actually just muscle loss in which the body is paralyzed. Cataplexy causes NO internal brain damage that seizures can cause. Narcolepsy is totally different than epilepsy even though it may seem similar.
5. Do people with narcolepsy have trouble sleeping at night?
People with narcolepsy are known for being very sleepy during the day. Although, it is not uncommon for people with narcolepsy to have trouble sleeping at night. I speak from personal experience when I say, narcolepsy has caused me many difficulties during the day and at night.
6. Are you born with narcolepsy?
People are not born with narcolepsy. In most cases, symptoms become apparent during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. However there are cases where children as young as 3 have been diagnosed.
7. Am I alone?
The first thing to know is that you are never alone. Even if your family isn't there to support you, there are many people in the world who have narcolepsy. Some may live near you, others on the other side of the planet. But the most important thing to realize is that you are never alone. There are people who raise awareness about narcolepsy, who believe it is a condition that needs to be known throughout the world. My personal inspiration to let people know about my condition is the one and only Julie Flygare. She herself has narcolepsy and although at times it can be frustrating and difficult I live in peace with myself because of the awareness she raises about narcolepsy. I give a shout out to Julie for all the work she has done for all of us sleepers across the world. She and many others give me hope.
I hope that this helps answer some of your questions.
Sunday, 11 November 2018
Someone New
A few weeks ago, I found out that another student has Narcolepsy and Cataplexy. I was so excited seeing as Narcolepsy is rare in children (most children with Narcolepsy don't live near me).
When I found out that there was another kid who has Narcolepsy I had to know more. I found out that he lives near me which is AMAZING because I can't believe I found another kid with Narcolepsy let alone one who lives near me. It gets better. He's my age; can you believe it!
I'm just so excited to meet him. I bet we'll have lots in common besides if not, I'm sure we'll have at least one thing in common.
He lives in the city where I'll be going to high school so it would be amazing if we got to go to high school together. Having a friend who's my age and who has Narcolepsy gives me hope that I'm not alone. That others like me are out there.
I can't wait to meet him.
When I found out that there was another kid who has Narcolepsy I had to know more. I found out that he lives near me which is AMAZING because I can't believe I found another kid with Narcolepsy let alone one who lives near me. It gets better. He's my age; can you believe it!
I'm just so excited to meet him. I bet we'll have lots in common besides if not, I'm sure we'll have at least one thing in common.
He lives in the city where I'll be going to high school so it would be amazing if we got to go to high school together. Having a friend who's my age and who has Narcolepsy gives me hope that I'm not alone. That others like me are out there.
I can't wait to meet him.
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