Sleep/fatigue attack after eating
Hello, I am new in here. I am thankful and beyond relieved to find this community!
So I have experienced some sleep attack/fainted/unconscious, or maybe cataplexy, after eating any kind of meal for a couple of months. The cataplexy can last to 5 min - 1hr, depends on how much I ate. I went to some doctors and undergo some test, and my neurologist finally says that I might get sleep disorder. But it's rare to find a sleep doctor in my country, I am in one of South East Asia country. Rinally I got one, after my neurogist found one. When I consult to the sleep doctor, he first diagnosed me with narcolepsy. However he said that the usual sign of narcolepsy sleep attack only happen when one experience a heightened feeling/emotions, not after eating. But indeed the doctor still make a preliminary diagnosis of narcolepsy for me, because the other symptoms fit (sleep paralysis, cataplexy, hard to fall asleep/stay asleep). Then I'm going to have a sleep test for a couple of week from now. I just wonder, does you or anyone here experiencing the same sleep attack? That happened only after eating. I just don't want to misdiagnosed with the doctor. Of course the doctor is the expert, however how can I raise my concern to a doctor?
Hi
. Welcome to the community. As you can see from 's response, we have some very supportive people here. I am glad you were finally able to get an appointment with a neurologist and that you will be having a sleep study. The sleep study should provide some more clues. It does sound like you have all the symptoms of narcolepsy. I hope you can get on a treatment plan that helps. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Keep us updated if you don't mind. We'll be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) hi Lori just want to give you an update that I got my sleep test and diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy. My cataplexy happened after eating or when I'm getting hungry, and also after pooping. My doctor still unsure why my cataplexy is kinda different, however all the results indicate that this is narcolepsy type one. Maybe this type of cataplexy is triggered by time. However my condition considered quite controllable since I can expect my narcolepsy+cataplexy episode and I only prescribed stimulant (methylpenidate) that I can consume only when needed (on certain occasion). Now I'm trying to make lifestyle and work adjustment... I'm thankful that this forum and the website has many practical resources and stories to navigate our life with narcolepsy. Thanks for the update,
. Though I wouldn't wish a narcolepsy diagnosis on anyone, I am glad you finally know for sure what you are dealing with and that you are getting treatment. Yours is certainly an unusual case, but maybe you will find others here with the same triggers over time. Warmest of wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I have both Narcolepsy & Cataplexy. There are several things that trigger Cataplexy in me…food, heat, & certain medications. I also have a hard time staying asleep when I go to bed. I also have sleep paralysis, sleep apnea, & chronic pain. I hope that your Narcolepsy becomes more manageable. It’s difficult to live with, for sure. I got diagnosed with both Narcolepsy & Cataplexy when I was 33 years old. I was only able to continue working until I was 41 years old.
thank you for sharing, Marina. I see, so it's possible to have several or different trigger... I am sorry for what you've been through. Wish you are well now. Currently my symptom is quite managable, although I'm not sure.
