Fear of Misdiagnosis

[Starfish_]

I have recently been diagnosed with narcolepsy type 2 (without cataplaxy) but I dont exhibit several of the symptoms. I had a sleep study done and it showed I entered REM in 15 minutes or whatever which is indicative of narcolepsy and I have intense daytime fatigue but thats it. I've never had a sleep attack before? Sometimes I'll get really really tired all of a sudden but I've never fallen asleep.

Im trying modafinil (100mg and going up to 200 right now) but it doesn't seem to be helping. I'm worried I have a different issue thats the real cause and by not addressing it Im doing permanent damage to my body/brain. I realize this is irrational and probably just my anxiety, but my fatigue has been a problem for almost a year and I feel no closer to fixing it than I did then. It's very disheartening.

Also Im stressed and anxious because classes start up again next week and I dont know how Im going to get through them. I have so little energy and it feels like it only gets worse over time. I cant function like this for the rest of my life, I literally cannot get through a 9 hour work day. Im just scared.

[Catsamaze]

Hi Starfish. I sure hear you about the fatigue. For me it’s not constant but hits me like some kind of attack....all of a sudden. It’s not being tired. It’s not fatigue. It is exhaustion raised to the 10th power. It’s so bad it actually HURTS! It may be my insomnia but no one has been able to fix it. Sorry you are having to deal with it. As for narcolepsy I had it about 15 years ago and had no idea I did. Other people told me I did. Turns out it was because of a medication I was taking (Geodon). If you’re not comfortable with the diagnosis don’t be shy about getting a second opinion....