multiple diagnosis - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Cricket03 · 11-17-2003, 08:46 PM

I'm new here, so please bear with me. I wasn't sure which forum to post on, so I just pick one.

I have been diagnosed (over serveral years time) with all of the following:
hypothyroidism
Mitral Valve Prolapse with dysautonomia
Fibromyalgia
Slight Hyatial Hernia
Slight G.E.R.D.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Narcolepsy

I am mid-40's and female. I have been trying to work (a desk job), but back in January I had my Gall Bladder removed and have since been diagnosed with the last 4 problems. Some of these I probably have had for a while, but just finally found out what was wrong.

Sorry this is so long, but it's a long story. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else has this same set of problems? And if anyone thinks I might could draw diablity? I would rather work if I can.

I am currently working and have been at the same place for 2 years, but it looks like it is going to close. I don't know whether to look for another job or see about disablity.

Wondering what to do..

Angel77 · 11-29-2003, 04:22 PM

I feel ya. I have narcolepsy, hypothyroid and severe depression. The chronic fatigue symptoms may be related to the narco, and the irratable bowel to your gallbladder being removed. I had mine out almost 2 yrs ago and sometimes after eating I get gas pains that floor me and have to hit the bathroom!!! lol The hernia and GERD are probably related. Are you by chance overweight? I am, and since I gained weight I've had probs with heartburn. Sleep apnea also gets worse with weight gain. Are you being treated for narco? and if so with what?

Cricket03 · 12-02-2003, 09:01 PM

Yes, I am overweight. I tried to go on the Adkins diet and it seemed to work for a little while, and then I started having all kinds of problems. It's been a tough year! EVery time I think I'm about to get better from one ailment, I seem to be attacked by another!
Anyway, yes, I take Provigil, 200 mg for Nacolepsy. I've been taking it for about 1 month. It seems to help, but it's not quite enough or something. I was s'pose to see my sleep doc. today but he had an emergency and now by appointment has been post poned 'til January. I know one thing, though, you better have good insurance that pays for your meds or it will eat a whole in your pocket! I just got refilled today, $240.00 for 40 tabs!!!
Hope this helps. Thanks.

Angel77 · 01-06-2004, 10:09 PM

Hey Cricket, ya still out there?? I clicked on your post and was a little shocked that I responded!! A little slow with the narcolepsy!! LOL But just wonderin' how ya are holding up. Let me know...hope you're still out there.

Cricket03 · 01-19-2004, 07:31 PM

Hi Angel, yes I'm still around. I had a little trouble getting logged in. Anyway, my sleep doc said to increase my dose of Provigil by 100mg and to take it in the afternoon. I'm sure how this is going to help me in the mornings, tho. My husband has to drive me to work because I'm soo sleepy in early am. We have to leave home by 6:15 a.m. to get to work at 7. It's a good thing our work is close together. Anyhow, last week, right after seeing my sleep doc. I developed inner ear problems! So, now I take Provigil to stay awake and Antivert to help with the dizziness - which makes me sleepy!

go figure. The inner ear thing is slowly getting better - I think. Still having a tough time getting my strength back from all I've been through in the last year. Maybe someday, it'll get better!
Thanks for listening.