Hello my name is Grace, I am 31 years old diagnosed with Narcolepsy and Cataplexy in November 2013.
Before this weird and wonderful journey began I envied people who could nod off at the drop of a hat during a long coach journey or throughout a rather dull story.
I soon learned that this illness is so much more than the ability to have a satisfying kip on demand. In the past few years I have fallen asleep on the back of a moped, during the 100 metre sprint at the Olympic Games, during conversations with friends and have been asked to leave from a pub due to looking drunk after laughing at a joke and fallen to the floor after being surprised to see a friend in Tesco’s.
I would never want to make light of the impact that Narcolepsy and Cataplexy have on peoples lives; it is a debilitating illness. However for me I, almost immediately, made the decision that I was not going to let the condition control my life or stop me from fulfilling some of the brave (stupid?) dreams and goals that I had – and still have.
In September 2014 I left the UK and headed abroad to travel and volunteer in India, Nepal and South East Asia working with vulnerable individuals. I have no idea what will happen during those 12 months, or how I will cope, and perhaps a year abroad (with limited access to good chemists who stock the necessary medication) is over zealous (I hasten to put the word stupid again in brackets). However I am determined to give it a go and see where my next adventure takes me?There is one thing I know for certain…I’ll come back with some truly entertaining stories.
If it wasn’t for my incredible friends and supportive family, I’m not sure I would have such a positive outlook on what others with the same condition have described as a restrictive, and sadly depressing way of life. In return, I regularly entertain the people I love with the most with my embarrassing stories, and have become somewhat of a crowd pleaser.
From rude awakenings by cantankerous train conductors at the end of the Jubilee line (after what should have been a two-stop journey) to a close encounter in a pool that nearly resulted in me drowning (but what a great party!) living with Narcolepsy and Cataplexy has been irritating, frustrating, embarrassing and dangerous. However, it has also been comical, entertaining, a great ice breaker and one hell of an adventure. I find myself continuously explaining my idiosyncrasies and I am often misunderstood but, in short, this has become an integral part of who I am. Would I change it if I could? Most definitely. But it sure makes dinner parties a damn sight more interesting.
ABOUT MY BLOG
The aim of my blog is to share my adventures and the ups and downs of having Narcolepsy and Cataplexy. I want to share my stories with as many people as possible to show that what ever obstacles maybe in your path you can still achieve your dreams.
Wishing you safe and memorable travels, Grace. Beverly – a friend of your mum’s – who visited Nepal last November x
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Thanks Beverly. I am in India at the moment and off to Nepal in December, very excited x
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Love you !! Hope we see each other again!! Giada ❤
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