narcolepsy Archives — Nomad Narcolepsy

01Feb 2019 by Kayla No Comments

Tell me how you take time to love yourself!

Narcolepsy

Write down the five things that are most important to you in the whole world. I'll wait a moment while you do that…. If you are anything like me, your list may include values like independence or peace; it may consist of goals or aspirations, or people like your family or friends. But tell me, are YOU on that list? (more…)

12Dec 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Breaking up with Keto – Stopping the Ketogenic Diet

Mindset, Personal Story

So, I've got a theory about stopping the ketogenic diet. It is a theory that I am ready to test out; my mind is more powerful than my body. You see, my whole life I've worked to try to fix my body, trying to do things to it to make it better, to change it. For as long as I can remember, I have fought with my body. Today I've decided to surrender. Narcolepsy My parents and I searched for something to explain my insurmountable sleepiness and lack of energy. When I was about 13 years old, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that disturbs the sleep-wake cycle. But little did I know, its more than just feeling sleepy. I took that diagnosis and wrapped it…

31Oct 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Scared of the Dark: The Narcolepsy Symptoms That Nobody Talks About

Narcolepsy, Personal Story

One night around age eight, I was lying in bed thinking of the fun I had had that day with my family. I opened my eyes slowly to see a huge, hairy, manlike monster hovering above me on the ceiling. His appendages stuck to the plaster effortlessly, like a giant spider, and I could see his gigantic teeth waiting to sink into my flesh. I was completely paralyzed. So much that I couldn’t even scream. I lay there on my Care Bear sheets, trapped in my own body, unable to even clench my fists, or turn my head away from the terrifying sight above me. He dropped onto my chest, and I could feel the enormous pressure of his weight. The next thing I knew, it was morning. As a…

12Oct 2018 by Kayla 4 Comments

Digital Nomad or Hobo – Which label fits?

Mindset, Narcolepsy, Personal Story

Am I a digital nomad or hobo? The label of "Digital Nomad" generally calls up images of social media influencers, relaxing on the beach, posting pictures that make everyone jealous. While I do enjoy sharing my travel experiences, I am not quite on that level. But am I a hobo? I am an English teacher who just happens to work online. I use that advantage to travel as much as possible. But how did I get here? Was it a choice? Which phrase fits, digital nomad or hobo? (more…)

01Oct 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Accepting Narcolepsy

Mindset, Narcolepsy

I believe I have tried almost everything available to treat narcolepsy. I have a strong desire to feel better. Like many people with narcolepsy, I am not lazy. I am actually overly ambitious and often do more than my body can handle and later face the consequences. I think I have worked pretty hard to feel as good as I feel now, but I always desire to feel better. (more…)

13Sep 2018 by Kayla No Comments

People First Language Matters

Narcolepsy

Have you ever been called names? Have you heard someone describe you in a way that didn’t sit well with you? Your first instinct may have been to go back to the schoolyard saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Unfortunately, that is not true. (more…)

22Jun 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Healthcare in Auxiliar Program Spain

Narcolepsy, Personal Story, Travel

In 2014 I applied for the Ministries of Spain Auxiliares program on a whim. I was also considering teaching in Asia for programs like EPIK and HESS. I had promised myself I was going wherever I got an offer first because I had to get out of the USA. The day the email came telling me I had a position in Spain I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be living in Ibiza! Everything happened pretty quickly since I got my carta mid-summer. I had to quit my full-time job, sell all my furniture, get the Spanish student visa in Chicago, and physically move to Spain! But of course, there were some worries. I had no idea what healthcare in Spain would be like. As a person with Narcolepsy,…

06Jun 2018 by Kayla 1 Comment

5 Things You Can Do NOW to Manage Narcolepsy

Lifestyle, Narcolepsy

Can Narcolepsy be cured? Of course we know at this point, that is not possible. But there are so many different narcolepsy treatments available, we don't have to give up. Everyone has to find the narcolepsy treatment options that work for them! Some people choose to treat narcolepsy naturally. There are ways for us to mitigate our symptoms without taking narcolepsy medication. We want to beat the brain fog, fight fatigue, and take back control over how we feel. This list is about short-term goals! Try one or more of them NOW! (more…)

22Mar 2018 by Kayla No Comments

Yoga for Narcolepsy

Lifestyle, Mindset

Using yoga for narcolepsy is more feasible for me than other exercise regiments. Some days I feel so low I just want to lay down on the floor. It’s not just to have a nap, although sometimes I need that too! I used to think this was just a sign I was depressed, but now I see it as a message from my body. (more…)

21Mar 2018 by Kayla 2 Comments

Do You Use Mindfulness for Narcolepsy?

Mindset

An elderly Myanmar man was dangling his parasol from one finger while he placed his hands on his back and swiveled his hips in a circle, stretching. I felt myself smiling. Another middle-aged couple was barefoot in the grass performing some exercises together in the morning breeze. Young boys on bicycles whizzed by and plenty of locals were relaxing by the water on shaded benches. Loving Myanmar Today I set out on a walk having no idea where I wanted to go. It was early and I wanted to take advantage of some cool air before the sun burned through the haze and turned the sidewalk into a human frying pan. I set out around the lake, focused on my breath, and tried to let the thoughts that entered my…