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Sabrem

New member
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
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Reason
Learn about ALS
Country
AUS
State
Queensland
City
Brisbane
Hey everyone,

My name is Brenton (Sabs is a nickname) and I am a 23 year old, Narcoleptic med student. I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy last year almost by accident while seeing a neurologist about my other "weird" symptoms. My journey started a year and a half ago and a lot of doctors dismissed my concerns as a "virus", depression or anxiety. Now, the neuro is looking at ALS.

Wellll.. I have to say I have never been one to get sick very often, and I certainly know what I virus is and how they work! I am also far from depressive and not particularly anxious either. Being progressively unwell for almost two years has taught me many things, including how to take joy out of the small things in life. I am, in general, a far happier person than I was 2 years ago.

I study medicine at a good university here in Queensland. I LOVE medicine, it is one of my passions. I am quite into social justice - I'd say I would like to one day go into politics, but I know even the cleanest come out dirty! Ironically, I always wanted to be a Neurologist. The brain fascinates me to no end - the nervous system is phenomenal. Right now, I am struggling to get 3-4 hours out of my days, and to walk more than 20 metres without sitting down for a long rest. Stairs are also a bit of an obstacle... but.. I could go on forever about symptoms. I LOVE violin. I teach only 3 students (more than enough for me right now), but I love teaching.

Right now I have a good medical team looking after me (finally), with a great general practitioner and two amazing specialists (sleep physician and a neuro). I am waiting for an MRI, an NCS and then the dreaded EMG. To tell the truth (and this may sound terrible to many people) I do not fear what the diagnosis is, only that I will not yet get an answer. Being in limbo is torture for me, not only because of the uncertainty in the future, but also because I am very hard on myself and will not give up on my dreams easily. A diagnosis may mean taking a different path in life, fulfilling different dreams... but I need to know my direction before a pick a path.

I have an amazing family. My partner, Mike, is the most supportive guy in the world. My mum would do anything for me, of course! I have an older brother and a younger sister (she's like a twin to me). I then also have two very young siblings... they are a constant source of joy in my life! They are growing up so fast!

Anyway... this is a bit of a long hello! I just thought I would tell everyone a little bit about me. This seems like a great community, with wonderful, supportive people.
 
Welcome to the forum, sorry you have a reason to be here.

Let us know if there is anything we can do for you! So far it sounds like you have a wonderful attitude towards your problems.
 
Ahaha thanks for the welcome Joel!

Yeah, I usually do... I do have my moments though, as everyone here is familiar with I'm sure!
 
Hi Brenton,
I have an aunt with narcelpsy wwho just turned 75. I hope that is all you have. She takes ritalin to help her stay awake. Med school is no easy task, so I am glad you have such a strong family connection and medical team. I am fairly new to the page, i have MS and my husband has PLS. I have been to Queensland! It is beautiful.
I am a Canuck, Sandra :0)
 
Welcome Brenton,

(from another aussie)

There a few of us here, some waiting for a diagnosed, some unfortunatly have a diagnosed.

It is a great place, lots of answers for your questions etc.

Yes ,not knowing is the hardest thing, when you do know then you can plan things.


cheers
Peter
 
Hi Brenton. I hope things are going well for you. I am not narcoleptic but I do have daytime sleepiness most of the time. The medicine Provigil has really helped me. There is also a new variant called Nuvigil that works as well. If fighter pilots use it, it's good enough for me!
 
Hi Brenton,

I'm pretty new myself, but welcome!

I live in the U.S., state of Arizona, but have an online friend in Queensland who has shown me some beautiful pics.

It does sound like you have a great support group with Mike and a nice family.8) Yep, your'e right! Moms will do anything and everything for their sons, and however much you think she may love you, just multiply that by 100 billion trillion zillion, then add 10, and you're closer to JUST how much...:grin:

I've wanted to be a doctor ever since I was five, so it's great you're in med school. Do you think you want to specialize in neurology?

I know you'll keep us updated, and whatever the diagnosis is, everything will be alright. Things have a way of working out, but I do understand waiting is hard.

I'll check back soon and hope you have a good week!

Lisa in AZ
 
Hi
My name is Dustan.Im a 35yrd old m with ALS DX 2007.Im from PA
 
hi brenton welcome , i hope it turnes out you do not have als .. thats it is just a scare for you ... either way everyone on thos form are great people and will help any way they can
 
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