James' narcolepsy service dog
Donation protected
New Hope Assistance Dogs Inc
For years I struggled with fatigue and exhaustion. Over the years my symptoms would come and go with varying degrees of magnitude. I would make frequent visits to the doctor for testing with no conclusion. I was labeled as lazy, depressed, angry, and anxious. It was told it was in my head. My school performance dropped and I barely passed high school. I didn't pursue college and went right into the work force. For years I continued a cycle of going on and off anti-depressants and anxiety medication with no change.
When I was 27 I became determined to find answers. Over the next 2 years I visited every specialist and took every test I could. The results were always the same, no conclusion. I underwent 4 nasal surgeries to "improve" my sleep with no success. My life was a wreck. I could not focus, I was irritable all of the time, and I had zero energy, and became depressed. All of this greatly effected my wife and kids.
Fast forward to present day. I have been seeing a pulmonary specialist, gastroenterology specialist, and many more. Four sleep studies, one colonoscopy, 2 hospital stays, 4 surgeries, and numerous vials of blood later I have answers. I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and hypersomnolence/narcolepsy.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's is a chronic disease this means that I experience periods when the disease flares up and causes symptoms, followed by periods of remission. Crohn's causes ulcers, fissures, and tears in the GI tract. A feeling of low energy and fatigue are common. It also causes me to have absorption issues. I can become low in Iron, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B which worsen my symptoms. A regulated diet of no fruit, no nuts, and only cooked vegetables helps alleviate the symptoms.
Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that involves poor control of sleep-wake cycles. It also greatly affects daily activities. I experience periods of extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden, irresistible bouts of sleep that can strike at any time. I unwillingly fall asleep while at work, in meetings, and most dangerously, when driving. Excessive daytime sleepiness interferes with my normal activities on a daily basis, whether or not there has been sufficient sleep at night. It as a persistent sense of mental cloudiness, a lack of energy, a depressed mood, and extreme exhaustion. I also experience memory lapses, and have great difficulty maintaining concentration while at work.
A side effect of EDS is "micro-sleeps". This is an automatic behavior that involves performing tasks during a short period of sleep. During these episodes I can engaged in habitual, essentially “second nature” activities such as taking notes, typing, or driving. I misplace and store items in bizarre locations and then forget where I placed them. I can not remember what I did or was doing after these events.
Present day:
There are no cures for these issues only treatments. My doctor prescribed a class 3 stimulant called Nuvigil. I have also modified my diet. A service dog would greatly improve my life. He would allow me to continue to work, drive safely, and remind me to take my medication and exercise regularly. He would wake me up in the morning with my alarm and ensure I get out to bed and go to work. He would monitor me and provide assistance if I would fall asleep somewhere unsafe. He would allow me to have a normal life again. I would be able work and stay off of disability so I can provide for my family. Please consider donating to this cause.
For years I struggled with fatigue and exhaustion. Over the years my symptoms would come and go with varying degrees of magnitude. I would make frequent visits to the doctor for testing with no conclusion. I was labeled as lazy, depressed, angry, and anxious. It was told it was in my head. My school performance dropped and I barely passed high school. I didn't pursue college and went right into the work force. For years I continued a cycle of going on and off anti-depressants and anxiety medication with no change.
When I was 27 I became determined to find answers. Over the next 2 years I visited every specialist and took every test I could. The results were always the same, no conclusion. I underwent 4 nasal surgeries to "improve" my sleep with no success. My life was a wreck. I could not focus, I was irritable all of the time, and I had zero energy, and became depressed. All of this greatly effected my wife and kids.
Fast forward to present day. I have been seeing a pulmonary specialist, gastroenterology specialist, and many more. Four sleep studies, one colonoscopy, 2 hospital stays, 4 surgeries, and numerous vials of blood later I have answers. I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and hypersomnolence/narcolepsy.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's is a chronic disease this means that I experience periods when the disease flares up and causes symptoms, followed by periods of remission. Crohn's causes ulcers, fissures, and tears in the GI tract. A feeling of low energy and fatigue are common. It also causes me to have absorption issues. I can become low in Iron, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B which worsen my symptoms. A regulated diet of no fruit, no nuts, and only cooked vegetables helps alleviate the symptoms.
Narcolepsy is a chronic brain disorder that involves poor control of sleep-wake cycles. It also greatly affects daily activities. I experience periods of extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden, irresistible bouts of sleep that can strike at any time. I unwillingly fall asleep while at work, in meetings, and most dangerously, when driving. Excessive daytime sleepiness interferes with my normal activities on a daily basis, whether or not there has been sufficient sleep at night. It as a persistent sense of mental cloudiness, a lack of energy, a depressed mood, and extreme exhaustion. I also experience memory lapses, and have great difficulty maintaining concentration while at work.
A side effect of EDS is "micro-sleeps". This is an automatic behavior that involves performing tasks during a short period of sleep. During these episodes I can engaged in habitual, essentially “second nature” activities such as taking notes, typing, or driving. I misplace and store items in bizarre locations and then forget where I placed them. I can not remember what I did or was doing after these events.
Present day:
There are no cures for these issues only treatments. My doctor prescribed a class 3 stimulant called Nuvigil. I have also modified my diet. A service dog would greatly improve my life. He would allow me to continue to work, drive safely, and remind me to take my medication and exercise regularly. He would wake me up in the morning with my alarm and ensure I get out to bed and go to work. He would monitor me and provide assistance if I would fall asleep somewhere unsafe. He would allow me to have a normal life again. I would be able work and stay off of disability so I can provide for my family. Please consider donating to this cause.
Organizer
James Dansereau
Organizer
Lancaster, PA