A Narcolepsy story

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My daughter was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy at age 5. She is now 11 years of age. The first symptoms Presented out of no where. It became very alarming and scary. I was desperate and the school call me every day to say that she looked lethargic, tire and that they were concern. I was also concerned and scare.  Before my daughter's diagnosis I didn't know anyone who had this condition. I took her to the ER multiple times and they kept telling me that she was fine but I knew she wasn't. I took her to her pediatrician and she told me that my daughter was depress and told her that my daughter was not depress. The doctor insisted however, I knew that she was wrong. I called the Children Hospital of Philadelphia. They saw her and immediately performed a couple of sleep studies. The specialist diagnosed her and my daughter became one of the first pediatric cases with the condition to be treated at CHOP. I am thankful that she was diagnosed and since then she has been taking medication during the day to keep her awake and to control her cataplexy. She also takes medication at night to help her sleep. It has been hard to see my daughter struggle with this condition however, she has a fantastic team of doctors and a supportive family.