Saturday, April 20, 2013

Ebaying my narcolepsy...

Just a bit of fun to raise a little awareness. Feel free to share via Facebook, Twitter (#narcolepsy) etc if you like it :) I've relisted with the latest link here.  The last listing had over 120 views, can we get more this time round?

Listing reads....


                                     

One genuine neurological condition in
excellent working order
**Strictly no returns**
I seem to have collected a few conditions over the years, so thought it was time for a clear out. This listing is for one genuine neurological condition called Narcolepsy (pet names Sleepy, Narc, Narco and big old pain in the arse). Ideal for all those insomniac types who have repeatedly stated on twitter that they would like this condition (*see disclaimer at the bottom of this listing). Here's your opportunity! Difficulties in dropping off would be a thing of the past with this dreamy disorder, with the ability to sleep pretty much anywhere. The controls are a little damaged, perhaps suiting a neurologist or mad scientist type who might be able to fix it up? I only mention because I like my listings to be completely honest :)

Buyer to collect. Sorry, I'm unable to offer delivery as my licence has been suspended on medical grounds, plus I'd probably be sleeping anyway!

Small print - please read
This condition may adversely affect everyday functioning and cause major disruption to life, with some individuals being classified medically unfit to work or drive. Buyer is likely to experience severe headaches, migraines and feelings of continued extreme exhaustion, whilst spending a great deal of time walking around in a fuzzy haze wondering what the hell is going on. They are also likely to experience some crazy shit in the form of hallucinations, night terrors, nightmares and sleep paralysis; with nasty, costly medication required for the entire length of life (if you can afford it that is). Buyer should also be aware that the general public are not very well educated about the condition and its implications, with a tendency to view it solely as a sleeping condition that warrants comparison to their own experiences of mild, sleeping problems.  Buyer is therefore likely to encounter varying attitudes including... sympathy (because they've also had a poor nights sleep recently and therefore 'understand' how it feels), confusion (because they've had poor nights sleep in the past and still able to function, so why can't you) or comedy (because they've seen some guy on the telly repeatedly fall asleep at funny, inappropriate times). All of which may result in feelings of frustration, leading the buyer hide symptoms out of embarrassment and fear of judgement. The buyer needs to be aware that this has the potential to cause depression and affect everything about their life.

Feel free to share this listing link via facebook, twitter (#narcolepsy) etc. 
The more people that read it, the greater the opportunity to change some misperceptions :-) 


Narcolepsy Awareness - just doing my bit
*Please note that I'm not mocking all insomniacs, only the stupidly naïve ones who I suspect don't actually know what true insomnia is and repeatedly state on twitter that they would like Narcolepsy.


7 comments:

  1. Bwahaha! This is so true! And such a great idea. Hope you don't mind that I shared this on FB, linking back to you of course. What a great way to raise awareness I am always trying to find a way to do so, sad that post don't really seem to interested. My husband also has a condition that often goes misunderstood. He has psoriasis which is an autoimmune disease but most people mistake it for a skin condition. I always say people are brought together for a reason. I was diagnosed after our 3rd year together and he had already been living with Psoriasis. What a way for me to gain a little insight and understanding of what he went through for so long, and still does.

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    1. Oh yes...please share as much as you want. Every little helps, as Mr Tesco's would say!

      I have to admit that I was one of those who thought Psoriasis was a skin condition. I've now been to Wikipedia and educated myself :) I'm sure you're familiar with the likes of Rare Disease UK & NORD - actually that said, where do you live?! As they may not be relevant to you.

      I'm a little concerned about the cycle of public perception and its implications upon sufferers behaviour. I believe there is a link between the too and would love to see some research (or better still be part of some research! Can't take the sociologist outta the girl!) into this area. Poor public awareness can prevent people from discussing conditions, yet it seems that this is needed to change public perception in the first place. I truly believe that wording is everything. Narcolepsy that is open regarded as a sleeping disorder & Psoriasis as a skin condition, is misleading. If they were referred to by their cause (neurological & autoimmune) then public perception of them might change. That's my theory anyway!! Jeez I need to learn to shorten my replies!! Thanks for commenting and supporting the blog.

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  2. My replies can get lengthy at times as well! lol. I live in the US.,Arizona to be exact. Whats even more astonishing, is that I have read blogs and articles, threads etc of narcoleptics that have themselves referred to it as a sleep condition. Very surprising

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  4. I wonder if it's doctors who are using this terminology, which is trickling down to patients? My sleep specialist (who sadly passed away 7 years ago) always referred to it as neurological, but then he was a qualified neurologist with an interest in sleep medicine. Boy was I spoilt under his care...he not only had high standards of patient care, but was leading much research and a international authority on many neurology conditions. A lovely man whose greatly missed. Anyway (sorry went off in a tangent then!), it would be interesting to find out how people diagnosed with narcolepsy perceive the condition and their reasons for doing so.

    Thanks for commenting :-)

    PS Removed my last comment as it had tons of spelling mistakes in it!

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  5. How and where can I share this? How do I link it back to you?

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    1. Hi Kimmery. Oops...I'd re-listed the auction, but forgotten to update the link in the post - damn memory! The right link is now live, so just use that if you want :-) No idea how to back link. I wouldn't worry about it!!

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