Customer Reviews

Narcolepsy: A Funny Disorder That's No Laughing Matter

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This small book is a must read for both the victim of the disorder and the professionals who treat it. A narcoleptic herself, Utley writes about situations and cases that all of us who suffer with narcolepsy will identify with over and over. She discusses symptoms, medications and their effectiveness and side-effects; the psychological effect of dealing with narcolepsy; how the family can help the victim and how important it is to have loving support; how to deal with both scary- and ever-present episodes of catalepsy, the muscle-weakness that accompanies narcolepsy, and the problems that can ruin any kind of social life. One result of reading the book is that the narcoleptic will be able to say, "Ohmigosh, I didn't realize other people experienced this," or "I didn't know THAT was part of the disorder; why, I've been doing that for years!"

The shortcoming in Utley's work is her failure to explain exactly how catalepsy affects various people...she talks about it only in vague generalities -- surprising for someone who invested so much time in spelling out the rest of the circumstances surrounding the average narcoleptic's life.

Although this book is biographical in content, it is marvelously reassuring to anyone diagnosed with Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is indeed no laughing matter, but Ms. Utley does her best to make the reader see the humor and humanity in living with a medical condition that is viciously difficult to explain to those not afflicted.<P>Narcolepsy is a rare disorder of REM sleep, and connecting with others who have the disorder is very difficult. The author's style is insightful and compassionate and enables the reader to connect with a knowledgable member of a very sparse group.

No one can possibly understand another Narcoleptic like one. Most people don't even tell the doctor alot of the symptoms for fear they will be locked away, considered nuts. Ms. Utley is honest and frank. She has a compassion and ability to touch your very soul. I Thank God every day for her and her book. This is a must read and must have book.

Utley's book is a tremendous help to those who need to know more about this disorder.

She's great in interjecting humor, while at the same time showing empathy for others.

The only drawback is that she doesn't explore treatments for all the symptoms (such as hypnagogic hallucinations). If she didn't personally seek treatment for a symptom, she doesn't really list treatment options.

It would be helpful if in a future addition, she would share stories from others as well.

If you have the disorder or love someone who does, read this. It does not advocate using narcolepsy as an excuse for not living--it tells you how to live with narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a hard disorder to live with and this book really helped. It helped me to understand some symptons that I had that I did not relate to narcolepsy. It also was great to know that I am not the only one that experiences some of the things that I do. A really good book and source of knowledge. I gave it to my doctor to read.

The author has narcolepsy and explains the disorder from her personal experiences.

Well organized and insightful. For a narcoleptic, a family member of a narcoleptic, or someone who is providing care to narcoleptics, this work is a MUST READ.

Narcolepsy is a broad spectrum of symptoms. A narcoleptic may have some or all of these symptoms. The author covers these symptoms well but focuses on the worst: cataplexy.

Cataplexy is extreamly disabling in its worst form. The author has severe cataplexy and that sets the tone to this work.

The reader must learn to identify with the author's experiences and resist the temptation to compare all narcoleptics' experiences with the author's.

After reading this book I was better able to understand why I go through what I do. Being a person with narcolepsy I applaud Ms. Utley for being able to tell her story and tell it with medical facts, truth, humor, grace and style. It is a must read for patients and their families.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is newly diagnosed, both for their own reading and to educate family members, friends, and employers. This book is a detailed personal account of narcolepsy and cataplexy, explaining in plain English how the disease functions. I have loaned my copy out to many people, and may also purchase a copy for my local library. This is an excellent introduction to narcolepsy, explaining the basics and validating your experience so you know that you're not going crazy. Buy this book!

My sleep doctor gave me this book on my first visit, he keeps several copies in his office. That on it's own states it must be a good book to read. I read this book in one night! There were so many things about Narcolepsy that I didn't know and what makes it easy, informative and sometimes funny to read are the stories written by a narcoleptic about being diagnosed, each step of acceptance, each main symptom and how she has continued living her life with this illness. Kinda outdated but very informative for newly diagnosed patients or even the family members so they can get an idea of what you are going through w/out them quizzing you everytime you talk to them!

I wish I'd found this book sooner! In her book, Narcolepsy: A Funny Disorder That's No Laughing Matter, M.J. Utley gives a very candid & helpful overview of narcolepsy: the common symptoms, types of medications, typical experiences, etc. Relying on the professional expertise of doctors & specialists, the author writes in a very easy to read, "down-to-earth" way, while providing the reader with a practical vocabulary & a general familiarity with the disease. As a person with narcolepsy myself, I continue to find her book the first resource to which I turn, when trying to help others understand this disorder. Searching for a greater insight into narcolepsy? Trying to come to terms with your own diagnosis? Looking for a way to understand or support a loved one living with narcolepsy? This book is a great place to begin.