Samantha Hammett, 25
My Story: Coping with education

At the age of 16, I began falling asleep in class, experiencing uncontrollable periods of fatigue, muscle weakness in my knees when I laughed, and vivid dreams. I was studying for my GCSE’s at the time, and teachers seemed to dismiss my tiredness during lessons as a lack of motivation. Nevertheless, I was getting high grades and I knew I had the ability to continue on to A-Level.

After sitting my GSCE exams in the summer of 1999, I left school with the full intention of returning to the sixth form in September. However, whilst awaiting my results my parents were sent a letter to explain that regardless of my exam results I would not be accepted back as they felt I was not a good role model for other students. A few weeks later I learnt I’d passed all my exams, so applied to a different school closer to home where I went on to study A-Levels.

By this point the fatigue had worsened significantly and living close by to the school meant I would often pop back for naps in my free periods or lunch breaks and fail to return to lessons later that day.

Having had two elder brothers fly successfully through GSCE, A-Level and then
University, I felt strongly that I wanted to do the same. I had ambitions of a career but I was desperately struggling with the demands of coursework and I wasn’t coping. It was so frustrating to actually want to do the work, know that I was capable, but not have the stamina to keep delivering essays or concentrate on the information I needed to learn. Teachers thought I was lazy and uninterested and part of me began to believe them. I doubted my own abilities and accepted that I just couldn’t do it.

At this point I knew something didn’t feel right medically, but I put up with the symptoms not considering it could be something as serious as narcolepsy.
I dropped out of A-Levels and felt lost, not sure exactly where I should go from there. I was desperately upset that I hadn’t been able to achieve the qualifications that I’d always wanted to and my confidence fell. 

But I’ve always been determined and with the help and support of my family and friends I tried to stay positive. I sought medical advice, was referred to a neurologist and diagnosed with narcolepsy aged 18. Since starting on medication, I can control all symptoms, cope with full time employment and adapt my lifestyle so that I’m less likely to fall asleep at inappropriate times.

Dealing with such frightening symptoms at such an early age can put you in a very low place, but it does get better, and you can go on to be happy and successful. I didn’t understand what was happening to me at the time, so I couldn’t expect others around me to either. But I’m glad I didn’t sit back and accept that I was lazy, stupid or incapable. I struggled on, believed in myself and fought for the medical help that I needed. I’m not angry or bitter about how narcolepsy has affected me but I do get a bit frustrated when I think about the time I’ve lost being asleep and I know I would be further forward with my career by now had I not had to deal such a life changing condition. But you can’t dwell on that. I’ve gone on to find a good job and get my Driving Licence, I have a loving supportive family and a great set of friends and I’m confident that nothing can stop me from enjoying life!