The mystery of my constant exhaustion and random “fainting spells” persisted for over 20 frustrating years. I tried my hardest to do normal things like going to college, hold down jobs, and function like those around me. Then I started to think maybe I WAS crazy… maybe the problem was psychological rather than physical.

Finally, at 30 years old, I was accidentally diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy by an ENT doctor. The revelation was both shocking and validating. I felt a huge relief to finally have an explanation for the disability that had shaped my entire life. But I also felt more defeated realizing I’d have to live with this incurable condition.

Narcolepsy wasn’t my only health challenge. I was diagnosed at 16 as “the poster child for fibromyalgia.” The debilitating back pain I’ve had for as long as I can remember made it incredibly difficult to get through each day, let alone hold a steady job. Between uncontrolled sleep attacks and chronic pain, I could no longer be my own boss as a makeup artist – my main source of income for 20 years.

After having kids, my son was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. Being that I spent years as a medical mystery myself, I wasn’t going to let my son go through the same ordeal., I became fiercely proactive about finding solutions for him. My research led me to discover hemp-based wellness products, including CBD. After nearly 2 years of researching and trying different brands, I found the best and safest options. These products not only helped my son’s symptoms, but provided the ONLY relief I’ve ever found for my constant pain and brain fog.

CBD proved to be a lifeline, giving me vitality and improving every aspect of my health. The dramatic impact sparked a passion for educating and sharing this healing solution and the hope in hemp with others.

Though unplanned, I found myself partnering with the only USDA certified organic hemp wellness company and launching my own business. I now educate others and sell organic hemp wellness products, while mentoring those interested in doing the same.

Today, I’m so grateful this opportunity was shared with me. I still have challenging narcolepsy days when I’m too drained to do much. But now I don’t have to ask permission or lose pay for a bad day. I use my symptoms to build a fulfilling career helping others find natural relief through the power of hemp.

My condition does not define me. By sharing my story, I hope to empower you to not let symptoms rob you of living your life or thinking bigger.

Whatever you focus on – good or bad – you get more of!

~ Julie Jabiro ~ I am always happy to chat and/ or answer any questions about hemp, business or any other holistic solutions I’ve found helpful over the years. If you’d like to try any of our USDA Hemp Products and not sure where to start – Please fill out this quick “Product Match Quiz” for $10 off and see what will work best for you. https://bit.ly/HopeinHemp

You can also connect with me on all social media right here – https://bit.ly/m/JulieJabs

I have no clue what I’m about to write, but I feel I should share my trip with you all.

#narcolepsytravel

I got an early birthday present to go see the monarch butterflies. It’s hard to say no when it’s meant so well.

A bus trip 😱
More than 24 hours gone. 😱
Nighttime in a bus 😱
3 events to see in one day 😱

All my narcolepsy alarms were ringing loudly! How was I gonna do this?

Going with my GF made it of course easier than going alone although that also comes with expectations. The bus was on time at midnight, when we got on. Enjoyed being together before settling to sleep. Took my baclofen and Imipramine (antidepressiva) to start with and approximately an hour later my xyrem.
I slept some. Probably more than I realized, and kept my xyrem to one dose only.

When we arrived at the first event, it was cold! 8 degrees Celsius is not an average temperature in Mexico, but got me right awake and active. I enjoyed this short visit! Followed by enjoying my nap, going to the main event. 🤔 That bus trip was working out well this way!

Probably an hour later, I don’t really know how long, we arrived at a forest with a park entrance, to go watch the Monarch butterflies.
Writing the next part after a decafe break.

Having a big breakfast is never helpful, but when you pay for it, you eat it. 😂
A bit sleepy, I started the hike up the mountain, which had several viewpoints. And each time they tell you, we’re almost there. While it’s still an hour away. I hate that. And while i start feeling sleepy, their info starts annoying me. But…. I made it!
I’m not in perfect condition for a hike this long, and it was HEAVY!

By the time we finally reached the butterflies and the line was no longer moving, I almost fell asleep while standing there. That was definitely NOT good or safe. I fought as hard as I could to stay awake. I brought Wakix for this, but left it in the bus with my other stuff. To hike light. That was plain stupid!🤦🏼‍♂️
Once I snapped out of my sleepy moment, I could finally enjoy the butterflies. But the way back, I rented a horse. 🤭
I fell asleep directly once in the bus and can’t even remember it driving away. Waking up when the bus was entering the next event. Laguna Larga. A mountain like with hot springs. But it was cold! So the kids jumped in and the “grown ups” started drinking a bit (to get warm?) and telling funny stories. Now that’s my thing! I stayed awake easily those 2 hours before heading back home. Another great sleep you would expect but I’ma aged to watch a full movie. 😂

End conclusion.
I’m so happy I went and feel accomplished.
But surely had difficulties along the trip.
For me, it was worth it. I can’t decide for you how you would experience it, but it’s worth a try!

Please share your travel experiences to help others decide to stay home or enter the world

Time seems to have gone by both slowly and quickly in the last two years. Quickly in the sense that a year and a half has gone by with many people stuck in time, while very quickly for others who have been overwhelmed with servicing the needs of the community. For the elderly and the infirm, it has been very much a lonely time, often with little or no support.
How can specific people move forward when they are often limited because of physical conditions, health problems and mental health concerns?
The world appears to be on the cusp of change again, and with great things coming. This sounds to be far fetched for many of us, but we have been through eighteen months of major change whether it was chosen or not. But slowly, we are all going to return back to normal life in a very different world.
Many people used this time to learn something new, a skill, a hobby, and to communicate and work in different ways. The ones who adapt tend to do better, but everyone struggles with change.
In many ways, it downgraded the quality of health care short term, as well as the services that many of us require. It has prevented people from getting treatment, medication, and access to surgery in many cases. People have passed away in great numbers and in great need. My feeling is that a lot of this could not have been avoided, but years of cutting back on quality care and time with individual patients have also often meant too few staff to deal with an overburdened system. This needed to be changed.
This time has allowed for doctors, clinics, and drug companies to develop more efficient practices for when this ends. We will receive better treatment long term, as long term inefficiencies and communication issues have been addressed. Staffing levels in the medical field have increased because they had to.
People with disabilities and other long term health issues are now better suited to work remotely if they have the technology. Technology has become more readily available to many parts of the world.
People can move forward in the sense that there will be more opportunities, and the opportunities are not limited only to the physically able.
The world has changed, and we have as well.
The way to move forward is always changing, but it’s possible to adapt to the changes happening, and for many this will mean an improvement in quality of life.
Today is the day for many of us get to decide what the future will look like: either as part of a group, or individually.
May the coming year bring you health, clarity, and improvement.
Be well.

Awesome Alert
“My husband, spouse of (me) a narcoleptic, is wicked smart and loves to write. I mean- ANY type of creative writing is his JAM.
He’s going through a “limerick phase”, and wrote this just now”:
‘To all of my “others” out there,
I’m gonna lay it all bare.
I’ll speak at some notions,
And sway yer emotions.
It’s a disease-it’s time to be fair.
Lemme tell how narcolepsy works,
Explain the frustration and irks.
It leaves ’em exhausted;
Energy’s quite accosted.
It’s not just one of their quirks.
We’re dealin’ with a real disease.
By exhaustion they’re set to their knees.
So be a good other,
Support but don’t smother.
Believe me, they do want to please.
Hypnagogic hallucinations are hell,
And cataplexy, that odd startled spell.
To others it’s funny,
Not when it’s your hunny.
The effects are really quite fell.
Sometimes they can’t face the day,
Whether it’s working, chores, or some play.
Then they want us to git,
Because of this shit,
Not lazy, but sleep can’t delay.
It took me some time to learn,
When her energy takes a bad turn.
She’s not aloof or unloving,
Just only succumbing,
To illness, for an escape she does yearn.
Now narcolepsy binds with tight tether,
To depression, they oft go together.
They feel so sad,
So don’t get too mad.
They’re stressed they don’t meet the measure.
They struggle against their own mind,
To get to facing the grind.
But also their bod,
Feels so flawed.
They’re fighting, but to it resigned.
Now perhaps you’ve noticed their smarts,
Have shifted some from y’all’s starts.
Your fears I’ll belay,
It changes each day.
They know it and this really smarts.
So about it, what can we do?
Be loving, patient and true.
We get what we give,
And ask they forgive,
All your mistakes from before you knew.
They truly do dig understanding,
That they’re vim we can’t be demanding.
And that often some rest,
Will rekindle their zest.
Their struggle is really long-standing.
But there’s times when rest can’t achieve-
Rejuvenation, and I will not deceive.
Although it is tough,
Snide comments you stuff.
It’s best if you just silently grieve.
I said grieve, yeah that is ok.
If we’re with them for it each day.
It’s ok to mourn,
Like your heart’s been torn.
Let ’em know that no matter, you’ll stay.
Now on to a theme quite adult.
When their body you’d like to exult.
Ya know, they lust too,
And it’s likely for you.
But narcolepsy can mar the result.
I know the frequency’s changed.
But don’t feel y’all are estranged.
Let ’em get rest,
And don’t be a pest.
They’ll recognize by gettin’ deranged.
Changed attitudes can give ’em a break.
And my advise I don’t always take.
But patience, support;
Will rebuild rapport.
Just enjoy when they’re feeling awake.
Rhyming at the narc is quite ectopic .
Take what suits from this pseudo-biopic.
You want me to speak,
‘Cause this prose it did pique,
Your interest- name the next topic.’