Meet Your Chat Hosts

TAStracy

TAStracy is a sleep apnea patient diagnosed in 1989 with mixed apnea (both obstructive and central apnea). She is successfully treated on BiLevel. TAStracy recently underwent gastric bypass surgery which cured her Type 2 Diabetes, but not her sleep apnea.

Tracy has many years of personal experience with therapeutic compliance issues to share and encourages you to join in the evening chats at Talk About Sleep. Read TAStracy's story

TASshazzz

TASshazzz is a Narcolepsy patient with Cataplexy. She was diagnosed in 1989. She is treated with medication.

TASshazzz is a charter member of the Narcolepsy Network and has participated in several research projects conducted at Stanford University's Center for Sleep. Read more about TASshazzz

TASmali

TASmali was diagnosed with Narcolepsy/Cataplexy in 1984 at the age of 22.

Living near the Stanford University Sleep Disorder Center has allowed her to not only be involved with a number of narcolepsy clinical research studies over the years, but also has provided the opportunity to volunteer at and interact with the specialists at the Center for Narcolepsy Research. Read more about TASmali

TASkat

After years of snoring, TASkat was finally diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the spring of 2000. She is currently being treated with an auto-titration device after trying CPAP and a mandibular advancement device.

She still has some problems with hypersomnolence and continues to look for answers to address the excessive sleepiness.

TASjoe

TASjoe was diagnosed in 1999 with moderate to severe sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome (RLS). He is 100% compliant on CPAP and "loves it"!

Prior to his diagnosis and CPAP use, TASjoe was sleeping 12-17 hours a day and suffering from depression, memory problems, GERD and painful leg cramps.

TASjoe is a coordinator for the Chester County, Pennsylvania AWAKE group as well as a TAS chat host. TASjoe will continue helping his fellow "hoseheads" realize the importance of becoming CPAP compliant. Read more about TASjoe

TASquacky

TASquacky was diagnosed in 2003 with UARS and primary snoring. She is successfully treated with CPAP and is 100% compliant.

TASquacky is a mother of two, teaches Special Education and is a preacher's wife. She enjoys helping people and wants to help other hoseheads become 100% compliant with their treatments. She lives in Florida. Read more about TASquacky

TAStony

TAStony is a sleep apnea patient successfully treated with CPAP and heated humidification since early 2002.

Tony's wife, who had noticed an abrupt stop and start to his snoring, was instrumental in helping him obtain his diagnosis. Tony is enjoying the benefit of CPAP which gives him a good night's sleep.

TASokie

TASokie was diagnosed in June 2000 with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Although familiar with the term apnea, it was only on the Internet that she found a full description of the many symptoms of untreated apnea, and knew it was the answer to her health concerns.

Since her successful treatment on CPAP, her husband, sister, brother, and two sons have been diagnosed and are using CPAP. Other relatives have symptoms, but remain undiagnosed. She is so thrilled with the amazing difference CPAP has made in her life....She tells everyone! Five friends have been diagnosed and are enjoying life with CPAP. Ten people are living happier, healthier lives because of sleep disorder awareness! Read more about TASokie

TASpanther

Location: New York

Taspanther has been diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy since 2004, however she held a diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia, with strong suspicion of narcolepsy, since her first overnight sleep study in 2001.

Taspanther hopes to help others communicate effectively with their doctors in order to improve quality of life through personalized effective treatment.

TASkarma

Location: Michigan

TASkarma was diagnosed with Narcolepsy w/Cataplexy and Restless Legs Syndrome in 1990.  She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2006 and after trying many medication regimes for her sleep disorders she found success with Xyrem to help control her challenges with narcolepsy including excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations and cataplexy as well as relieve her fibromyalgia symptoms.  She appreciates the support from her understanding husband and three children.

TASclover

Location: Indiana

TASclover was diagnosed with Narcolepsy in 2003 after many years of HH, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep paralysis, but did not know that lifestyle wasn't "normal." After finally finding the "right" medicine combination, following a strict nap schedule, and alleviating major stress from her life Clover has regained much of her energy and is now ready to give back to the sleep community by helping others with coping strategies. She is thrilled to a part of this thriving organization.