What does cataplexy feel like?

[Della647]

I have recently been diagnosed with narcolepsy.  For years, I have suffered from EDS muscle weakness that has become worse as I have aged (mid-40's).  In the beginning, I blamed it all on being single and burning the candle at both ends (20's); then being a new parent (30's) and then being a single mom to a child with narcolepsy and a preteen (now 40's).  I was told I have mild cataplexy.  I am not sure what that feels like, but I get this situation like I am not able to walk, move or talk....like I feel as if I am suffocating and then it's like I pass out, but I don't pass out.....it's like I am awake but unable to really move around much.  If I struggle against the feeling, my muscles in my arms and legs back and neck tense up and it can be very uncomfortable and it's very scary.  After the episodes pass, I am very tired (like exhausted), my arms feel like they have lead hanging off them and it is a struggle to move them and I have trouble breathing --- like I can't get enough air.  On top of all of this, I was also diagnosed with POTS, mild asthma and possibly hypothroidism.........soooooo if anyone out there has cataplexy, could they please tell me the body sensations they get before and after an episode.  My 10 year old doesn't have cataplexy, so he can't really tell me............

Thanks.