Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 , I certainly can relate to your trouble sleeping. I have tried just about everything, also! I also had Ambien but, to tell the truth, it gave me hallucinations! There is a pill called " Sonata " that just assists one to fall asleep and is out of the system within about two hours. I would think that would be good for someone with small children. My doctor has tried numerous things on me and it seems that I am extremely sensitive to some of the sleep aids. The Sonata worked well. It, too, is a prescription medication, so you would have to speak with your doctor. I hope that this helps! Carole (the elder) who is not a medical person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 Sharon, This is off the topic, but I was wonder if you have any suggestions for a fifteen-year-old who is trying to be a vegetarian? My granddaughter is the person I mention, and she is driving her mother crazy. There must be some foods they could share easily, or which Meaghan could make for herself? I don't want you to go to a lot of trouble, just maybe a couple of hints? I thank you in advance. Carole M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 , I think you'll get lots of responses to this one. I've had a difficult time sleeping most of my life, I think. Here are some things that help me: Elavil (prescribed for pain, but really knocks me out) Melatonin (OTC, is a synthetic form of a hormone naturally made in our brains in response to darkness.) I use 3mg time-released, and several 1mg sub-linguals each night. Even when I'm not on Elavil this helps me. Valerian and lemon balm (OTC herbals. I only take when not on Elavil. Valerian, though natural, is chemically similar to Valium.) Deliberate, heart-pumping exercise. Yes, I know daily activities are exercise, but I find that things like pushing the snow blower, shoveling, gardening, etc., while they tire me, don't help me sleep the way a good 20 minutes or more of swimming does. I also do some weight-training, which is ok, but swimming loosens up the shoulder muscles, gets the blood pumping, and builds endurance and healthy lungs (extra-important for us scolis!) Avoid caffeine. I was off it entirely until recently, when I've been on one of my gourmet tea kicks. But I keep away from anything with caffeine after 3 pm, and if I have too much I do take longer to fall asleep that night. Keep a regular sleep schedule. (This is the hardest thing for me!) Get some sun exposure. (This could be one reason I seem to sleep better and feel better in spring.) These are just my experiences, are not medical advice, etc., etc. Good luck, enjoy that sweet little baby, and I hope this helps! Falling Asleep.... Hi Friends... Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot seem to fall asleep EVER! I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall asleep. The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't last long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a very easy going baby. Rarely cries. What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see it advertised all the time. I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do one by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me sleep. xoxo's Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 Just remembered one more thing. A hot bath or shower. The gradual cooling of your body reminds your body of falling asleep. I guess that's the theory. Works for me. Falling Asleep.... Hi Friends... Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot seem to fall asleep EVER! I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall asleep. The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't last long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a very easy going baby. Rarely cries. What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see it advertised all the time. I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do one by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me sleep. xoxo's Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 It can be hard being the only vegetarian in the house, or trying to cook for one. Before I was a vegetarian, my husband seemed to enjoy the meatless meals I occasionally prepared, but since I went veg he seems to crave meat! I thought it would be hard to adjust, and I armed myself with an Indian cookbook when embarking on this journey. (I love Indian food, and India has millions of vegetarians.) But It's easier and easier these days to eat this way, especially if you're ovo-lacto (continuing to use eggs and dairy products.) Pasta dishes can easily be prepared without meat. (Meat can be added to the dishes of the meat-eaters, if they feel the need.) Peanut butter (or other nut butters) and jelly sandwiches are easy and kid-friendly. Morningstar Farms makes some of the best soy-based imitation meat products, (in frozen foods or frozen meats section) for meat-free (and healthier) bacon & eggs, pancakes & sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Even meat-eating members of the family may take to these, and end up eating way less unhealthy fat as a result. There are lots of meat-free frozen dinners and prepared foods, such as vegetarian chili, meat-free baked beans, minestrone, lentil, green pea (w/o ham) and miso soups. If there's a Trader Joe's store near them, that's a great place to find out-of-the-ordinary vegetarian foods. A couple of summers ago they were giving out samples of an easy green soybean, corn, and tomato salad that I really enjoy preparing and eating. (Green soybeans, a.k.a. edamame, are popular as a snack in Japan, and are surprisingly tasty.) If eating out, Asian restaurants are generally a good bet for finding a suitable entree, as many dishes can be made with tofu instead of meat. Speaking of tofu, it can be scrambled up with taco seasoning to make a very passable taco " meat " . Morningstar Farms also makes " crumbles " that look and taste like ground beef, and can be added to lasagna, spaghetti sauce, etc. Since your granddaughter is 15, she should be capable of doing some shopping and cooking for herself. " Going veg " is a popular trend among teens these days, and many don't stick with it, but it doesn't have to be a huge ordeal. A good friend of mine who has a Ph D in nutrition didn't bat an eye when her girls went through it. (She had purchased too much hamburger for a church event she was involved in, and fed the family hamburger this and that for a couple of weeks straight. Got what she asked for, I think!) I hope this helps, Carole. Re: Falling Asleep.... Sharon, This is off the topic, but I was wonder if you have any suggestions for a fifteen-year-old who is trying to be a vegetarian? My granddaughter is the person I mention, and she is driving her mother crazy. There must be some foods they could share easily, or which Meaghan could make for herself? I don't want you to go to a lot of trouble, just maybe a couple of hints? I thank you in advance. Carole M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 Hi Friends! I'm hoping for anyone's advice here. For me there are severl issues to sort out. OMG! Is this another symptom of scoliosis? I've had a horrible time sleeping for most of my life. I worried alot as a kid, and remember often panicking when I still hadn't fallen asleep after several hours of trying, walking into the den where my parents were watching some late-night tv. Dad would say, just try to stay calm and rest even if you can't get to sleep. I do better during the day than at night. I swear my natural sleeping time is 4am-4pm. It doesn't help that my husband snores and has developed apnea over the last several of years. In January, on his birthday, I dragged him to see his doctor. Long, frustrating story made short: He finally had the in-hospital sleep study a week ago and the sleep doc called him Friday at 5 pm. Her first words were " Oh mein gott in himmel!! " His case is quite serious, and he'll get a c- pap machine by the end of this week... anyway, I can't sleep until I know he's breathing fairly normally, usually about 3:30 am. My dad died at 56 in 1973 from heart problems-- probably caused by sleep apnea. My emotions about sleep are many and all negative. I've always been JEALOUS of hubby who falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow. Even on a rare good night, it takes me at least an hour to get comfortable enough to sleep. (Feather bed and 5 pillows to place just right under my neck, between my knees, and behind my back as I sleep on my side). For many years I've been ANGRY that his snoring keeps me awake. For the last few years, since the connection of apnea to heart disease has been made clear, I'm SCARED to go to sleep as long as he gasps and snores. The last few months, as he's had to jump through hoop after hoop to finally get an official diagnosis, I'm ANGRY about that and at him because he can't find any position to sleep in that doesn't close off his airway. I spend the hours between 11pm and 4am jabbing him until he awakes enough to say, " ok " and takes a deep breath, only to fall asleep within 1 second (not exaggerating) right back to the gasping and snoring. For the last 6-10 years, my feet and legs have gotten progressively more numb/achy/cold enough that they keep me awake. I too get numb hips/legs if I'm in the same position too long (not usually long enough to fall asleep). I've tried Tylenol PM and Melatonin. Each of those has worked separately occasionally in the past, but don't seem to work lately. I've never taken a whole 3 mg Melatonin because I read that it interferes with anti-depressants, which I've been on for 14 years. Last week Hubby made me a relaxation recoding on MP3 with speakers on my bedside table, but that's getting irritating! I've tried a white- noise machine in the past, but that's not working anymore, and I know now there are physical and psychological reasons for my insomnia. As a substitute teacher, I don't work every day. I usually try to sleep during the day while Hubby and high school sons are away. Even when my body is comfortable, and Hubby's not around, my mind races with thoughts of everything it could possibly dredge up out of my past experiences and possible future! I know there's a connection between getting quality sleep and being able to control one's weight. Both Hubby and I border on obese, and I'm praying that once he gets the C-pap machine we'll both sleep better and then be able to lose weight. Gee whiz, everyone. Thanks for 'listening' and for any thoughts you have on sleep aids. I take so many prescriptions for ADHD, high bp, depression and allergies that I really hate to ask for and pay for another one every month. But, right now I'd give my right arm for regular deep sleep. Jeri > Hi Friends... > Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a > heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets > 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot > seem to fall asleep EVER! > I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute > li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great > anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out > due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one > sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! > It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either > staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall > asleep. > The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a > bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really > frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't last > long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a > very easy going baby. Rarely cries. > What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping > essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some > AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see > it advertised all the time. > I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do one > by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me > sleep. > xoxo's > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 Hi , I, too, have problems getting to sleep at times. What helps me most of the time is relaxing 1-2 hours before falling asleep. I read as part of my relaxation and pet my cat. I think whatever may soothe your mind that will take your mind off the problems/soreness, etc, maybe even a cup of warm milk. Hope this helps. Llweyn Falling Asleep.... Hi Friends... Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot seem to fall asleep EVER! I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall asleep. The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't last long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a very easy going baby. Rarely cries. What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see it advertised all the time. I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do one by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me sleep. xoxo's Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 Hi , I have taken Ambien off and on for years. It really works well for me. I have also tried Sonata but it wears of too quickly. I also have a problem staying asleep and with Sonata I was awake again in a couple of hours. Disclaimer - I'm not dispensing any medical advice, but check with your doctor. Barbara > Hi Friends... > Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a > heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets > 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot > seem to fall asleep EVER! > I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute > li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great > anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out > due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one > sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! > It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either > staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall > asleep. > The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a > bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really > frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't last > long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a > very easy going baby. Rarely cries. > What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping > essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some > AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see > it advertised all the time. > I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do one > by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me > sleep. > xoxo's > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 Jeri, have you ever been on Elavil for your depression? It's also helpful for chronic pain, and for sleep. Maybe ask your doctor? It sure sounds like you have plenty of reasons for your insomnia! Sure wish I could help. Sharon Re: Falling Asleep.... Hi Friends! I'm hoping for anyone's advice here. For me there are severl issues to sort out. OMG! Is this another symptom of scoliosis? I've had a horrible time sleeping for most of my life. I worried alot as a kid, and remember often panicking when I still hadn't fallen asleep after several hours of trying, walking into the den where my parents were watching some late-night tv. Dad would say, just try to stay calm and rest even if you can't get to sleep. I do better during the day than at night. I swear my natural sleeping time is 4am-4pm. It doesn't help that my husband snores and has developed apnea over the last several of years. In January, on his birthday, I dragged him to see his doctor. Long, frustrating story made short: He finally had the in-hospital sleep study a week ago and the sleep doc called him Friday at 5 pm. Her first words were " Oh mein gott in himmel!! " His case is quite serious, and he'll get a c- pap machine by the end of this week... anyway, I can't sleep until I know he's breathing fairly normally, usually about 3:30 am. My dad died at 56 in 1973 from heart problems-- probably caused by sleep apnea. My emotions about sleep are many and all negative. I've always been JEALOUS of hubby who falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow. Even on a rare good night, it takes me at least an hour to get comfortable enough to sleep. (Feather bed and 5 pillows to place just right under my neck, between my knees, and behind my back as I sleep on my side). For many years I've been ANGRY that his snoring keeps me awake. For the last few years, since the connection of apnea to heart disease has been made clear, I'm SCARED to go to sleep as long as he gasps and snores. The last few months, as he's had to jump through hoop after hoop to finally get an official diagnosis, I'm ANGRY about that and at him because he can't find any position to sleep in that doesn't close off his airway. I spend the hours between 11pm and 4am jabbing him until he awakes enough to say, " ok " and takes a deep breath, only to fall asleep within 1 second (not exaggerating) right back to the gasping and snoring. For the last 6-10 years, my feet and legs have gotten progressively more numb/achy/cold enough that they keep me awake. I too get numb hips/legs if I'm in the same position too long (not usually long enough to fall asleep). I've tried Tylenol PM and Melatonin. Each of those has worked separately occasionally in the past, but don't seem to work lately. I've never taken a whole 3 mg Melatonin because I read that it interferes with anti-depressants, which I've been on for 14 years. Last week Hubby made me a relaxation recoding on MP3 with speakers on my bedside table, but that's getting irritating! I've tried a white- noise machine in the past, but that's not working anymore, and I know now there are physical and psychological reasons for my insomnia. As a substitute teacher, I don't work every day. I usually try to sleep during the day while Hubby and high school sons are away. Even when my body is comfortable, and Hubby's not around, my mind races with thoughts of everything it could possibly dredge up out of my past experiences and possible future! I know there's a connection between getting quality sleep and being able to control one's weight. Both Hubby and I border on obese, and I'm praying that once he gets the C-pap machine we'll both sleep better and then be able to lose weight. Gee whiz, everyone. Thanks for 'listening' and for any thoughts you have on sleep aids. I take so many prescriptions for ADHD, high bp, depression and allergies that I really hate to ask for and pay for another one every month. But, right now I'd give my right arm for regular deep sleep. Jeri > Hi Friends... > Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a > heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets > 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot > seem to fall asleep EVER! > I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute > li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great > anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out > due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one > sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! > It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either > staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall > asleep. > The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a > bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really > frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't last > long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a > very easy going baby. Rarely cries. > What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping > essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some > AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see > it advertised all the time. > I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do one > by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me > sleep. > xoxo's > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2004 Report Share Posted April 5, 2004 I'm an Ambien veteran but would be afraid to take it with small kids. Of course, that may not be the Ambien; I routinely sleep through tornado sirens. Sonata did nada for me. Again, this is just to add to your overview- nothing substitutes for your doc's advice and yourpersonal experience. I also use klonopin at night which is supposed to calm and help sleep. May be worth an inquiry. > > From: " midwestscoli " <BAStacey@...> > Date: 2004/04/05 Mon PM 04:55:20 EDT > > Subject: Re: Falling Asleep.... > > Hi , > I have taken Ambien off and on for years. It really works well > for me. I have also tried Sonata but it wears of too quickly. I > also have a problem staying asleep and with Sonata I was awake again > in a couple of hours. > Disclaimer - I'm not dispensing any medical advice, but check > with your doctor. > Barbara > > > > > Hi Friends... > > Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a > > heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets > > 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot > > seem to fall asleep EVER! > > I don't take the pain meds all too often because I have the cute > > li'l baby dude to tend to. Plus it doesn't work all that great > > anyway. Goodness knows I get loads of exercise day in and day out > > due to running after my family. Exercise during the day helps one > > sleep well at night, maybe I should do more. HAHAAAAA!!! RIIIIIGHT! > > It just seems the pain from flatback prevents me from either > > staying asleep or maintaining a comfy position so I might fall > > asleep. > > The baby pretty much sleeps a good 8 hours straight, wakes for a > > bottle then sleeps another 3 or 4 hour stretch. I'm just really > > frustrated. But the baby is sooooo cute! My frustration doesn't > last > > long. When I see him my heart melts. His name is Evan, BTW. He's a > > very easy going baby. Rarely cries. > > What does anybody else do? I seem to have all the right sleeping > > essentials...maybe I should ask my Internal Med Doc about some > > AMBIEN. How does that work for anybody who has ever tried it. I see > > it advertised all the time. > > I guess for now I can make another quilt. LOL Maybe I should do > one > > by hand...like them pilgrims used to do. Maybe that will help me > > sleep. > > xoxo's > > > > > > > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 Jeri, I just HAD answer you! For years I thought it was my husband's snoring (and apnea) that were keeping me awake. I finally dragged him to the doctor, he was diagnosed and put on C-PAP, and things got better -- for a while. BTW, your husband's machine may be just the sound that will help you to sleep. About a year after my husband got his machine, I was at the doctor's and had complained about my own insomnia. We discussed my pain situation and about everything we could think of. Eventually, my doctor sent me in for a sleep study. I was OFF THE CHART! He later told me that it was no wonder I was awake worrying about my husband -- I was awake due to all the episodes of apnea! I ended up with a Bi-PAP machine to which oxygen is attached. I have an oxygen concentrator which turns room air into oxygen and the tubing is attached to my Bi-PAP machine. Bi-PAP is different from C-PAP because it encourages both inhales and exhales. C-PAP is a steady stream of room air that discourages snoring. So, Jeri, why don't you investigate your own apnea status? You may or may not have it, but wouldn't it be worthwhile to find out? And if you do not have apnea, perhaps the sound of your husband's machine (and his lack of snoring) will help you to sleep. BTW, my doctor is adamant that I NOT nap during the day. I hope that this " long story " is of use to you, and that you haven't fallen asleep reading it! Sincerely, Carole M. (the elder) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 Dear Sharon and Carole, I promise I will try both your suggestions as soon as I eliminate my husband's apnea as the cause of my insomnia. There have been periods in my life when I've slept deeply and at appropriate times. Welbutrin hasn't worked terribly well for me to knock down my depression, so maybe Elavil is something to try. I have also entertained the idea that I might have apnea, but Hubby has never been awake while I've been sleeping to report one way or the other. BTW: The respiratory therapist called this afternoon. Hubby's getting his auto-c-pap machine tomorrow (Wednesday). Only one more night of jabbing him!! The auto-c-pap machine is for a study about its effectiveness compared to the non-auto type. He'll use that for 2 weeks and then get the non-auto type. Because of this he gets a free custom-fitted mask. Whoopee! Bless you both. Jeri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Loriann, Carole, Sharon, Llewyn, Jeri, Barbara, & , Great discussion and thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely talk to my Internal Medicine doc about these ideas. Jeri, I am so glad you've shared your story. My hubby has bruises all up and down his side from my elbow jabs. His snoring has gotten progressively louder over the years. I keep telling him he needs to be studied. Our 5 year old suffered from sleep apnea and at the age of 3 she had to be operated on...Yale Hospital. A tonsillectomy and the doc wanted to remove her adenoids. We feared 'over' correction and opted for just removing the tonsils. The procedure is done differently whereas a portion of the tonsils are left in tact. This drastically reduces the recovery time. She was eating OREO's that same night. A nurse had given her the cookie. She was a nurse from Africa. Ever hear on the news shows how the shortage of nurses in America is making recruiters " dangle the carrot " over in Africa? Or is it " dangle the bunny? " Either way, now Africa is having a shortage coming on as a great number of nurses are moving to the states in response to the US nurse recruiting tactics. This gal was very comical. I could barely understand her. So when she asked if it was OK for my little one to have a cookie, I just did the ol' smile and nod response. You know...that general response given when one cannot understand a heavily accented individual. LOL So a cookie my li'l one was eating. I couldn't believe it. (Neither could the doc for that matter...he was severely ticked off about that one.) Having said all that...I'd demand to be able to understand my nurses during my hospital stay for revision. It would freak me out if I couldn't communicate with my nurse. Incidentally, can we fire our nurses while in the hospital? Does anybody know? Talk about not sleeping...I'd never sleep in the hospital if I couldn't understand my nurse. Spooky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Jeri, Glad to hear that things are moving along re treatment of your husband's apnea. That free mask really is a big deal, you know! I just saw the bill for my most recent mask purchase and it was over $100! Just thought you'd like to know! Hang in there! Carole M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 I fired a nurse who refused to take blood out of my preferred arm (left has better veins). I did it by screaming when she ignored me and proceeded to grasp my right arm firmly and get the needle ready. Another nurse came to my aid and told her off and I never saw her again. This was the 1st day post op. Can you believe it? I can. ps - there was a short period where she and the other nurse stood on either side of me yelling. " Is she not gonna let me get her blood? " " nOT THE WAY YOU acting she's not. " " So I should chart that she 's not gonna let me get her blood. " " No, you should get out and I will chart that I will take care off it. " Mean nurse stomps off to traumatize some other helpless patient. Nice nurse: " Some people just like to stir up trouble. " My husband was in SHOCK! > > From: USNAWIFE@... > Date: 2004/04/07 Wed AM 08:06:24 EDT > > Subject: Re: Re: Falling Asleep.... > > Loriann, Carole, Sharon, Llewyn, Jeri, Barbara, & , > > Great discussion and thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely talk to my Internal Medicine doc about these ideas. > > Jeri, I am so glad you've shared your story. My hubby has bruises all up and down his side from my elbow jabs. His snoring has gotten progressively louder over the years. I keep telling him he needs to be studied. Our 5 year old suffered from sleep apnea and at the age of 3 she had to be operated on...Yale Hospital. A tonsillectomy and the doc wanted to remove her adenoids. We feared 'over' correction and opted for just removing the tonsils. The procedure is done differently whereas a portion of the tonsils are left in tact. This drastically reduces the recovery time. She was eating OREO's that same night. > A nurse had given her the cookie. She was a nurse from Africa. Ever hear on the news shows how the shortage of nurses in America is making recruiters " dangle the carrot " over in Africa? Or is it " dangle the bunny? " Either way, now Africa is having a shortage coming on as a great number of nurses are moving to the states in response to the US nurse recruiting tactics. This gal was very comical. I could barely understand her. So when she asked if it was OK for my little one to have a cookie, I just did the ol' smile and nod response. You know...that general response given when one cannot understand a heavily accented individual. LOL So a cookie my li'l one was eating. I couldn't believe it. (Neither could the doc for that matter...he was severely ticked off about that one.) > Having said all that...I'd demand to be able to understand my nurses during my hospital stay for revision. It would freak me out if I couldn't communicate with my nurse. > Incidentally, can we fire our nurses while in the hospital? Does anybody know? Talk about not sleeping...I'd never sleep in the hospital if I couldn't understand my nurse. Spooky. > > > > > > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 She did this in front of your husband! Oh my gosh! Would have been a great idea to report her. Too bad hospitals are so desperate for nurses these days. Re: Re: Falling Asleep.... > > Loriann, Carole, Sharon, Llewyn, Jeri, Barbara, & , > > Great discussion and thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely talk to my Internal Medicine doc about these ideas. > > Jeri, I am so glad you've shared your story. My hubby has bruises all up and down his side from my elbow jabs. His snoring has gotten progressively louder over the years. I keep telling him he needs to be studied. Our 5 year old suffered from sleep apnea and at the age of 3 she had to be operated on...Yale Hospital. A tonsillectomy and the doc wanted to remove her adenoids. We feared 'over' correction and opted for just removing the tonsils. The procedure is done differently whereas a portion of the tonsils are left in tact. This drastically reduces the recovery time. She was eating OREO's that same night. > A nurse had given her the cookie. She was a nurse from Africa. Ever hear on the news shows how the shortage of nurses in America is making recruiters " dangle the carrot " over in Africa? Or is it " dangle the bunny? " Either way, now Africa is having a shortage coming on as a great number of nurses are moving to the states in response to the US nurse recruiting tactics. This gal was very comical. I could barely understand her. So when she asked if it was OK for my little one to have a cookie, I just did the ol' smile and nod response. You know...that general response given when one cannot understand a heavily accented individual. LOL So a cookie my li'l one was eating. I couldn't believe it. (Neither could the doc for that matter...he was severely ticked off about that one.) > Having said all that...I'd demand to be able to understand my nurses during my hospital stay for revision. It would freak me out if I couldn't communicate with my nurse. > Incidentally, can we fire our nurses while in the hospital? Does anybody know? Talk about not sleeping...I'd never sleep in the hospital if I couldn't understand my nurse. Spooky. > > > > > > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 -- Apnea often has a genetic connection. Because your daughter was already diagnosed with apnea, it's very likely your husband also has it. Don't give up on getting him to go to see the doctor. If you've witnessed his apnea, your insurance HAS to get him in for a sleep study. It's worth it. Jeri > Loriann, Carole, Sharon, Llewyn, Jeri, Barbara, & , > > Great discussion and thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely talk to my Internal Medicine doc about these ideas. > > Jeri, I am so glad you've shared your story. My hubby has bruises all up and down his side from my elbow jabs. His snoring has gotten progressively louder over the years. I keep telling him he needs to be studied. Our 5 year old suffered from sleep apnea and at the age of 3 she had to be operated on...Yale Hospital. A tonsillectomy and the doc wanted to remove her adenoids. We feared 'over' correction and opted for just removing the tonsils. The procedure is done differently whereas a portion of the tonsils are left in tact. This drastically reduces the recovery time. She was eating OREO's that same night. > A nurse had given her the cookie. She was a nurse from Africa. Ever hear on the news shows how the shortage of nurses in America is making recruiters " dangle the carrot " over in Africa? Or is it " dangle the bunny? " Either way, now Africa is having a shortage coming on as a great number of nurses are moving to the states in response to the US nurse recruiting tactics. This gal was very comical. I could barely understand her. So when she asked if it was OK for my little one to have a cookie, I just did the ol' smile and nod response. You know...that general response given when one cannot understand a heavily accented individual. LOL So a cookie my li'l one was eating. I couldn't believe it. (Neither could the doc for that matter...he was severely ticked off about that one.) > Having said all that...I'd demand to be able to understand my nurses during my hospital stay for revision. It would freak me out if I couldn't communicate with my nurse. > Incidentally, can we fire our nurses while in the hospital? Does anybody know? Talk about not sleeping...I'd never sleep in the hospital if I couldn't understand my nurse. Spooky. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 >>>>Does anybody else have a tough time falling asleep? I have a heating pad, a featherbed, muscle relaxers, oxycodone, (percocets 5/325 strength) nice down pillows, nice down comforter but I cannot seem to fall asleep EVER LOL . It looks like you have tried most everything.I usually just take 2 Tylanol PM's an hour before I want to sleep. Sometimes a glass of red wine helps too. Or a hot bath with all that. I am in alot of pain now so I really cannot get comfortable in my bed, so I kind of just accept it I guess, and hope for the best. LOL Sometimes, I listen to books on tape. That helps me to drift off to sleep. Good luck. God Bless. Carol ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Good for you. Now THAT is what I call Feisty. I had a similar experience when I was only 16 yrs old- pre op for my first scolio surgery. . The girl trying to take my arterial blood was a complete incompetent. She jabbed my arms..elbows and wrists -on both arms, so many times I was bruised for days. It was very painful too. I am much older and wiser now so if something like that happened again I would scream for a new nurse to do the job just like you did. Kudos for that piece of advice. We have the power and right to decide what happens to our own bodies. Carol >>>>I fired a nurse who refused to take blood out of my preferred arm (left has better veins). I did it by screaming when she ignored me and proceeded to grasp my right arm firmly and get the needle ready. Another nurse came to my aid and told her off and I never saw her again. This was the 1st day post op. Can you believe it? I can. ps - there was a short period where she and the other nurse stood on either side of me yelling. " Is she not gonna let me get her blood? " " nOT THE WAY YOU acting she's not. " " So I should chart that she 's not gonna let me get her blood. " " No, you should get out and I will chart that I will take care off it. " Mean nurse stomps off to traumatize some other helpless patient. Nice nurse: " Some people just like to stir up trouble. " My husband was in SHOCK ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Hi Michele... The sleep problem you describe is pretty common. I'd encourage you to find a good primary care doctor, pain specialist, or rheumatologist. There are several types of anti-depressants that can help. I had the same problem for many years. I would typically wake 10-12 times a night, many times staying awake for more than half an hour. I never went into deep sleep, and it took almost nothing to wake me. Once I started taking nortriptyline, it got much better. I still wake a lot, but usually fall back to sleep fairly rapidly. Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Michele, I, too, have BiPAP (with oxygen) and although it took a while to get used to it, I do think that it has helped me. You know, if you have sleep apnea that goes untreated, it puts a strain on the heart. That is what our doctor told us. So my husband uses his C-PAP and I use my whole getup. There are a lot of different masks available, and perhaps you haven't found just the right fit yet. Could you get a respiratory therapist to help you with that? I hope that you try to adjust to it. Sincerely, Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 I wasn't going to report her while I was still there in case ... I have requested a copy of my entire chart and the nurses' notes are omitted. Once I get them I have a novel to write the hospital on the survery they sent me. > > From: " Sharon Green " <sharon.green18@...> > Date: 2004/04/07 Wed PM 04:52:56 EDT > < > > Subject: Re: Re: Re: Falling Asleep.... > > She did this in front of your husband! Oh my gosh! Would have been a great idea to report her. Too bad hospitals are so desperate for nurses these days. > > Re: Re: Falling Asleep.... > > > > Loriann, Carole, Sharon, Llewyn, Jeri, Barbara, & , > > > > Great discussion and thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely talk to my Internal Medicine doc about these ideas. > > > > Jeri, I am so glad you've shared your story. My hubby has bruises all up and down his side from my elbow jabs. His snoring has gotten progressively louder over the years. I keep telling him he needs to be studied. Our 5 year old suffered from sleep apnea and at the age of 3 she had to be operated on...Yale Hospital. A tonsillectomy and the doc wanted to remove her adenoids. We feared 'over' correction and opted for just removing the tonsils. The procedure is done differently whereas a portion of the tonsils are left in tact. This drastically reduces the recovery time. She was eating OREO's that same night. > > A nurse had given her the cookie. She was a nurse from Africa. Ever hear on the news shows how the shortage of nurses in America is making recruiters " dangle the carrot " over in Africa? Or is it " dangle the bunny? " Either way, now Africa is having a shortage coming on as a great number of nurses are moving to the states in response to the US nurse recruiting tactics. This gal was very comical. I could barely understand her. So when she asked if it was OK for my little one to have a cookie, I just did the ol' smile and nod response. You know...that general response given when one cannot understand a heavily accented individual. LOL So a cookie my li'l one was eating. I couldn't believe it. (Neither could the doc for that matter...he was severely ticked off about that one.) > > Having said all that...I'd demand to be able to understand my nurses during my hospital stay for revision. It would freak me out if I couldn't communicate with my nurse. > > Incidentally, can we fire our nurses while in the hospital? Does anybody know? Talk about not sleeping...I'd never sleep in the hospital if I couldn't understand my nurse. Spooky. > > > > > > > > > > > > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Thanks Jeri, I'm glad you've told me this. My mother-in-law snores really loud too. I had no idea it was hereditary. I'll tell my husband. He'll get tested since there is a heart connection with it all. I'll just schedule an appt for him. Thanks again, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 ... I could be wrong, but I think that nurses notes usually aren't transcribed or included in records copied to be sent out. Mostly, nursing notes consist of charts that aren't transcribed, and are too wide to routinely copy. I've received copies of all my records from several hospitalizations, and none ever included nursing notes. Regards, > I wasn't going to report her while I was still there in case ... I have requested a copy of my entire chart and the nurses' notes are omitted. Once I get them I have a novel to write the hospital on the survery they sent me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 > I'm going to insist on getting them. You are correct - they are not transcribed but I have gotten very good at deciphering them. I routinely defend medical malpractice cases and we always get a copy of the entire chart. Often a case turns on a " little " detail, like what time the D5W was hung, or which nurse last charted vitals. So I know they have to be there - they just aren't sending them until I bug them. Which I am going to do. Otherwise, how can I id the nurse from hell? Thanks = > From: " Racine " <linda@...> > Date: 2004/04/09 Fri AM 12:05:11 EDT > > Subject: Re: Falling Asleep.... > > ... > > I could be wrong, but I think that nurses notes usually aren't > transcribed or included in records copied to be sent out. Mostly, > nursing notes consist of charts that aren't transcribed, and are too > wide to routinely copy. I've received copies of all my records from > several hospitalizations, and none ever included nursing notes. > > Regards, > > > > > I wasn't going to report her while I was still there in case ... I > have requested a copy of my entire chart and the nurses' notes are > omitted. Once I get them I have a novel to write the hospital on the > survery they sent me. > > > > > > Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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