sleep problems

April 12, 2001

> Is there a connection? Can chelation negatively affect sleep

pattern?

Our eperience is that it can for the child and the adult, but it can

have greater long term gain - we hope.

First of all, Autism whatever the cause, created extensive sleep

problems since about a year of age or so. For example being up all

night.

We have noted improved sleep patterns (both on and off chelation)

since last July which we think relate to the ultimate benefits of

chelation (mercury detox). During the treatment though, and

especially since we have become somewhat more agressive in terms of

increasing the dose to 100 mg of each for an 86 lb. 8 year old every

3 hours for ALA and every 4 hours for DMSA over the last month, sleep

has been compromised, but I think that I see a propensity for her to

dream, and perhaps to augment her experience while doing so. Keep in

mind that we really do not understand alot about sleep, and less

about how it is affected eith autism, or by chelation.

Joe Marciano

April 12, 2001

> Is there a connection? Can chelation negatively affect sleep

pattern?

Our eperience is that it can for the child and the adult, but it can

have greater long term gain - we hope.

First of all, Autism whatever the cause, created extensive sleep

problems since about a year of age or so. For example being up all

night.

We have noted improved sleep patterns (both on and off chelation)

since last July which we think relate to the ultimate benefits of

chelation (mercury detox). During the treatment though, and

especially since we have become somewhat more agressive in terms of

increasing the dose to 100 mg of each for an 86 lb. 8 year old every

3 hours for ALA and every 4 hours for DMSA over the last month, sleep

has been compromised, but I think that I see a propensity for her to

dream, and perhaps to augment her experience while doing so. Keep in

mind that we really do not understand alot about sleep, and less

about how it is affected eith autism, or by chelation.

Joe Marciano

July 24, 2002

In a message dated 7/24/2002 1:00:39 PM Central Daylight Time,

linda@... writes:

> Hi Carol,

> I have been on both Ambien and Trazodone. They are not considered RA meds.

> I was using them before I was diagnosed with RA. They fall into a

> different catagory. I would definately get something to help you sleep.

> Neither of these worked for me very well, but any amount of sleep will help

> you.

>

> P

>

I have never tried Ambien, but have used Trazadone for about four and a half

years (with a few breaks in between). I started taking it for sleep problems

and moderate depression. I know every medication works differently on

different people - the Trazadone works well for me. If I stop taking it,

there are no side effects other than that I go back to not sleeping. I have

no addiction problems and no stomach problems with it either. I also started

taking it several years before the RA and Lupus diagnosis. Alice in Texas

July 24, 2002

Hi Carol,

I have been on both Ambien and Trazodone. They are not considered RA meds. I

was using them before I was diagnosed with RA. They fall into a different

catagory. I would definately get something to help you sleep. Neither of these

worked for me very well, but any amount of sleep will help you.

P

July 24, 2002

Carol, in my study I too must tell them anything new I am taking...supposed

to checkl first. I take generic norflex every day (same as flexeril)and I

take restoril for sleep which is very generic for ambien...same stuff...no

hangover effect and sleep soundly.I asked before I started my supartz shots

in my knee.....she told me long as it isnt anything steroid wise in my system

like getting a shot of kenelog. I asked about my trigger pt injections and

she said they were fine cos they go to muscles not joints? I know this is

going to sound awful to some of you but I am so glad there is no one needing

to sleep with me every night...I dont know how people with RA and FM manage.

I am all over the bed ...I have spells at nights sometimes where I am up and

down all night to move legs , etc. and dont even try to borrow one of my

pillows .........and then when I do get to sleep sometimes I just need to

stay there ...I dont make many appts for early morning cos of never knowing

when I might get a lousy night. Anyway...Good Luck Carol....Judy in AZ

July 24, 2002

Hi Carol...Trazadone is an antidepressant, and Flexeril is a muscle

relaxant. Trazadone didn't work well for me, and I had unpleasant

side-effects with Flexeril. I use 50mg elevil for sleep, and Robaxin

for muscle problems. Your sleep is SO important. I hope & pray you get

some relief soon.

Love & Hugs...

Tess

July 25, 2002

<< I know this is

going to sound awful to some of you but I am so glad there is no one needing

to sleep with me every night...>>

It's certainly taking a toll on my marriage. Not that we're having

problems, but it seems more like we're roommates than husband and wife

lately. That's why he suggested I go in today and talk to the Dr. and get

something for sleep.

It went really well. He prescribed Ambien (for short term use) and said

take one every second night. He said that will keep it more effective, and

there's less risk of addiction that way (although he said it's not really

that addictive). If I am still having problems in a month, he will change

it to Trazodone. We're hoping once I'm on the Remicade I will be able to

sleep better.

Thanks to everyone who replied today. I love you all so much, and

appreciate your friendship immensely.

Love and hugs,

Carol

Re: [ ] Sleep problems

Carol, in my study I too must tell them anything new I am taking...supposed

to checkl first. I take generic norflex every day (same as flexeril)and I

take restoril for sleep which is very generic for ambien...same stuff...no

hangover effect and sleep soundly.I asked before I started my supartz shots

in my knee.....she told me long as it isnt anything steroid wise in my

system