I am having a pretty rough week. I had surgery on my shoulder for 4 different things June 29th. Been going to PT since and last week and due I believe to surgery stress and sleep test stress I have having a full blown flare.

Surgery went good--no complications. Took some good drugs for pain and they helped with fibro--the evil oxycontin. Surgeon said my fibro would flare and he was right.

Then had to have a sleep test done to see about my insomnia and possible sleep apnea. Guess that is one of the problems. Also RLS/PLM as well as just plain bad sleep once I get asleep. This is really stressing me out as my husband does the CPap thing and he doesn't think I can handle it and such. I don't know about that. It would improve my sleep maybe and we fibroites need all the sleep help we can get.

Got to talk to my GP about sleep test and my thyriod which they found a cyst or something on that MRI that needs to be tested. I hate the idea of getting the thyroid biopsy done. It runs in the family and that test is pretty rough according to my mother. Also am seeing him about losing several pounds to help with the apnea---------------blalllllllllh. But maybe a messed up thyroid contributes to the fibro--is that right???

Next week I have to recheck with the shoulder surgeon, go to Gp for sleep and thyroid decisions. Make PT for shoulder and back 3 days. Got to set up a CPAP machine to use at some office. My 2nd brain MRI is on Thursday to determine whether it is a tumor or just "artifacts".

The next week I finally get a lumbar epidural to ease the pain in my back. My poor fibro doc is working so hard to help me. The epidural is on the 26th, then I see the rheumy for the summary of my lupus blood test....which will be all neg.

I have been missing my shrink. But I have him down for next wednesday--maybe he can help walk me through all this medical stuff and remind me it is all worth it.

I sound like a general mess don't I? I am finally feeling the stress of a very long couple of months. My fibro had been in recession for a few weeks and I thought maybe it would be gone for a few month. I don't want to put others here in a bad mood, it just helps to share my turmoil sometimes. :dizzy:

Thanks for any prayers!!

Hello Septemberwoman :wave:

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I have many medical condition's and some of them contribute to my Fibro. I also had surgery on both of my shoulder's back in February as I had Bilateral Frozen Shoulder. I do have other injury's as well to my shoulders but surgeon said that I don't need to have my SLAP tears fixed as I don't play any sports. Gosh I sure would love too...

I am also having surgery on Wednesday for my bladder and have another scheduled next month for my neck. But their is a possibility that my bladder surgery could get canceled as I found out last week that my iron counts are extremely low once again and my white cells are elevated. So I have been popping the iron pills, and praying that my iron count will raise in time. Then to top it off, I just found a lump under my right arm pit and this has me a bit concerned. I will tell my doctor on Monday when I go in for medical clearance. If it isn't one thing it's another....

I also have sleep apnea as you can see in my signature. I have been using a CPAP for several months. At first it is hard to find the right mask to make you comfortable. I had started with the nasal mask and then had a problem with it as I open my mouth at night. Then went to the facial mask and I couldn't get the darn thing to stop making a whistling noise. So now I am back to the nasal mask and have to get a chin strap to keep my mouth closed. I do wish you luck with finding the right mask for you. And getting the right amount of sleep with help the Fibro a bit.

My doctor also explained to me that with surgery it could cause the Fibro to flare up even more. Well, I don't think that is possible for me as I feel I am in a constant flare. So I do understand your pain and I will pray for you.

As for the depression, I too experience this from time to time. I am taking Effexor XR and it did seem to help for a while. Both with depression and sleep. But lately it hasn't been working as well, so I will ask my Rheumatologist to increase it at my next visit. Do you take anything for depression? Sometimes these meds can help both depression and Fibro.

It seems the only time I leave my house is for doctor's appointments for the last year. But I still keep my chin up as I still got plenty to be greatly for as I have a wonderful family. Oh, and I am going to be a grandmother, so that gives me something to look forward to.

As I read your post, I so much related to it. Your post did not put me in a bad mood at all. Their are many times that we need to vent and I am grateful for these Health Board. It is just like joining a support group but at the comfort of your own home. I will pray that things get better for us both.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:
____________________
~LUMBAR~
Posterolateral Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy & Discectomy on L4,L5,S1
June 2003
Instrumentation = 2 Rods, 6 Screws, 2 Disc Spacers
FBSS-Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
~CERVICAL~
Straightening of the Normal Cervical Lordosis.
Mild Congenital Narrowing of the Spinal Canal.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc Osteophyte Complex
Compression Deformity & Spinal Lithiasis
C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Herniated & Bulging Disc's
C4-5 & C5-6 , Cord Flattening at these levels.

Bilateral Chronic L4 versus L5 Radiculopathy
Bilateral Frozen Shoulder - MUA 2/7/05
Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis,
Tendonosis, Type ll Diabetes, Anemia, Asthma,
Acid Reflux, IBS, Migraine's, Sleep Apnea,
PolyNeuropathy

Jeanne,
Thanks for the reply. It has always helped me to vent on these boards then have someone as nice as you to come along side and say "I understand". That is such a help when you feel so alone and in pain.

This morning I have been in agony physically, but mentally feeling much better. (2 excedrin, one percocet, one lortab, one lexapro is starting to help)

I think the thing that gets me so desparately down is the feeling of "what now?" with my life. So much has and has not happened in my 49 years that it is overwhelming to consider the future and what plans I need to make to be secure financially. I will inherit plenty, but I HOPE that is a LONG time off--long time. I need to cover the years between now and , hopefully, my 70s.

With so many aches and pains, married 29 yrs, 2 grown children and ONLY 18 months out of that last 29 yrs in the work force, I am trying to figure out a job pathway. I have about 2 years of college. Seems like so many things require stamina I do not have and that is something I think about a lot. My husband makes enough to take care of things, but God forbid, something happens to him then I am left floundering.

It is so hard to even get the energy to think about school...or anything else.

I have one grandbaby--Ava, who is 17 months. It is amazing!!! My son and his wife now live about 200 miles away where he teaches school and that is hard because I wish I could see her every day!! My daughter, a nurse, lives close though and that is nice!

Well, this is getting off topic and so I will once again say thanks for your encourgment.
Karen

Jeanne and Karen,

My fiance was diagnosed with the dreaded fibo and had spinal fusion (C5 & C6) three months ago. He is in more pain now than before the surgery. We didn't find out for sure that he had fibo until last week and we had no idea that surgery would cause a flareup. Unfortunately, his days have been painful even before surgery but its been so much worse since.

We just got back from the Mayo Clinic in AZ and there wasn't much they could do. They see countless amounts of people with fibo. Now I need to find him a good doctor in my area (NYC).

I wish you both and everyone else here the best of health. I really feel for you guys.

Lynne

Hello Karen :wave:

It seems that the only thing that does make me feel somewhat better is my medication's. I am on MS Contin and it is a pretty strong med. But unfortunately the longer you take the med, the less it stops working for me.

I am also in the 40's as I will be 41 the end of this month. I have been in the work force as I was a CNA (certified nurses aid) and then had to leave that line of work because of my back pain. I myself haven't worked in about 6 years and it doesn't look like I will ever return to work. My husband of 23 years does struggle to support our family of four. My children are 17 & 21 years of age. Unfortunately we don't have anything put away for retirement at this time. So this is a very stressful issue for me as well.

My daughter will live here in NY for about of year and then she will be moving to CT. I will have a hard time handling it when she does move. I have to stay strong as then I will have to take a ferry to go and see her and her family.

I did see my primary doctor today and he actually gave me a medical clearance for my surgery on Wednesday. Also the lump under my arm is just a cyst thank God. I guess the iron pills and vitamin c have been working.

I hope that you are feeling a little bit better today. I also give you a lot of credit for even thinking about going back to work or school. But please think of your health first and I will continue to keep you in my prayer's.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Hello Lynne :wave:

I am sorry that your fiance also has Fibro. This is something that is very hard to live with as their is no cure. I do hope that he finds a good doctor to help him. I myself am just learning about all the pain that fibro causes. I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago. Their is a strong possibility that I had this much longer and wasn't aware of fibro or its symptoms.

I also live in NY but on Long Island. I do here that their are many wonderful doctors in the city. That must have been a very long trip to Arizona to go to the Mayo Clinic. I have read that they are pretty good doctor's there.

I am having a cervical fusion with discectomy on the same level as your fiance. I have read about the complication's of this surgery. This forum also has a Spinal Disorder's Board. I do read about many member's having cervical fusion on that board. Maybe this is some info there that might help both you and your fiance.

I also had a lumbar fusion that has left me in serious pain. This was a very tuff decision for me to agree to this surgery. But I do have compression on my spinal cord and horrid pain. This type of surgery takes a long time for complete recovery. So since it is only 3 months since your fiance had his fusion, their still is hope that his pain might get better. If he had compression, the nerves do take a great deal of time to heal. Also he may have a lot of inflammation and unfortunately he cannot take anti-inflammatory's for a great deal of time as this could affect the fusion. Please don't give up hope.

I will keep both you and your fiance in my prayers.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Hey guys, just had to reply when I read all of your problems and test. i also have been in severe pain , aching,burning in legs, hips etc. I had thryoid surgery in jan and march due to cancer and the flare has really begun. I went to the doctor today and was also advised I needed the sleep test. Can someone inform me on how they do this and how it can be resolved if i do have it. This fibro pain is terrible. I also have bulging disks but the mri report showed no nerve impegment so my doctor seems to think all the hip, leg and feet pain and burning is due to the fibro. any thoughts on this? He did give me about 7 different shots in the areas that I hurt today. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...May God Bless Us All

Hey guys, just had to reply when I read all of your problems and test. i also have been in severe pain , aching,burning in legs, hips etc. I had thryoid surgery in jan and march due to cancer and the flare has really begun. I went to the doctor today and was also advised I needed the sleep test. Can someone inform me on how they do this and how it can be resolved if i do have it. This fibro pain is terrible. I also have bulging disks but the mri report showed no nerve impegment so my doctor seems to think all the hip, leg and feet pain and burning is due to the fibro. any thoughts on this? He did give me about 7 different shots in the areas that I hurt today. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...May God Bless Us All

Hi Carolin,

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I too am in a terrible flare and am also dealing with herniated discs in my neck.

I have heard many people mention shots they get in the areas that have the most pain. What kind of shots are they? Not one of my doctors has mentioned that option to me. It would be something I would like to discuss with my PM doc who I am seeing on the 18th.

Thanks for caring and I hope you feel better. My prayers are with you all.

Peace and Love, Hangin

For a sleep test you spend the night at a sleep testing facility where they hook you up to all kinds of wires and such on the head, legs, chest etc. You sleep and you leave the next morning. Over a few days your doctor will get a report from the doctor who monitored your test. It will show whether you have sleep apnea, latency problem, rls, or other sleep problems. If you have a sleep apnea problem, your doctor will prescribe a CPAP, BIPAP or other type of machine. You from then on would sleep with the machine hooked up. You can go to the sleep disorders board here or type in CPAP on a search engine and get all kinds of information.

I was set up today with a CPAP, came home and took a 40 minute nap on the thing. Guess I was tired!! My doctor believes it will help with the Fibro since many studies relate Fibro to a kind of sleep disorder. My test also showed problems with falling asleep, restless legs, movement disorder and latency. Taking a sample of Requip for the rls--?? --don't know whether I will stay with that or not.

Hello Carolin :wave:

I am sorry that you to are in such pain. Gosh it seems as if you to have your hands full with many different health conditions. I pray that your cancer is in remission or that they were able to get all the cancer cells out during surgery.

As for the Sleep Study it can be done two different ways. I had mine done at my local hospital. I was very surprised to have a double bed and television. The first half of the sleep study is to find out if you have any sleep disturbances. They spend almost 45 minutes hooking up all the electrode wires on your legs, chest arm and head. Remember to bring a hat of some sort as you will have these nice white clumps of glue in your hair afterwards. It does rinse out easily in the shower. After they have you all hooked up to their machine, you then lie down and hope to sleep. At my study they needed at least 5 hours of sleep. When you awake in the morning they remove the electrodes and send you on your merry way. The report will be sent to your doctor. If they find that you do indeed suffer with sleep apnea they will then schedule you for a CPAP Study. You will also have to get hooked up to all those electrodes once again. This part of the test requires the technician to find a mask to fit you and one that you are comfortable with. They then put the mask on you and you must breathe into it with your mouth shut and breath through your nose only. While you are sleeping they will raise the pressure of the CPAP to find the correct pressure for you. This goes along with their finding on how many apnea's you may have and how much pressure is the best for you. Once again they will send a report to your doctor. Remember I said that this test could be done two different ways. Some sleep centers do both of these tests in the same night. I wasn't that lucky.....If they do find that you have sleep apneas your doctor will order you a CPAP machine. Usually a nurse does explain how to use and maintain your CPAP. Their is also a board on the Health Boards for sleep disorders. You may find information on that boards as well.

Also if not it may be a good idea to see a Rheumatologist. They do many different blood test's to try and find the exact cause of your pain. Their may be a possibility that you also might have a form of arthritis. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of injection's did you have? The reason why I ask is because if it were cortisone of something like that, 7 shots at once it too many.

I pray that you have less pain.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Hey Jeanne, we must have been replying at the same time on the sleep study!! You explained in a much more detailed way.

The sleep center I went to did the CPAP study at the same time so I already was set to go when the one night was over. That was more convenient. Both my husband and I now have a CPAP. Lovely......what a picture.......

I bet the shots were trigger point injections--lidocaine. I used to get some when I worked but then after a while they stopped working.

Hello Karen :wave:

It looks as if we were both replying to Carolin at approximately the same time. It just takes me longer to type these days. Also looks like we basically gave the same information on some issue's. I see that you had your sleep study done at a sleep center. This is probably why you had the whole test performed in one night.

It will take you a great deal of time to get used to the CPAP. It can take many months to adjust to sleeping with it. I also take the medication Requip. This was prescribed for me for my involuntary leg movements and all over body jerks. It hasn't helped me yet, as I am still waiting. I have been taking it for a couple of weeks now.

I hope that your CPAP does help you and you have less pain.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Thanks for your replies. The shots I got were tigger point injections. The amazing thing is I have bandaids all over my butt.... That is where all the pain was when he pressed on it. I am hoping it helps. He is also sending me to physical therapy for 6 wks. I am like the rest of you, all I do is get ready to go to another doctor appt. I also have problems with acid reflux and have to do the 24hr probe test to see how much my stomach is producing. I dread this without a doubt, that is on the 29th and that is about an hr away from home too. I have just turned 40 and I feel like I should be 80. I cannot believe all the problems that comes from fibro. I am sitting here now, with both my legs and lower back just aching....I just don;t think doctors take us serious enough when we describe how painful we feel. He also told me he wanted me to walk at least an hour on the days I don;t go to therapy. Heck,I am in so much pain now, there is no way I can walk that long. He also thinks I may be diabetic too, so I will find this out in this week or so. Sorry I am venting, but it really gets hard dealing with so many things at once. Hope everyone gets the help they need. By the way, Do any of you get disability for this? I have applied due to the fact that I cannot get over 1 problem and I have 5 more... I would really love to work but at this rate, I don;t see it happening..Would love to hear from you....Carol :eek:

Tomorrow and September, I have a question about the sleep study. What if you don't have apnea or that not breathing thing or snoring or whatever. What if your problem is not being able to fall asleep and not able to stay asleep longer than a few minutes to two hours. How can the CPAP help that?? Do you know, can blowing air in you help you fall asleep and will it put you in a deeper stage of sleep so you don't wake up. I will be having a sleep study tomorrow night and am just curious, I am sure they will answer my questions but I would like to know what impressions you received from your sleep study.

My study will be done in a sleep lab that is run by the hospital, but not on the hospital grounds. I hope they can do everything in one night, cause me and driving at night when I hurt so bad and then driving home with the little sleep I usually get (without my sleep meds) does not thrill me. My husband had one done because of snoring and I remember that gunk in his hair, not looking forward to that! Thanks for any input you may have!!

Glojer

Hello Carol :wave:

I see that Karen was correct in stating that you may have had trigger point injection's. I had completely forgotten about the trigger point's as I had to have mine in the hospital last year. The reason for that was that they were putting different kinds of meds in mine to see if I was having my back pain from the hardware in my back from my lumbar fusion. I so hope that these injection's do give you some pain relief.

I also have acid reflux and have dealt with this for many years. I just had an upper gi series last week. The doctor performing the test told me how severe I had it as he could see all the barium that I was drinking just flow right back up. I haven't had the probe test yet and haven't even heard of that one. Sounds like a very long test to me, good luck...

I pray that you aren't diabetic as this sure can be a real problem with limited mobility. Gosh it's horrible to be diagnosed with this, as I have been having so much trouble with my latest glucose reading's.

I am also 40, at least for two more weeks... I believe that all this pain is even making my hair turn gray, and I also feel so much older. So I do understand where you are coming from. Don't worry about venting here, as this sure is the place to do it, as many of us sure can relate.

My neuro surgeon had told me that I should apply for disability. I still haven't gotten around to doing this. My husband also wants me to, but I feel that I would be giving up hope once I fill out the paper's. I have also heard that it is not easy to get and that many people are denied the first time, and you have to reapply. I do know that I will probably never work again.

Have a good night.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Hello Glojer :wave:

If you don't have sleep apnea then I don't believe that a CPAP would help you. Their are a couple of sleep disorder's that I have heard of. These sleep disorders are narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). You can search the web and see if any of the symptoms of these disorders. You can also go on these boards to the, "Sleep Disorders," and you might be able to find some information there. Or perhaps start your own thread and maybe someone with the same problem might respond. I do know how much it helps when someone can relate to a specific problem. I only know of sleep apnea as I have spent countless hours researching this when I was diagnosed.

I wish you the best of luck with your sleep study tomorrow night. Hopefully it will only be done in one night as you said. If anyone can find out why you have so much trouble getting to sleep and then staying asleep, it sure would be a sleep lab. Oh, and try not to take any naps during the day tomorrow as this might help you with getting a little more sleep during the study. Keep us posted.

Have a good night.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Gloger,

CPAP is for sleep apnea. It is not for other sleep disorders.

The EEG will be monitoring your brain waves to see what is going on. It will show when you fall asleep, the stages in which you sleep, the duration of the stages, any sleep latency you might have or any other type of problem with your brain and sleep.

The monitor on your legs will show if you have a movement disorder, such as Restless Leg Syndrome. There are different meds for RLS--basically Parkinson's meds that they give in smaller doses. Requip, which I am trying, is one.

Inability to achieve sleep or continued waking and sleeping can be dealt with by trying different meds such as Ambein, Lunesta, Restoril, etc. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. Sometimes people are put on drugs like Klonopin and antidepressants to see if they help. Some doctors try a type of resetting of the circadian clock we all carry or light therapy.

Other sleep disorders go the other way--falling asleep suddenly and uncontrollably--such as narcolepsy. Some forms of epilepsy cause that kind of problem.

This is as much as I personally know. Your sleep doctor will know everything you want to know. Hope this little bit helps. Reading up on what causes sleep apnea will help you understand what the air blowing does--ie, holding open the airway.

karen

Hello everyone, I don't think I've "met" any of you before except Glojer so Hi :wave: I'm really curios as to what your answers are for Glojers question. I too have a sleep problem and I was scheduled for a sleep study a long time ago and I never went. I just didn't know weather I could sleep in a hospital with a bunch of things attached to me when I have problems sleeping at home in a comfortable bed. I don't think I snore or anything but the doc wanted me to go so he scheduled it and I cancelled. My dad has sleep apnea and sleeps with a Cpap. I too have shoulder issues but the specialist I saw for it said he could do surgery with a 20% chance of curing the problems. I again chose not to do that. I had injections also, first I had Trp injections, then I had Botox injections to kill the muscles (neither worked). I personally would take Trp injections any day over the botox injections! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Septemberwoman, I'm just making an assumtion that your birthday is in September and thats how you picked your screen name right? If so I'm curious as to what day your b-day is? The reason I ask is we have the same name and my b-day is in September, it's the 7th.

Well have a great night everyone, I must go to bed now, I have to be up at 5 am for a meeting and I take meeting minutes (joy :yawn: ) so I have to be on top of things. Sweet Dreams! KSP

KSP,
Hi! Yes, my birthday is September 13th. I will be 49 this b-day!!
My shoulder surgery repaired a torn labrum, torn rotator cuff, bone spur and impringement (cut off end of bone). I am in PT for at least 4 more weeks I am doing very good the doc says.
I am getting lumbar epidural in a few days and may get one in my neck. My Fibro really was set off by the surgery, but then it was about time for it again anyway--seems to be a pattern for me.
The brain "thing" is a bright white spot on my MRI about 1 cm. That was back in early May. They do another MRI tomorrow to see if it has changed. Change means tumor, tumor doesn't mean anything good because of where it is--the middle of my head.
I have had FM for about 26 years, Dx for 2 years. I don't have any heart, blood sugar or other major organ problems for which I am grateful.
That is just an introduction--good to know you!!

TOMORROW,

I was going to tell you--I got set up on nasal pillows for the CPAP. I had tried on my husband full mask and nasal mask and found them claustrophobic. This little pillow thing just fits on my upper lip--very comfortable and light--kind of like a little mustache.

Karen

Thank you ladies for the info. I hope I don't have too much trouble falling asleep at the study tonight, since Iv'e been awake since 3am. Just one of those nights. My curiosity about the sleep study comes from the fact that I already take sleep meds and they seem to work as well as can be expected. I guess so many people have told me that they push the CPAP machines and I just assumed that would be a major focus. I know better than to assume!

Thanks again ladies I will update when I can.
Glojer

dear glojer,
i had a sleep study done. i managed less that 2 hours of actual sleep. it was enough for them. i left at 4 am. i also got scolded for playing with the red light on the pulse thing they put on my finger. leave it to me to find a toy to play with!
believe it or not the man who watched over me was named egor and his assistant shared the same first name as i have.
it is bizarre this experience you will have tonight. pretend it is a game and you will have fun being hooked up to all those wires and then trying to go to sleep. i was cracking up the whole time. they had to tell me to behave. giggle.
sweet dreams,
bluelakelady

Hi Glojer, I've never had a sleep study, but my son-inlaw had one about
three months ago. the CPAP has been a tremendous success for him.
He has a job with a lot of responsibility. He woke up tired and by 6 PM
would be exausted. Within days, he could tell the difference. Now we can
all see the increased energy level. It made him feel so much better that
he easily adjusted to using the apparatus.
I know I would lay awake all night because I was supposed to sleep. It
sounds like Blue had some interesting technicians.( I have a vivid picture
of them in my mind.)
Glojer, I really believe this is going to be easier than you think. I will
whisper a prayer for you tonight.
Bilij

Thanks blue and bilij. I'm not to worried about the hook-ups and I'm sure I won't have the energy to play, blue, but I'm sure I will be bored enough to play. Maybe I could take some of my grandsons little toys that make strange noises and hide them under my pillow and turn them on once in a while. That ought to get me in enough trouble!!! Some of them make mooing cow noises and some sing funny little songs!!!

I can't imagine I would need the CPAP machine, you don't have one do you blue? I hear they can really be great though if you need one. Who Knows?!? My problem is I can't fall asleep and when I do fall asleep, I don't stay asleep for very long, just drift in and out. As I said before the ambien and all the other meds seem to work well enough, but for some reason the rhuemy wants this test done so as long as I have insurance I'll humor him. Actually I think it will be interesting to see what the results will be. The last time I tried to sleep without taking the meds I waited 2hrs to fall asleep and gave up and took the meds. I am hoping tonight will be a little better since I woke up this morning at 3am and could not go back to sleep. That way I know the results will show how many times I wake up throughout the night when not drugged.

Thanks for all the good wishes, keep some safe thoughts for me while I drive to and from tonight and at 4:30am tomorrow morning. Remember blue when we had the thread on driving with fibro? It was all good and true stuff so I will be especially careful this evening.

Glojer

Karen, Well we do have some things in common now don't we. I will be 28 going on 88 on my birthday. I was D'xed with fibro 3 yoears ago but I have probably had it for about 12 years now. You'll have to forgive me for the short post but my wrist is killing me from typing meeting minutes and typing for work all day and I'm very exhaused from no sleep. I'll try to come back tomorrow when I'm more able. Have a great night.
KSP

Hi Glojer,

I don't know if you will read this before you head off to your sleep study.

I also had one and had pretty much the same experience as blue. I had about 3 hours sleep there. They got a little irritated with me since I had to go to the bathroom every 2 hours (which is normal for me). They had to keep on coming in and unhooking me.

By the time I fell asleep I was being woken up at 6:00 am. The sleep study just proved that I had a problem with sleeping... :eek:

I hope you get some results from your study and don't be nervous. With your sense of humor I know you will find some ot it funny, I did. :D

No offense to anyone, I know it is helpful when needed.

Sweet dreams my dear!


Peace and love, Hangin

I really didn't think I snored nor moved around in bed either, but was I surprised! I still think though that the reason I am now snoring is because I can't sleep on my shoulder that was operated on and that is the side I have always slept on--you can't teach this old dog a new trick I guess. Anyway, I think after I can start sleeping on that side again the sleep apnea will go away. I went because my doctor threatened to stop prescribing sleep meds if I didn't!!!! And the tests showed what I had been saying for 40 years--I can't go to sleep as well as the other things!! Imagine several thousand dollars to prove me right? Should I send the bill to the doctor??? Oh, my insurance paid for it, but ...welllllll......BTW, I only actually slept 2 hours but I had really sweet attendants who were very professional and never got angry with me. She would come in and say that I need to sleep now and we both laughed!

It is almost 3:30am, I have been awake for 24hrs. I just got home from the sleep study and I only have one word for it ...LAME...lame..lame..lame!! OK so that's four words. The people were nice and I will fill you all in tomorrow, I just wanted to let you all know I made it ( the driving was kind of scary ). There is a hot shower and an ambien calling my name so catch you later when I have some rest.

Glojer

GLOJER,

Bummer!!!! Sorry you had such a bad night. Hope you can catch some zzzzzzzzzzzs...today. I was up all night also--must have been a full moon or something. I have to go to PT in a couple hours so I won't be getting any sleep today. It is also my husband's day off and I try to be "perky" so we can do "something" fun and get out of the house. Since it is only 7:35 he is still sleeping, but boy an I wide awake. I only have Lunesta and it doesn't work with a darn. I am going to ask about the newest one that was approved last Friday--Rozerem. It is the first pill to NOT be a scheduled drug. Suppose to work on the same circadian area of the brain that melatonin does. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee.........

For all you sleep study buddies out there, I have a new understanding of what 'wired' means. I arrived at 8:30pm was wired by 10:pm and since I had been awake since 3:00am the morning before I was sure I would be able to sleep. No such luck! I carried my sleep meds with me in case they ask about them, but did not take them. The tech that was working with me assumed I had taken them, since they ask you on a form what meds you have taken in the last 24hrs. and of course I listed the meds from the night before which was in the 24hr time span. Miscommunication, and I can take a lot of the blame for that.

I could not fall asleep, as I had said was my problem, so I guess I proved that. I did drift slightly about 4times. Two of them around midnight and the other two much lighter drifts around 2am. The final two were the capper, when I couldn't fall asleep my body had enough and started to scream its pain to me. I don't know if this happens to any of you, but it is like the pain just shoots straight up the pain scale as if in anger at you for teasing it and not going to sleep. I started to shake and my muscles tensed up and that's when I called the tech in to say "we have to make a decision, I'm not going to fall asleep, it's 24 hrs. I have been awake and my pain level has increased considerable and I still have to drive home." She got her supervisor or senior tech, they got the point and I went home.

It was not a bad experience, but I am not sure what was proved by all this, I guess that is what the final results read by the sleep specialist and sent to my doctor will tell. What I did find interesting though is that the kind of sleep study that I went to is really just to find out if you need the CPAP. You know me I asked 100 questions and the techs are trained or their job is to see if you have any air or breathing problems that a CPAP could help. They believe that all sleep problems are from some sort of airway or oxygen problem, that even if you don't feel as if or know you are waking up you may have a SLIGHT drop in oxygen level the body senses this STARTS to wake you and your oxygen level rises again. This would indicate to them that you need a CPAP. I'm not opposed to CPAP, but it seems that with their philosophy EVERYONE would need a CPAP.

Finally, when the two techs and I were deciding if I should go home the senior tech said do you have your sleep meds with you? I said yes, but I can't take them now I have to drive home in a few hours. As he checked the time he says oh that's right well the next time you come in you can take your sleep meds right away and we will have plenty of time to do what we need to do and the meds will wear off. I said I thought taking the sleep meds would negate anything you are trying to find out, oh no he says we just need you to sleep so we can moniter you. Next time....NOT!

I did see the humor in alot of this, the whole time I was there I bet the tech had to come in 15times to change leads or fix all the straps and attachments, she even had the senior tech helping. It seems that they couldn't get a clear read out it was always fuzzy. I personally think it was my mothers spirit or some of my other dead relatives just hanging with me and interfering with the electronics. I really felt bad for the girl she was so perplexed because this kept happening. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. May the force be with you...he..he!

Glojer

Glojer, I don't blame you for sticking to that story, it's a doozy!
It sounds like a night to remember. Would you have been that restless
at home without your sleep medication?
Bilij

Hello again,
I'm back, no good sleep but I'm here and alive. I went to the doc after work today because I'm in pain and Very Very tired and I am currently on no meds except an occational morophine for pain FMS & CMP. Anyway I went and told the doctor that I was sick and tired of being sick and tired basically and I told him (since this a fairly new doctor to me) that I wanted to be put on meds to help with the pain, shaking, and not waking up rested. Heres what he gave me... 1.Prozac 2. Topamax 3.refill of my morophine then he said those dreaded words "I want you to have a sleep study done" I told him I wasn't crazy about the idea of having millions of things attached to my body but he said "you'll be fine." I asked him if sleep apnea is hereditary and he said no, not usually. He said he doesn't think I have sleep apnea. So why the test? I never did get a really clear answer. I figure, I will bite the bullet and go do it, just to see what the results are. I'm diffrent from all of you so it seems in the sleep department. My sleep problem is that I will sleep all night, all through the night, and wake up feeling like I never went to sleep. I honestly think that if I didn't have an alarm or husband to wake me up, I could and probably would, sleep all day.

Have any of you been on Topamax????
Well have a great night and Karen, I have met alot of Karens in my lifetime, and I actually work with 2 other Karen's on a daily basis (confusing at times.) I lived in a diffrent town a year ago and I lived across the street from 2 Karen's. I think we are all wonderful people and I just wanted to say It's great to know ya and happy early birthday, you young lady :)
KSP

Bilij, it was a doozy of a night. Yes I would have had the same problem sleeping at home without the meds. I just would have been more comfortable in my own bed and surroundings and not wired up. The worst part was the taped thing (I think she called a snore mic) on the front of my throat, I felt like I was being choked and the little oxygen things for your nose and then I had some sort of plastic things under my nose which made me feel kind of as if something was smothering me. All the other wires and things did not bother me much at all. Don't know what is wrong, but just cannot fall asleep and the few times I have I only sleep for two hours and then I'm awake...asleep...awake...asleep etc.

Ksp, good for you! You told the doc what you need and made him listen. Topamax would be a drug for pain I would try if I ever need something like that, only because it also may help with weight loss. Might as well get 2 for 1 if you can. Your sleep sounds like my hubby, he can fall asleep and sleep for 10 or 12 hours and still feel like he hasn't rested at all. He had the sleep study several months ago and he has the CPAP machine. His problem of course is sleep apnea, not getting restful sleep. He has quit smoking though in the last 2mo and he isn't snoring as much and his sleep is better. We know because he doesn't use the machine as often as he should. He freely admits he isn't putting out maximum effort to get use to the machine. Odd your doc doesn't think you have sleep apnea but still wants the study.

Have you had your thyroid tested? Your tsh level should be between 1 and 3. Some docs still use the .05-5.5 range but if my tsh gets higher than2.5 I am extremely fatigued and in the 4.0 range all I wanted to do was sleep. I think that was the only time in the last few years I really could doze off often! Good Luck!!

Glojer, thanks for your response. Yes, I have had my Thyroid check several times since I turned about 16, it has always been fine. From what you say about the things taped to your neck and things under your nose I just might panic. I don't like things in my face. I get really nervous, feeling like I won't be able to breathe when I have had previous oxygen masks put on me. I've been doing a little reading on this Topamax and the thing that concerns me the most is that it can cause kidney stones which I already have and the doc did not tell me this..... He better not be setting me up for disaster, kidney stones SUCK!!! Well have a great night everyone, my hubby will be home soon so I'm signing off till Monday. "See" you then..............
KSP

Hello Karen :wave:

Sorry that it has taken me a couple of days to respond to you. I did have my surgery on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they did not want to put me completely under because of my asthma and sleep apnea, since it was a small operation. Instead they gave me a spinal and by the third injection I was crying. I should have never agreed to the spinal as I have so many spinal problems to begin with. Well, it two days later and I am having more pain in my back than usual. I cannot even touch the area's were the injections were giving. This has also caused my sciatica to flare up even more, not to mention the Fibro.

But thanks for the tip on the nasal mask. This is something that I will discuss with my doctor. I do hope that you are adjusting to the CPAP. Sorry to make this so short but I really don't feel so well.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:

Ksp, don't worry about all the things they hook you up with for the sleep study. They ask and they make adjustments, no problem. I have known people with kidney stones and they say they are no fun. My mother-in-law said they were worse than giving birth at home with nothing to help for the pain. Good Luck!

Tomorrow, my goodness what an awful thing to have them trying to do spinals with your back problems. I sure hope you can get to feeling better soon, I have had some of those back problems and so has my hubby and it makes you feel so helpless cause you can't get comfortable. Hope you feel better soon!

Hey guys, Its me again. I just read the previous post and now I am kind of dreading getting the sleep apnea test. I am scheduled to have it this coming tues night, so please remember me. I also have to go to the bathroom alot thru the night so I know they are going to be happy with me. I also found out that I am very close to being diagnoised as a diabetic. The nurse called and said my levels were off 1 pt of saying i was a diabetic. It really doesn't surprize me due to being in my family so much but does really concern me. Best of Luck to all of you and I will let you know how the test goes. Amazingly, I start physical therapy tues morning and then go have the sleep test done that night....Will be one day to remember I am sure... :yawn:

CarolinNC please don't worry about the sleep test, it sounds worse than it is. I think most of the people that work at any of the sleep study clinics have to be pretty nice and pretty low key. They have to stay quiet when they are working, because people are trying to sleep. I'm sure you will do fine, good luck!

Glojer