Desperately Seeking Advice - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Topsyturvy105 · 09-02-2008, 01:38 PM

Good Afternoon,
I have something I’m struggling with and will gladly accept any advice given. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, copd and peripheral neuropathy. I have a full time job outside of the home and that is the area I’m struggling with. I work with a wonderful group of people who are very understanding of my medical situation but I’m afraid if my fatigue continues to increase at the rate its going some one will notice very soon if they haven’t already. It used to be that it was more in the afternoon and that if I walked around or was extremely busy I could keep my fatigue at bay but not anymore. No matter what the circumstances, what I mean is it I could be driving a car, it could be the busiest day, it could be 8:30 am when I arrive at 8, or I could even be on the phone when I fall asleep. I’ve tried everything including fatigue medication but nothing helps. I go to bed at 8pm every night but even with the CPAP machine I’m still up numerous times in the night. I’m so afraid I’m going to get fired. I’m plan on talking to my doctor again but when I tell him I’m struggling with fatigue I don’t think he realizes the magnitude of what I’m telling him. For goodness sakes telling him I’m falling asleep driving ought to send up red flags. What should I do?

bluelakelady · 09-02-2008, 04:08 PM

hi topsy,
if you are not taking a sleep aid like ambien or lunesta i suggest you tell, not ask, tell your doctor you want to try a sleep aid. i have been on ambien for about 10 years i think and it still works.
with fibro sleep is an issue. we tend to wake alot at night and never achieve deep r.e.m. sleep. tell your doctor you are terrified of falling asleep at the wheel. you may also tell him there is a death rate associated with fibro. solely and only deaths from falling asleep while driving. when my doc told me that i was blown away. i had had so many close calls. now i don't drive in the late afternoon and i always pull over and rest a bit if that fatigue does hit. there is nowhere i have to be that fast.
print this out if you want and take it to him.
by the way, nice to meet you. welcome.
peace,
bluelakelady

kirstee · 09-02-2008, 04:42 PM

I can so relate to your concern. I have fallen asleep at the wheel more than once, and it was so alarming. I never had an accident due to rumble strips or some "other" (I'm point heavenward) intervention. It might be worth trying a new eating plan, eliminating complex carbohydrates and sugar, and focusing on high protein, quality foods. Once I started eating high protein, I had a boost in energy and I haven't had as many fall-asleep episodes. The sugar spikes caused by sugar/complex carbohydrates causes blood sugar spikes and crashes which may be contributing to your sleepiness.

It's nice to meet you

Kirstee

seaturtle · 09-02-2008, 07:38 PM

Hi,

Would finding another doctor be something you'd consider? Falling asleep at the wheel is dangerous, and your difficulties at work, if increasing, need attention. Can you drop down to part-time?

The more we exhaust ourselves, the worse we'll get in the long run. Please try to find support for lessening your activities and taking more time for rest.

I wish I could follow my own advice.

Seaturtle

slanabhaile75 · 09-19-2008, 05:11 PM

you need to get your thyroid and your adrenal glands checked out. removed. Even if your dr has checked these out, it may not be enough. There are more advanced tests out, that Dr Honeyman does. Good luck