Tough Week :(

[momof327]

Just want to start by saying I honestly appreciate this group so much! Everyone here is so understanding and compassionate. I thank God I found you all!
Been having a heck of a time with insomnia. A few times last week I stayed up all night and didn't sleep until the following night. I called my Dr but because I have sleep apnea on top of all my other medical issues he thought best not to give me any sleep aides or even take anything even over the counter! Thinks my respiration's will go too low.
I'm exhausted and getting really emotional and cranky.
Still tapering with the Vanco 125 x 3 a day. The pain in my side has become constant instead of just here and there. Although I haven't had D for awhile, it's mostly been M. and just yucky.
I'm continuing having the headaches everyday and at this point I'm starting to go down hill with depression. Am seeing (finally) the specialist on Wednesday so hoping and praying he can find some relief for it all.
If anyone out there can give me some suggestions to aid my sleeping or any of this please let me know. I've tried tea, Tylenol pm and Aleve pm to no avail. (Before the Dr told me not too) which because those things weren't helping I called him in the 1st place. Guess I'm frustrated like everyone else with this all. Quite the roller coaster ride this is just not a fun one.

[momof327]

Gosh, I'm feeling alone and so isolated tonight. Ugh! Some nights I just hate being by myself. Too darn quiet.

[beth22]

How long have you had the problem with insomnia? I have had it some nights since I have been sick and I feel sorry for anyone who has this ongoing. The doctor prescribed me 2mg of valium to take, but so far I haven't done it. Is something like Xanax a drug that you can take with the sleep apnea? I know it has helped some people, but obviously ask the doctor.

[georgina]

So sorry you are having a rough time momof.I know all about insomnia , but i don't have sleep apnea.I know that for sleep apnea a CPAP machine is given to the patient at home to use at night.Your doctor must find a way to improve your sleep pattern , if not it can be really debilitating , and it can make your depression worse. You can ask doctor about some natural sleep aids like melatonine , passion flower .

[Acres]

Hi,
My Doctor gave me Xanax .25 for anxiety, but told me to take 1 at night as well for insomnia...They worked for me during the peek of my war with c.diff and now I only take them when I really need them....Ask your doctor.....

Stress gave me headaches and I was very depressed. I forced myself to become active again (inspired by the threads, advice and comments here), exercise, walk the dog etc...It really helped with my attitude. Once I decreased my stress, the headaches stopped...

Sorry you feel lonely...I know the feeling....You are in the right place for comfort. This site has amazing people to guide us through this insane journey....

I also listen to music with headphones when I have trouble sleeping. My mind concentrates on the music which reduces stress and relaxes me and next thing I know, it's morning....

Praying for your recovery,
Scott

[NanciT]

Sorry you are having such difficulties, I would give the MD a call. With all that you have going on, you need rest and sleep. With a history of sleep apnea, you really need the advice of a physician. There is a point where medication may be necessary on a temporary basis and I would ask about that. It's tough to overcome an illness especially one like CIDFF when you are not getting any rest.
Along with that, if possible maybe try some relaxation music before heading to bed, I started that with this illness and it did help. I love the Ocean/Wave sounds.
I hope the MD comes up with some help for you
Take Care
NanciT

[momof327]

Thank you all for your replies. Means so much. I wish you knew. Beth and Acres I have honestly never had an issue with insomnia before. Only since I got cdiff did it start which was in late November last year. I do have Xanax .25 I've used for anxiety attacks here and there but haven't considered it for sleep issues. Even with the anxiety, I would usually only take 1/2. Maybe I should consider taken a whole one for a change. I'll try tonight. I've never used it much as I've always been terrified of getting to addicted to things. Being I'm pretty desperate at this point a think I should throw a little caution to the wind. Georgina and Nanci, I've had the sleep apnea for quite some time and was preparing for my next sleep study to get the cpap machine calibrated but then got hit with the cdiff so it's been put on the back burner.
I will try the Xanax and the music and I just found an app on my phone for relaxation music so will give it all a try. I so appreciate all your input. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed by it all. With the many health issues I have it seems if I do one thing for A, it's not good for B or even H or Z so I'm finding myself hitting the wall. This helps that but hurts this, it's making my head spin!! Rock and the hard place and Murphy tagging along.
Again, and I know I' being repetitive, but thank you all for being here for me. This is really some tough spot I'm in. :( I will keep you posted. Big hugs for you all.

[Acres]

Hi,
My primary doctor told me not to worry about getting addicted (I was very worried about that as well) He said I could cut it in half, but the .25 is a very mild dose. Having said that I only took it when I was quite ill and immediately backed off when I started to feel even slightly better. As soon as my body got back into the routine of sleeping at night I was ok. I still have the occasional sleepless night, and depending on the circumstances I might take a .25, but I think most people have that issue every now and then....

I know exactly how you feel with doing something for one ailment is not good for another situation...I find that particularly true with food. I was going nuts trying to eat a gluten free, yeast free, sugar free diet. What was good for my gut was not good for candida, so I finally decided to battle the gut issue 1st and then deal with the other problem later...I seem to be doing ok on both fronts right now..... Time will tell.
I am convinced a positive attitude and being active really helps the immune system. Since I decided to fight my depression I have felt better.

I know your feeling of gratitude towards the people here. I feel the same way. I thank god for this group all the rime...

Get well !!! Scott

[momof327]

Thanks Scott!

I did end up taking a whole pill and although I slept a good 8 hours, I felt groggy all day. Despite that I will take it again if I go too long again without sleep.

I so appreciate your understanding about having multiples issues to try and deal with and what does good for one isn't so good for the other. I have such an array of disabilities it gets overwhelming constantly having to weigh every option/treatment. At this point I'm just trying to take it a day at a time and be an advocate for myself through it all. It gets confusing when one doctor says do this and the other says that it's not good for that. I can only make the best decisions I can.

I finally got to the specialist and he's taking over my cdiff issue. I liked him and thought him quite knowledgeable on the issue. He decided to pulse dose me the rest of the way down on the Vanco. This week I'm down to 125 x 2 a day. Next week 1x day. then every other etc. He said he recommends doing the FMT if this isn't successful. Saying my prayers and fingers & toes crossed it works.

I am having so much nausea! I bought the sea bands but unfortunately they were too small for my big bony wrists and ended up cutting off my circulation. lol Oh well, guess I'll continue with the Phenergan and put up with the side affects.

Sorry I haven't been on the last 4-5 days but just been laying here like a slug. I did go out for my birthday today though and enjoyed a change of scenery!

Putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes 2 steps forward, one back but always trying for forward.

Thanks for being here. Have a blessed weekend!
Terri

[Ril]

Terri,
You should never apologize for not being on here. This site exists to give you support and information. You should be here when you feel the need and no more than that. If you don't feel like being on...don't!
Glad you got out for your birthday. Hope it was happy.
Don't the sea bands come in sizes? I would assume there would be larger ones to fit men.
Good luck with the pulsing. You are with the right kind of dr now.
Just keep putting 1 foot forward...
Rita

[Lisa33]

Terri - So sorry you have been going through such a tough time. I am really glad that you got in with a new specialist. Pulsing is a good idea. Try to stay positive and know that this will all eventually pass. And Happy Birthday! I'm glad you got out for a while to enjoy it.

Feel better,
Lisa

[momof327]

Rita & Lisa, Thank you for the kind words and the birthday wishes. It really did lift my spirits getting out a bit. I'll look to see if the Sea-Bands come in a larger size and check them for a better fit.

Had a decent day so far today and ready to just settle in for the night. I hope you too had a good one. Have an awesome weekend! Here's hoping this this round works!

Terri

[NanciT]

Happy Birthday Terri! Maybe try and stretch the sea bands out, pull on them. I found after awhile mine would stretch out so much I had to replace them. I wore them every single day for months.
NanciT

[georgina]

Happy , Cdiff free , pain free , D free, birthday!! I hope that special brought you lots of happiness, love and fun. You deserve them a lot.

[momof327]

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes!