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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Guy on July 13, 2008, at 11:14:24
I suffer from a chronic condition which I believe will eventually kill me. I have developed a mortal SUBCONSCIOUS fear of not being able to sleepsometimes so bad that I am even afraid to lie down. I have to medicate myself with Remeron, Valium and Gabapentin just to get some sleep, but I usually awaken in the early morning hours with a terrible knot in my stomach because I have been having a panic attack even before I am fully awake. The physical pain during the day is extreme and debilitating. I have a constant headache and fire shooting through my neck, shoulders and down my spinal column. Its a horrible type of pain that is not at all like a smashed finger, and it makes me very suicidal. All I can do is sit and cry and long for death so I can be at peace. Id be gone now if it werent for my family. My own father committed suicide and I know first-hand how traumatic that can be for a child...it's something you carry with you for the rest of your life.
Posted by Phillipa on July 13, 2008, at 12:33:24
In reply to Can anyone relate?, posted by Guy on July 13, 2008, at 11:14:24
Hi Guy that sounds horrible. Aside from the insomnia or early awakening do you know if the pain is medical? Have you seen a neurologist or orthopedist or even your family doc? Are you taking anything for the physical pain? Love Phillipa
Posted by raisinb on July 13, 2008, at 13:36:08
In reply to Can anyone relate?, posted by Guy on July 13, 2008, at 11:14:24
I am not an expert, but it almost sounds like you have panic disorder--not just insomnia. It could, technically, be a side effect of many of those meds you're taking (they can all cause panic attacks). But if it seems to be independent of what you are taking, then probably not.
Do you have a psychiatrist? Have you talked to him/her about what you are experiencing?
Posted by Marty on July 17, 2008, at 17:12:56
In reply to Re: Can anyone relate? » Guy, posted by raisinb on July 13, 2008, at 13:36:08
My 2 cents guess:- CHLORAL HYDRATE: Want to sleep like a baby when you want to ? -> CHLORAL HYDRATE is what you're looking for. It's pretty old but probably MUCH more effective than everything you tried so far. Look it up...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloral_hydrate- PREGABALIN (Lyrica): Gabapentin for pain may be good, but is newest cousin Pregabalin is MUCH BETTER. It's also pretty good for anxiety and at higher dose is considered by many as having antipressant properties. Higher dose = 300mg 2x per day AT LEAST. 600mg 2x could be better for you ... YMMV
- Switch Valium for Xanax. .. Xanax XR if you can. Much better anxiolitics in the same family.
- New antidepressant : Switch Remeron for a better antidepressant for you. (This one may have been choosen for the ANESTHESIC property.. if you want to stay with those anesthesic antidepressants you may want to check ELAVIL and DULOXETINE.. if not you may like Zoloft or Paxil.)
/\/\arty
Posted by elanor roosevelt on July 17, 2008, at 22:32:42
In reply to Can anyone relate?, posted by Guy on July 13, 2008, at 11:14:24
for what it's worth
Years ago when I was having extreme anxiety and waking up with flashing white light panic before I even opened my eyes, I took Buspar and it got me through.
I know that many people take Remeron for sleeping but for me it had a negative effect on the structure of both my sleep and my dreams and I did not wake up refreshed.
Posted by jflange on July 18, 2008, at 2:04:22
In reply to Can anyone relate?, posted by Guy on July 13, 2008, at 11:14:24
Hi Guy,
It really does seem you have panic and it's not at all unusual to have it at night time which results in fear of sleep. I would talk to a doc about panic disorder first and get off those sedating drugs which don't seem to be addressing your attacks of pain and anxiety.
Be well,
jflange
Posted by Copper on July 18, 2008, at 21:45:18
In reply to Re: Can anyone relate?, posted by jflange on July 18, 2008, at 2:04:22
I to know the feeling of waking up @ 5:30 with straight horrible anxiety. There is nothing you can do to get your self out of it eithor.
Also, I know the feeling of a fear of not being able to sleep. Again anxiety with it horrible thoughts.
I think the pain you feel is also anxiety, you have so much tension that it goes straight to your muscles and gives you muscle spasms. Suicide, you can't help but have the thoughts, just know that it is just thoughts, all from the high anxiety. It is like another being in are bodies. We have to be the mentally stronger one. Battlefield of the mind, constant postive self talk.
Just know that so many of us here on the board have felt and still feel the way you do. You are not alone. Breath deep Love Copper
This is the end of the thread.
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