Lack of sleep/General complaining
Comments
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Lack of sleep is so
Lack of sleep is so frustrating. It got so I didnt want to go to bed. I know my doc does not give out the ambien generously either, but you should to him about weaning off, but not cold turkey. gosh.
People who love us try to get it, but they really cant. My manager said "I know how you feel" No she doesnt. and I hope she never does. Gives one perspective. Chemo/pause messes up your sleep patterns. Have you tried melatonin? I hope you get some sleep soon!0 -
I Get It!
I totally get it. I completely understand what you're feeling and going through.
My doc prescribed Zopiclone® 7.5mg (Also called Zimovane®, Zimovane® LS) to take about 30 minutes before going to bed. It's a sleeping pill that really works well for me. I sleep the whole night through and don't wake up feeling "dopey" and it's not known to be addictive.
Ask your doc and give them a try.
I'm thinking of you...0 -
Talk to your Dr
about it. He very well may be not thinking/wanting you to take it daily if he's only writing the script for 20 pills. My PA wrote my script for Ambien for 30 pills in a refill and for 6 refills. I have to call my refills in when I get down to 10 pills as mine are mailed and it usually takes 5 - 7 days for them to get to me.
Susan0 -
Please call your doctor
I also had a script for 30 pills per month, with 6 refills and I did 2 or 3 refills after that since just cause chemo was done, I still didn't feel back to normal and without sleep everything about the recovery process takes longer and you feel like crap longer.
I'm so sorry the "receptionist" questioned you. She may or may not have a clue about what the doctor meant, but then she's NOT THE DOCTOR. At this point in your treatment/recovery you don't need anyone other than your doctor telling you what you need to do and only after a thorough conversation where you know you've been heard.
marge0 -
I haven't heard back yet asRague said:Talk to your Dr
about it. He very well may be not thinking/wanting you to take it daily if he's only writing the script for 20 pills. My PA wrote my script for Ambien for 30 pills in a refill and for 6 refills. I have to call my refills in when I get down to 10 pills as mine are mailed and it usually takes 5 - 7 days for them to get to me.
Susan
I haven't heard back yet as to what the Dr thinks, or as to whether they will fill the script, I just don't really appreciate the opinion of the receptionist as to what she thinks the Dr wanted. He offered them to me, knowing sleep would be difficult. I also don't mind being told I should begin to wean off of them, but all they needed to say was I would need a office visit. They are of course a generic brand....zolpidem. He also gave me 2 anxiety scripts way back when this all started, which I filled and never took. Thats right....I hope people "Never really get it" either! 0 -
My doc has also prescribed
My doc has also prescribed ambien to help me sleep. I finished my last chemo treatment in August 2010 and still need the ambien to get a good night sleep. Lately I have started taking one every other day and sometime cutting it in half. It's important to try to get enough sleep to stay focused and try to function "normally". Maybe a weekend alone would be helpful. Sometime I just treat myself to a weekend hotel alone with some good movies and room service. It works well for me. Be good to yourself.
Sparkle0 -
I also had to took a relaxer or sleeping pill occasionally when going through treatment. I also put my little potable radio with the attached ear plugs into my ears and that would put me to sleep quickly and I still do that often. It helps.
Annette0 -
Hi ReneeAnnette 11 said:I also had to took a relaxer or sleeping pill occasionally when going through treatment. I also put my little potable radio with the attached ear plugs into my ears and that would put me to sleep quickly and I still do that often. It helps.
Annette
Hi Renee,
I am still in chemo treatment. Just finish second session out of four having taxotere, capboplatin and herceptin all on Mondays. My doctor also gave me zolpidem for sleeping and clonazepam for anxiety. Here is what I found that help me get a good night sleep and that is I take my anxiety pill about 1 hr before taking my sleeping pill. That way my mind is already relax and not going 100 miles per hr with the "what if". Then I take my sleeping pill 30 mins before going to bed and before I know it I am out, no nightmares and wake up feeling good and not tired. If you do try this let me know if it works for you.
Hugs,
Deb0 -
you came to the right place to vent. I can understand how frustrating it can be when you can't sleep. Too bad nurse gave you such a run around about the refill considering you've been taking it since November. I have a friend who has many difficulties sleeping. I personally can't function without 8 hours sleep. I have sleep apnea and always thought I slept well until I started to fall asleep while driving my car. I hope your dr gets right back to you so you can get a good night's sleep. I have no knowledge of whether Ambien can become addictive but if it helps now, that's enough.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
Venting
Renee,
I find venting on " paper" very helpful, especially to a group of people with the same or similar experiences. I have the best, most supportive husband and a great family and friends. They say they understand, but do they - really? No, but I certainly appreciate their efforts, comfort, support and help. It's just sometimes you need to talk to people that have "been there". I surely have found help here and I have started blogging, no matter how trivial it may be, I try to put something on paper daily. It makes me feel better.
Sleep depravation can be devastating. It suppresses the immune system, causes your brain to not function normally - and God knows we are compromised enough in the brain after chemo! We need to keep up the positive thinking for our health and it's hard to think positively when you are exhausted. My Dr did prescribe a generic Xanax for me which works well. My brain wants to work overtime when I try to go to sleep. The Xanax just relaxes me and does sort of knock me out. I sleep well all night and wake up refreshed. No side effects. Addiction? Who cares at this stage of the game. I have to have the rest to heal! Just like the pain meds... Addicting? Probably, but it allows me to function normally. Isn't that what's important?
So, vent on! Talk to your Dr about medications for your troubles and be firm. Also, have him reprimand his nurse for her opinion. Unless she is a NP I believe it is illegal for her to" Diagnose" at all much less over the phone! Good luck!
Deborah0 -
Anxiety pillssmilingdeb said:Hi Renee
Hi Renee,
I am still in chemo treatment. Just finish second session out of four having taxotere, capboplatin and herceptin all on Mondays. My doctor also gave me zolpidem for sleeping and clonazepam for anxiety. Here is what I found that help me get a good night sleep and that is I take my anxiety pill about 1 hr before taking my sleeping pill. That way my mind is already relax and not going 100 miles per hr with the "what if". Then I take my sleeping pill 30 mins before going to bed and before I know it I am out, no nightmares and wake up feeling good and not tired. If you do try this let me know if it works for you.
Hugs,
Deb
Yay! You'll be done with chemo soon too! How are you doing with the taxotere? That was what my last four were! My last chemo treatment with the taxotere is kind of kicking my butt this time! I'm still having side effects 8 days out! I'm the most tired & cranky that I've been the whole way through. It too will pass! The same Drs office that is questioning my sleeping pills gave me Xanax & Zoloft, I've never tried either.....I was afraid to take them as before this I never took pills of any kind....I did like the fact that on taxotere, the last couple of weeks on it my hair started growing, I will be a happy camper when my eyebrows come all the way back! Thanks for the advice! Good luck to you!
Renee H0 -
Thanks Char! You got thatcahjah75 said:you came to the right place to vent. I can understand how frustrating it can be when you can't sleep. Too bad nurse gave you such a run around about the refill considering you've been taking it since November. I have a friend who has many difficulties sleeping. I personally can't function without 8 hours sleep. I have sleep apnea and always thought I slept well until I started to fall asleep while driving my car. I hope your dr gets right back to you so you can get a good night's sleep. I have no knowledge of whether Ambien can become addictive but if it helps now, that's enough.
{{hugs}} Char
Thanks Char! You got that right! Today after being up all night, I am a force to be reckoned with and soooo whiny as if you couldn't tell!
Thanks for the hug!0 -
Great ideal!Annette 11 said:I also had to took a relaxer or sleeping pill occasionally when going through treatment. I also put my little potable radio with the attached ear plugs into my ears and that would put me to sleep quickly and I still do that often. It helps.
Annette
Thanks, I might try a relaxing tape!0 -
XanaxFoxlairfrm said:Venting
Renee,
I find venting on " paper" very helpful, especially to a group of people with the same or similar experiences. I have the best, most supportive husband and a great family and friends. They say they understand, but do they - really? No, but I certainly appreciate their efforts, comfort, support and help. It's just sometimes you need to talk to people that have "been there". I surely have found help here and I have started blogging, no matter how trivial it may be, I try to put something on paper daily. It makes me feel better.
Sleep depravation can be devastating. It suppresses the immune system, causes your brain to not function normally - and God knows we are compromised enough in the brain after chemo! We need to keep up the positive thinking for our health and it's hard to think positively when you are exhausted. My Dr did prescribe a generic Xanax for me which works well. My brain wants to work overtime when I try to go to sleep. The Xanax just relaxes me and does sort of knock me out. I sleep well all night and wake up refreshed. No side effects. Addiction? Who cares at this stage of the game. I have to have the rest to heal! Just like the pain meds... Addicting? Probably, but it allows me to function normally. Isn't that what's important?
So, vent on! Talk to your Dr about medications for your troubles and be firm. Also, have him reprimand his nurse for her opinion. Unless she is a NP I believe it is illegal for her to" Diagnose" at all much less over the phone! Good luck!
Deborah
Hi Deborah
I too do have tremendous support from a wonderful loving husband who went to every chemo treatment, every neulasta shot etc and a super supportive family, but not the same as all you ladies on here who have been there! You are exactly right! I like the way you put that...."Addiction? Who cares at this stage of the game" I may just tell them that! Funny thing is, I just called in a pain med from same Dr....No problem, it was ready in less than 20 minutes. "Not that I need it...but the script was getting ready to expire & may need it some time...Thanks for your thoughts! I am going to ask to speak directly to the Dr tomorrow. I do have Xanax, but haven't tried it. Is it true that you have to have it in your system a week before it works? If not I might try one tonight....
Renee0 -
Hi Sparklesparkle1 said:My doc has also prescribed
My doc has also prescribed ambien to help me sleep. I finished my last chemo treatment in August 2010 and still need the ambien to get a good night sleep. Lately I have started taking one every other day and sometime cutting it in half. It's important to try to get enough sleep to stay focused and try to function "normally". Maybe a weekend alone would be helpful. Sometime I just treat myself to a weekend hotel alone with some good movies and room service. It works well for me. Be good to yourself.
Sparkle
I've threatened many times to do just that! Sounds wonderful....Its so hard to find a quite spot here some times!0 -
Hi Sparklesparkle1 said:My doc has also prescribed
My doc has also prescribed ambien to help me sleep. I finished my last chemo treatment in August 2010 and still need the ambien to get a good night sleep. Lately I have started taking one every other day and sometime cutting it in half. It's important to try to get enough sleep to stay focused and try to function "normally". Maybe a weekend alone would be helpful. Sometime I just treat myself to a weekend hotel alone with some good movies and room service. It works well for me. Be good to yourself.
Sparkle
I've threatened many times to do just that! Sounds wonderful....Its so hard to find a quite spot here some times!0 -
Xanaxrenee616 said:Xanax
Hi Deborah
I too do have tremendous support from a wonderful loving husband who went to every chemo treatment, every neulasta shot etc and a super supportive family, but not the same as all you ladies on here who have been there! You are exactly right! I like the way you put that...."Addiction? Who cares at this stage of the game" I may just tell them that! Funny thing is, I just called in a pain med from same Dr....No problem, it was ready in less than 20 minutes. "Not that I need it...but the script was getting ready to expire & may need it some time...Thanks for your thoughts! I am going to ask to speak directly to the Dr tomorrow. I do have Xanax, but haven't tried it. Is it true that you have to have it in your system a week before it works? If not I might try one tonight....
Renee
Xanax worked for me right away. I have never heard that. I really hate a "drug hangover" and Xanax does not give it to me. I am very sensitive to drugs, so that's impressive. Good night!0 -
Hi Renee,Foxlairfrm said:Xanax
Xanax worked for me right away. I have never heard that. I really hate a "drug hangover" and Xanax does not give it to me. I am very sensitive to drugs, so that's impressive. Good night!
Xanax works
Hi Renee,
Xanax works immediately, no need to build up in your system. It doesn't knock you out or get you high, it just lets your mind slow down to a normal pace and lets you sleep. I don't take them nightly, just when I really need a good night's sleep or am having anxiety or a racing mind. I have a low dose script and usually cut them in half; its just enough to relax.
I hated the thought of taking any type of drugs and resisted them at every turn until this experience taught me to use every weapon in the arsenal to get through.
Hope you're back to sleeping soon. I, too, have to have my 8 hours or Lord help anyone around me!
Chickadee0 -
InsomniaChickadee1955 said:Hi Renee,
Xanax works
Hi Renee,
Xanax works immediately, no need to build up in your system. It doesn't knock you out or get you high, it just lets your mind slow down to a normal pace and lets you sleep. I don't take them nightly, just when I really need a good night's sleep or am having anxiety or a racing mind. I have a low dose script and usually cut them in half; its just enough to relax.
I hated the thought of taking any type of drugs and resisted them at every turn until this experience taught me to use every weapon in the arsenal to get through.
Hope you're back to sleeping soon. I, too, have to have my 8 hours or Lord help anyone around me!
Chickadee
LOL, I'm always the odd woman out. I can't take xanax, valium or ativan--they all cause me to feel weird, restless and anxious and I have awful nightmares on them. We are all so different...sigh.
Ambien knocks me out, but I feel awful the next day. My doc prescribed them, but I only take one if I am desperate--because I really pay for it if I use it.
So, not being on steroids right now, I mostly manage my insomnia by reading, white noise machine, ear plugs, less caffeine, etc. Sometimes I try a 1/2 dose of nyquil, but that will only work if I rarely ever use it.0 -
Ambien doesn't give me anyCypressCynthia said:Insomnia
LOL, I'm always the odd woman out. I can't take xanax, valium or ativan--they all cause me to feel weird, restless and anxious and I have awful nightmares on them. We are all so different...sigh.
Ambien knocks me out, but I feel awful the next day. My doc prescribed them, but I only take one if I am desperate--because I really pay for it if I use it.
So, not being on steroids right now, I mostly manage my insomnia by reading, white noise machine, ear plugs, less caffeine, etc. Sometimes I try a 1/2 dose of nyquil, but that will only work if I rarely ever use it.
Ambien doesn't give me any side effects, but I do sleep untill at least 9am since I'm not working. I have a head thing about pills, I've gotten over it alot since doing this little number! I'm more afaid of the side effects than the results sometimes...but I am going to try the Xanax, I will be up anyways! I did have adivan in my pre treatment cocktail and she said I'd get sleepy, but I honestly think I fought it. I almost fell asleep on my last treatment & I think it was because I was finally relaxed knowing it was almost over!
Thanks! 0
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