insomnia, Ambien, and brain rads, mother-in-law...
The doc prescribed Ambien, but it scares me. One of the possible side effects is sleep walking...and the brain rads are starting to cause some motor skill issues. I bump into things when walking sometimes. So sleep walking and bumping into stuff...just doesn't sound like a good combo. But I've gotta get some sleep...so I'm trying to choose a good night to try it. For those of you who have tried Ambien, I would love to hear about your experiences...
Brain rads are going well. Besides starting to bump into stuff, the only side effect so far was a bad headache on Friday afternoon. I've had no skin reactions yet, hope that continues. I had about half an inch of hair, and shaved that. I didn't want to shave my head after skin reactions...but my ears are always freezing cold. The calendula cream really cools the skin, and I was told to put it on my ears too...
The mother-in-law visit is going really well so far. We've been playing tourist...I've opted out of a couple of things and sent the family on their way just to save my energy. She wants to see the redwoods, so we're taking a day trip to Muir Woods tomorrow. And she's had lots of one-on-one time with my daughter. She and my son are having lunch together today, so they can get some one-on-one time too.
That gets you caught up on all of my news...
Hugs,
Linda
Comments
-
Good Hearing from You.
Linda... it is good to see you posting. Glad to hear rads isn't causing too much grief for you. I hope you can get some rest. I was on decadron when I was undergoing chemo as well. I remember those sleepless nights, no fun.
It's good to hear your mother in law is spending quality time with your daughter and son. It helps to know your kids are enjoying time with grandma, allowing you precious time to rest and recoup. I hope she is a good cook!
Big Hugs to You and Yours!
Ines0 -
Hi LindaBella Luna said:Good Hearing from You.
Linda... it is good to see you posting. Glad to hear rads isn't causing too much grief for you. I hope you can get some rest. I was on decadron when I was undergoing chemo as well. I remember those sleepless nights, no fun.
It's good to hear your mother in law is spending quality time with your daughter and son. It helps to know your kids are enjoying time with grandma, allowing you precious time to rest and recoup. I hope she is a good cook!
Big Hugs to You and Yours!
Ines
Those steroids did make me crazy and sleepless. I just tried to catch cat naps whenever I could. If you're afraid of the Ambien (I've never taken it), maybe some over-the-counter like Tylenol PM or something like it could help. I don't know--maybe not strong enough to fight the nasty steroids. I do understand the fear of the Ambien. I have a written prescription--just never filled it.
Glad you and your family are enjoying each other. It's nice that the kids can go off with grandma once in a while. Smart of you to preserve your energy for only certain things.
Take good care, Linda. I hope you get some much-needed rest. Sounds like you are letting everyone know what you need and that is GOOD.
Love and hugs, Renee0 -
Ambien...Bella Luna said:Good Hearing from You.
Linda... it is good to see you posting. Glad to hear rads isn't causing too much grief for you. I hope you can get some rest. I was on decadron when I was undergoing chemo as well. I remember those sleepless nights, no fun.
It's good to hear your mother in law is spending quality time with your daughter and son. It helps to know your kids are enjoying time with grandma, allowing you precious time to rest and recoup. I hope she is a good cook!
Big Hugs to You and Yours!
Ines
Linda, I have taken Ambien a long time ago... To get over jet lag when we went to Ireland....if you do take it, DO NOT TAKE IT until you are IN THE BED! it knocked me out in no time!!! I, personally, wouldn't take it with the brain rads but that's just me.. ..if the Decadron " over rides" the Ambien you will stumble around, if you get up...you're supposed to take it ONLY If you can sleep for 7-8 hours...but if your MO gave it to you he must feel it's safe for you...... if you do, start with 1/2 of the pill and see how that works..I understand the walking into things...never had that until AFTER I finished the brain rads...I'll tell a funny on myself...last Monday,I got up at 5:00 am to pee....well I always said I could find my way in my house if I were blind....WRONG!!! I, of course, didn't turn on the light... I stumbled and....well, I missed the toilet! I fell backwards, between the toilet and wall...hard enough to break the lid off the toilet seat! My poor husband had a rude awakening....lol.... He came flying...luckily, I only scraped my back....and he had to replace the seat yesterday..lol a project...he hates projects...
Oh how I understand the effects the Decadron and sleep....I hated it but understood why I had to have it...to prevent brain swelling during the rads...then it took almost a month to wean me off, after the brain rads were finished...I, also wasn't allowed to drive for 3 months after I finished...My RO said that the dying cancer cells could possibly cause seizures...I've been driving since Late June..still feels strange and I am extra careful, I don't feel as confident as before..
Glad the MIL visit is going well...try to rest, though as much as you can...as we all know to well, the effects are cumulative...
I think about you so much, knowing what this is like...unlike our other rads...
Keep us updated...we care deeply,
Big hugs, Nancy0 -
SleepBella Luna said:Good Hearing from You.
Linda... it is good to see you posting. Glad to hear rads isn't causing too much grief for you. I hope you can get some rest. I was on decadron when I was undergoing chemo as well. I remember those sleepless nights, no fun.
It's good to hear your mother in law is spending quality time with your daughter and son. It helps to know your kids are enjoying time with grandma, allowing you precious time to rest and recoup. I hope she is a good cook!
Big Hugs to You and Yours!
Ines
Hello Linda,
Sorry to hear that your not getting any sleep.
I did try ambien before but I did'nt like it...I would sleep walk and stumble.
So I ended up taking Temazepam much better for me, and I dont feel like a hang over the next day.
When you do try it make sure someone keeps an eye on you.
Take care dear sister.
Lots of Hugs.....Karie0 -
I too am having
trouble sleeping from steroids, but am afraid to take sleeping pills. I remember my son getting Ambien, he took like 5 of them during the night and didn't remember getting up one time, they were in the kitchen.
It is between 4 and 6 am before I fall asleep for the first 2 days after the steroids, then am up between 10 and noon. After about 3 days of this, I end up sleeping most of the next 2 -3 days. I should try the Ambien, but I want someone who will babysit me when I do!
I hope the sleeping gets better for you Linda.
Carol0 -
Ambien was my favorite drug for two yearscamul said:I too am having
trouble sleeping from steroids, but am afraid to take sleeping pills. I remember my son getting Ambien, he took like 5 of them during the night and didn't remember getting up one time, they were in the kitchen.
It is between 4 and 6 am before I fall asleep for the first 2 days after the steroids, then am up between 10 and noon. After about 3 days of this, I end up sleeping most of the next 2 -3 days. I should try the Ambien, but I want someone who will babysit me when I do!
I hope the sleeping gets better for you Linda.
Carol
Hi Linda
Ambien really helped me to have 6 to 8 hours sleep. I was on and off this drug for almost two years. Everyone is different however I never walked while sleeping. Try from low dose, even half of what your doctor told you It hard to sleep, while on steroids, you need something to combat agitation. My oncologist prescribed Ativan for dealing with steroids.
I am glad that you tolerating radiation well, family is understanding and supportive.
Hugs
New Flower0 -
Visiting from lung cancer saw post, experienced...
....same thing. Sorry, don't mean to thread hop or break in, but this post caught my eye as I checked here to look for a friend.
My caretaker (an RN-cousin) had me take my last one by 4pm. My doc okayed it and changing that made a big difference for me. I was able to be more sparing in the use of my Ambien.
If anyone talks to Ms Gebby please ask her to check in over ar lung cancer, thanks.
Best regards,
DennyCee0 -
Ambiendennycee said:Visiting from lung cancer saw post, experienced...
....same thing. Sorry, don't mean to thread hop or break in, but this post caught my eye as I checked here to look for a friend.
My caretaker (an RN-cousin) had me take my last one by 4pm. My doc okayed it and changing that made a big difference for me. I was able to be more sparing in the use of my Ambien.
If anyone talks to Ms Gebby please ask her to check in over ar lung cancer, thanks.
Best regards,
DennyCee
Hi Gabe-n-Abby's mom,
My doc gave me Ambien too and it worked real well for me....I seldom start a new med with the full dosage as I'm always afraid of being allergic! I'm just silly that way..( even allergic to cat scan contrast, and MRI contrast!)
I had absolutely no problems with the Ambien....I took 1/3 of the tablet the first night, then 3/4 the second, then full tablet. I don't know if that's OK but I did!! No sleep walking and woke up without grogginess....When I've taken Tylenol PM in the past, I wake up groggy. Luckily, only on Ambien for a short time..
So glad MIL there to help!
take care,
Joyce0 -
Good to hear from you Linda!
Good to hear from you Linda! I tried Ambien recently. I like it, but it is sort of weird. I slept soundly, but had no dreams what so ever. It was close to being unconscious. I never have taken it while the kids are in the house; don't want to be so knocked out that I can't hear them.
I agree that if you take it, you should be in bed and prepared to sleep 6 - 8 hours.
Hope all goes well!
Dorene0 -
Hi Linda,
I used Ambien a few years ago before bc. It worked well for me. I would sit on the side of the bed and take it, lay down and wake up in the morning. I never had any problems and did not sleep walk. I worked well for me to help with the problem I was having with insomnia.
All you can do is give it a try one night.
Hugs,
Georgia0 -
I took ambien and liked it.ladyg said:Hi Linda,
I used Ambien a few years ago before bc. It worked well for me. I would sit on the side of the bed and take it, lay down and wake up in the morning. I never had any problems and did not sleep walk. I worked well for me to help with the problem I was having with insomnia.
All you can do is give it a try one night.
Hugs,
Georgia
I took ambien and liked it. But I took it recently and gave it the full 8 hours. I was stopped by a a state trooper driving to work, he was a lunatic mind you, but he was screaming at me about my driving. I had no idea what he was talking about, if he wasnt a crazy man would give him more credibilty, but I couldnt help wondering if it was the ambien. I have heard of people not being aware, so I chucked it. I opt for naps.0 -
Hi
I just wanted to say after a good 18 month or so on this site I have admired your courage in the circumstances and you give me strength through your postings. You are a strong lady and I wish you well.0 -
So, VickiSam's potion DID work?
Hmmm, I will HAVE to get that recipe for MIL fixer-upper! ;-}
I am glad to hear that you got through it and with such grace. I am glad you have these girls to guide you too! That would give me great comfort. The doctors just aren't enough. We need our girls on this board! I haven't gone through what you are but can go with you in spirit.
xoxo
Rebeccca0 -
Ambien, etc
Linda, as I am so prone to insomnia, I have ambien on hand. I don't usually take it, but I like having it. If I work a very busy shift and get my days and nights turned around, it is a blessing for me. Because I am so incredibly sensitive to meds, I asked for the lowest dosage and then split the pill with my pill splitter and it still knocks me out.
Some recommendations: make sure that you can get 8 hrs of undisturbed sleep after taking ambien. If you don't, you will have residual grogginess. As I read before bedtime, I tell Danny when I take one so he can put my kindle away. I fall asleep very fast (within 5-10 min) after taking ambien and it is a very deep sleep. For me, it is like anesthesia: fast acting and total knockout.
I don't relish taking it either, but there are times when a sleep med can be a real blessing. On decadron, I wouldn't hesitate as steroids make me feels like I am climbing the walls. Sometimes, a knockout sleep is exactly what I need.
I am sorry about the headache and hair. If I could, I would jump through cyberspace and give you a hug.
As to your mother in law, I have no great advice there. Danny's mom is one of the most difficult women that I have ever met. I love her, but she can really say mean things about everyone. She had a rough life: her mother died giving birth to her, her father was a creep, her grandmother was wealthy but emotionally distant and literally known in the neighborhood as "Mean Mrs. W". Anotherwords, my mil probably never had a chance.
I limit my exposure now which helps. It just takes too much energy sometimes and, after 40 years of trying, I know I will never change her. But she gave me my husband who is one of the sweetest, most honorable individuals in the world, so, for him, I try hard.
This is now too long and rambling, so I'll stop. I love you and am praying very hard for you to get better. Please feel free to pm me anytime!0 -
Linda, I've never takenCypressCynthia said:Ambien, etc
Linda, as I am so prone to insomnia, I have ambien on hand. I don't usually take it, but I like having it. If I work a very busy shift and get my days and nights turned around, it is a blessing for me. Because I am so incredibly sensitive to meds, I asked for the lowest dosage and then split the pill with my pill splitter and it still knocks me out.
Some recommendations: make sure that you can get 8 hrs of undisturbed sleep after taking ambien. If you don't, you will have residual grogginess. As I read before bedtime, I tell Danny when I take one so he can put my kindle away. I fall asleep very fast (within 5-10 min) after taking ambien and it is a very deep sleep. For me, it is like anesthesia: fast acting and total knockout.
I don't relish taking it either, but there are times when a sleep med can be a real blessing. On decadron, I wouldn't hesitate as steroids make me feels like I am climbing the walls. Sometimes, a knockout sleep is exactly what I need.
I am sorry about the headache and hair. If I could, I would jump through cyberspace and give you a hug.
As to your mother in law, I have no great advice there. Danny's mom is one of the most difficult women that I have ever met. I love her, but she can really say mean things about everyone. She had a rough life: her mother died giving birth to her, her father was a creep, her grandmother was wealthy but emotionally distant and literally known in the neighborhood as "Mean Mrs. W". Anotherwords, my mil probably never had a chance.
I limit my exposure now which helps. It just takes too much energy sometimes and, after 40 years of trying, I know I will never change her. But she gave me my husband who is one of the sweetest, most honorable individuals in the world, so, for him, I try hard.
This is now too long and rambling, so I'll stop. I love you and am praying very hard for you to get better. Please feel free to pm me anytime!
Linda, I've never taken Ambien. When I was on chemo and had trouble sleeping after the Decadron, I found. Ativan helped . I tried Benadryl since it really put me to sleep during and after chemo, but it didn't seem to work like that at night.
Angie0 -
Thank you all for sharing
Thank you all for sharing your experience with the Ambien. I did fill the prescription, and have it but haven't tried it yet. Like Renee I also thought about the tylenol pm, and the doc ok'd that. So I've done it the last couple of nights and am up to about 5-6 hours of sleep with less wakefulness in the middle of the night. The doc also said I could try benedryl, so I have that option too. The ambien still scares me, so I'm saving it for a time when I REALLY need it.
My mother-in-law goes home this evening...and I need to clarify she is a wonderful person and we get along really well. We have quite a bit in common, and have never really had any issues. Our house is small and we don't have a good set up for guests, so she stays in a hotel nearby. This helps because she doesn't feel like she's in the way, and she gets some private time too. You may not remember, she's also a BC survivor. She was going through chemo and surgery at the time of my original dx and treatment. (It was really hard on my hubby to be worrying about us both at the same time.) She's got another 4 or so years of femara...we will miss her, but it will be good for all of us to get back to a regular routine.
Nancy, I think you mentioned that you didn't bump into stuff until after your brain rads...it's probably coming sooner for me because that was a presenting symptom. Well, that's how the rads onc explained it to me...whatever presents is likely to be aggravated by the rads and will then present more strongly with treatment.
Enough rambling...thank you all for being here for me.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Linda ....Gabe N Abby Mom said:Thank you all for sharing
Thank you all for sharing your experience with the Ambien. I did fill the prescription, and have it but haven't tried it yet. Like Renee I also thought about the tylenol pm, and the doc ok'd that. So I've done it the last couple of nights and am up to about 5-6 hours of sleep with less wakefulness in the middle of the night. The doc also said I could try benedryl, so I have that option too. The ambien still scares me, so I'm saving it for a time when I REALLY need it.
My mother-in-law goes home this evening...and I need to clarify she is a wonderful person and we get along really well. We have quite a bit in common, and have never really had any issues. Our house is small and we don't have a good set up for guests, so she stays in a hotel nearby. This helps because she doesn't feel like she's in the way, and she gets some private time too. You may not remember, she's also a BC survivor. She was going through chemo and surgery at the time of my original dx and treatment. (It was really hard on my hubby to be worrying about us both at the same time.) She's got another 4 or so years of femara...we will miss her, but it will be good for all of us to get back to a regular routine.
Nancy, I think you mentioned that you didn't bump into stuff until after your brain rads...it's probably coming sooner for me because that was a presenting symptom. Well, that's how the rads onc explained it to me...whatever presents is likely to be aggravated by the rads and will then present more strongly with treatment.
Enough rambling...thank you all for being here for me.
Hugs,
Linda
Keeping you close in to my heart. Maybe the switch in medication will provide
some much needed rest. Fingers and toes crossed that it works well for you.
Prayers for strength, health, stamina, as well as mental alertness.
Gentle hugs and HOPE,
Vicki Sam0 -
I was on it last month and
I was on it last month and did not have a good experience. I started out on a 1/2 dose and it worked for a few days. Afterwards my doctor up it to a full dose and that is were it got nasty. Between the Xanax and this sleeping pull, I thought I was losing my mind. I went off of it against my doctor's advise and it took a full week before I was able to sleep again.0 -
Ambien
Hi Linda,
I have Ambien that I take once in a while. I always have problems sleeping, my mind won't shut off. I have never sleep walked while I've been on it. I've never had any problems with it. I hope it helps you. Just make sure you have a full 8 hours of sleep before you get up and start doing things. That is where people get in trouble. I know everyone is different so I hope you have good results.
Terry0 -
I have told 4 of my Drs I
I have told 4 of my Drs I never sleep though night...normally not even more then 2 straight hours...no one has suggested or prescribed anything...
I HOPE all works out for you..it's the pits not sleeping or even when you wake up not feeling as though you slept..
Denise0
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