Hello. New here.
I have struggled with insomnia for as long as I can remember but I never tied it to my PTSD before tonight. Here's what I do know. Started on Ambien in 2005. Went on to Lunesta, Trazadone and several others I cannot remember right now. Each one worked perfectly but, as with all meds, I built up tolerances quickly.
The Trazadone lasted the longest simply because it had a higher dosage range. (For those asking, Ambien worked well for me with no side effects except I had to be in bed when I took it or I would fall asleep on the floor.
Lunesta however had me doing "odd" things in my sleep with no memory of it.) Anyway, in October 2013 the Trazadone stopped working.
Went to Doc. Doc says there are no more meds to give me. Refers me to Sleep specialist. Sleep study done. Yeah! I have sleep apnea. Now he cannot safely prescribe sleep meds for danger of, you know, dying and stuff. :( Started CPAP. Better. Also have restless leg syndrome and my sleep cycle is reversed.
Basically 4 different sleep disorders in the same body. At the same time I have 5 different conditions that cause or contribute to severe. widespread, chronic, non stop, 24/7, horrible pain. Should be noted that, regardless what I thought in the past, I have absolutely no pain tolerance. And just to make it more fun, my pain is called "intractable" (or something like that), which means it can not be treated or helped my surgical, doctor, nurse, or medicinal means. I am completely immune to all pain meds and sedatives.
Ever heard of dilaudid? Basically the most potent pain med there is. Is most often used for cancer patients. I have had 3 doses back to back in an IV and, not only did it have no effect on the pain, I could easily have passed any field sobriety test. Anyway, spoke with sleep dr today and begged. Yes, I begged. All he would do is prescribe Lunesta, knowing it stopped working before, and made it clear there is nothing more he can do.
There is a potent medicine I heard of but he won't prescribe it because it is also known as the date rape drug. Ummm, I'm happily married. If he wants to take advantage that is not only not a problem, it is actually encouraged. lol. Seriously though, I can trust my husband to keep me safe in my sleep so what's the problem with me taking it???
I have had more than 4 hrs sleep exactly 3 times since October. Any sleep I do get is in bits and pieces because I can't stay asleep. I am afraid I am losing my mind. The less I sleep the worse the pain.
I know this was long but I wanted you to understand that I understand. I cannot help any of you fix your problems, but I can share my experiences and, if nothing else, listen.
One last thought for those of you having difficulty sleeping at night due to trauma that happened at night. What about working at night (eyes open, alert, safer) and sleeping during the day (easier to relax into sleep because it's not dark). Just a thought. Interesting with me, I am terrified to be alone at night and fine during the day. However, every single bad thing that has happened to me happened during the day. I have NEVER been hurt in the dark. Anyone understand that one???
Sincerely,
Mrsderby
