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is if fibro causing this?

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Posted 6/21/2010 10:51 AM (GMT 0)
I am new to this forum. Actually, it is the 1st forum I've ever been on. In the last two years, I have been diagnosed with Fibro & SLE Lupus which are secondary to MS. So, I haven't quite figured out what symptoms belong to what disease.

This past week was rough for me at work, a lot of physical movement. So, as the week went on, I got more tired. In addition, my desk sits right under a floresent light, which aggrevates my Lupus. Anyway, Friday, I was completely exhausted, but because of a commitment, I went out Friday night to a concert with my husband and some friends. We had an excellant time, but all weekend, I was wiped out. My mind was 'foggy'/'noisy'. I had trouble completing any project I attempted, I just wanted to sleep! In addition, at night, I had trouble staying asleep. (I didn't nap during the day). Is this a condition of the Fibro, and how do others deal with this, it makes me nuts!!! Is there any supplement anyone has found, that lessens this exhaustion/sleeplessness?

Posted 6/21/2010 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
HI Cmgee,

Welcome to the fibromyalgia forum. You have come to a good place where everybody is so kind and compassionate.

If you haven't already, check out the thread called fibro101. It is full of information. It is the second thread on the forum. I am sure that you will find it interesting.

When I first got fibromyalgia, I could sleep 24/7 and still be tired. I now take adderall during the day and ambien at night. I don't always take the ambien. Often I take melatonin instead for sleep. The ambien gives me a more refreshing sleep. Teh melatonin helps, but doesn't give me the refreshment that I need. But I don't want to take the ambien all of the time.

You can take gensing for energy. It does help, but not a lot. Though for some people it might. There is also Kava, that gives some energy. Though I found that I needed prescription meds to help me. Mind you I could sleep all of the time and still be tired. I guess that is because fibro does not let us get a restorative sleep.

I have pain and fatigue. I can deal with the pain much better than the fatigue. Though I take medications for both. The pain meds don't make me pain free, but help to control it and keep it at a minimum level.

I hope that you feel better soon. There will be more people to greet you and give you their opinions. Take care, keep posting. So glad that you joined us.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 6/21/2010 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning c.mcgee and welcome to the forums! I too suffer from sleep deprivation and exhaustion. I can sleep for 12 hours and wake up tired...I never feel refreshed because I never get into the deep, restorative sleep that is needed. I don't take sleeping meds, as I really don't want to add any other drugs to my current regime...so I use methods like meditation music, "sleepy time" tea, using natural scents like lavender on my pillow, etc.

I also recently picked up a wonderful rocker/recliner from a friend...it's leather, and reclines into an almost completely flat surface. Sometimes, when I can't seem to sleep in bed, I'll curl up in the chair instead and doze off. I try to not nap during the day, but sometimes I just have no choice....and then I usually sleep for 3 hours. It sure messes up a proper routine...I"m just thankful I'm not working right now (I'm on long term disability) so I can nap when needed.

I hope you're able to find some solutions that work for you because sleep, along with gentle exercise and my current medication mix, is key to helping me keep pain and stiffness at a manageable level.

Glad to have you here!

hugs,
Pam
Posted 6/21/2010 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi c.mcgee, Fibro and Lupus both can cause exhaustion and extreme fatigue. My rheumy
suggested that I take 5000 mcgs B-12 daily to help with energy. The tablet that I take
is placed under the tongue to dissolve, so there is quick absorption. I've been taking
this for six months and found it to be helpful. Ask your doctor about it. Hope it will help
you too.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 6/21/2010 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi CMcgee just wanted to welcome you to the boards and I hope some of the others have given you more help. I too suffer from extreme exhaustion, I take one valium every night and have no trouble falling asleep then, I have never been one to wake up alot at night except when I have my usual bladder problems or the muscle spasms hit. Other than that I am pretty much out. I do wake up feeling just as tired and usually takes me a couple hours just to get motivated in the morning.
I also have the pain but like getting by said the pain is easier to deal with than the fatigue. I am no longer able to work because the fatigue just wasnt allowing it anymore.
I am sorry that you are dealing with so much and working on top of it all. well anyhow welcome to the boards and hope to hear from you more.
Shirley
Posted 6/22/2010 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
You have come to a good place! We're all different, but in so many ways we're all the same, too - pain, fatigue, spaciness, ("but you look so well!") syndrome is pretty hard to get a hold on if you don't have it. (Or if you do!)

I take an antidepressant and a benzodiazepine (I think) to help me sleep, but I'm cutting down the dosage of one and hope to eventually do the same with the other. They do help, but I still wonder if my quality of sleep is all that great.

How long have you had MS?
Posted 6/23/2010 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
you probably have chronic fatigue syndrome along with all your other stuff... i know i can sleep and sleep and sleep... its frustrating!
Posted 6/23/2010 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and Welcome!

You sure do have way more than any one person should have to deal with, but at least you are asking and trying to learn what is going on with your body. There may be no answer to your question when there are overlapping symptoms from several disorders. Just my opinion here. That foggy feel we all know too well as a fibro thing. And the concentration...I start so many things and before I'm done I'm off to do something else that will "only take a minute". On the way to the new venture I get distracted by the dog. Oh, she needs to go outside and while out there I start another project. This is all within less than 5 minutes. And yes, it does drive me crazy!!

Keep asking and learning. Also, ask your doc next time you are seeing one of them. See what his/her answer to the question. Let us know if he has an answer or not. ;-)

Glad you are here!
Chutz
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