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Jonas1272

Dreaded Insomnia.....

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PaulX
8 hours ago, Stevietoo said:

Why do we go to the loo so much? Seems a common thing... any ideas?

 

This has already been covered by the good burgers of this community, but as an interesting aside, my MS nurse told me that is you feel the need to go, then go. Obviously there are caveats, the frozen food isle is not appropriate.

The reason she gave this advise is that holding onto it can be the cause of spasms. Anything can be the cause of spasms, but I in particular suffer from leg spasms, especially in the evening, so it a few extra loo trips help then so be it. Pee away.

For normal people, it is suggested that holding onto it, at least for a little while, will help keep the pelvic floor muscles toned and working well.

Use MS'ers are not normal, so we have to follow a different course.

 

Paul


We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,

Running over the same old ground.

What have we found?

The same old fears.

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PaulX

@ShirlAlso you should turn the bed side clock away so that you can't easily see the display.

You shouldn't read on your phone or iPad in bed, the light they give off make the body thinks its daylight. The old fashioned, non-paper white Kindle is ok. So is an old fashioned book.

There is a huge amount written on sleep hygiene.  Some a little impractical, but some of it is really common sense.

Needless to say, TVs and laptops in the bed room are out too.

 

Paul


Edited by PaulX

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,

Running over the same old ground.

What have we found?

The same old fears.

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popsie

I am unsure if I can reply in one post to several other posts.  Sorry, I have not been on this site  for a long time so please tell me if I am doing the wrong thing.  Re bladder issues I have had no urge for many years and a urologist told me that when this happens the body sends a message via restless legs (which feel identical to spasms, which I have as well, so that's not really helpful!).  So I always watch the clock (especially at night though I do find it difficult to remember one night from another) as I know if I am experiencing spasms or RSL depending on when I last went to the loo, and when in doubt I just try again. I do take Vesicare at night which I do find is helpful. I also try not to drink after 4.30pm.  Re insomnia I learnt to Muscle test (which is easy I can teach anyone who is interested over the internet :rolleyes: I use it all the time) and use it to find out how long I slept.  So even though I might have seemed to be up all night with spasms I can ask and find out that I have had at least 4  hours broken sleep which I know is enough for me to feel ok

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Stevietoo
14 hours ago, Shirl said:

Hi again Stevie

 

I've had to look up Dumping Syndrome. Whether it is linked to MS is not something I could even guess.

 

However, I know what waiting for tests/results/diagnosis/advice/treatment is like. We call it Limboland. Are you in this category...I will look at your other posts & profile. 

 

It is not always wise to presume a condition is related to another illness unless told by a specialist. The main thing is to be treated on a symptomatic basis, so whatever advice you've had for this gastric problem probably wouldn't change if you knew you have MS. 

 

Do you keep a symptom diary? A few words whenever you are troubled by your health will be useful when seeing a GP or specialist.

 

I hope this helps and supports you rather than adding to your concerns.

 

 

13 hours ago, Shirl said:

:spin: :sleep4: I did think that! I'm glad you are maybe finding some answers. The worst thing to do is repeatedly think "I need to sleep" which is why I mentioned the piece I read recently about deciding you will sleep and assuming that will happen... on your back, standing on your head or in the dog's basket... as long as you get the hours you need.

 

Limboland in one way, but have been for decades so just dealing with it. If you named the top ten most typical symptoms, I'd be shouting 'house', although lumbar puncture negative (learned a long time ago not to expect huge amounts from doctors). Flare up recently so lost some minor sensation in left arm and leg, double vision, and at the same time, the dumping syndrome got much worse so I couldn't eat without having breathing problems - which, out of the lot, is the nastiest. Back to insomnia from not being able to breathe properly again last night. I am determined to keep myself cheerful though.

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Marina
On 21/09/2018 at 09:49, Shirl said:

This reply is long and Marina might decide it is going off topic

 

On 21/09/2018 at 11:00, Stevietoo said:

This might have to be moved to another discussion, but not sure how

As long as posts are related to the topic subject, they can stay in the topic. Otherwise, you might prefer start a new topic, and you can always link to this topic if you feel it appropriate :flowerface:

  • Thanks 1

Marina

(belated DX in June '05, SPMS)

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Vegged Out
Shirl
5 hours ago, Stevietoo said:

Limboland in one way, but have been for decades so just dealing with it...

Back to insomnia from not being able to breathe properly again last night. I am determined to keep myself cheerful though.

Needing the loo throughout the night has to rate as a component of insomnia. Not having the urge must be difficult to manage. I'm concerned you don't have a drink after late afternoon though - it could affect your kidneys. I've lost one of mine (careless of me) through infection and surgery complications. 

 

Being in Limboland is not at all easy. I was left in there until we moved to a city with an excellent urological institute. They have been proactive in my care from the word GO.

 

The neuro I saw gathered reports from 3 previous hospitals (concurrent - we haven't been flitting around). He was thus able to confirm MS 11 years after a report was written and not shared with me. 

 

Just keep on plugging away ; don't ever settle for being brushed aside, and well done for maintaining a happy mood. Limboland is too crowded so keep leaving it as your aim.



Shirley  "one day at a time"

 

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Stevietoo
On 21/09/2018 at 17:53, PaulX said:

I don't really drink coffee, but I do try and not have a cup of tea after 6ish. I also like to not eat too late. i would rather skip a meal then go to bed still feeling full.

I have read you shouldn't drink alcohol before bedtime. It's an interesting theory but not one I can verify. :wine:

@Shirl I do believe I tend to sleep on my side, but I don't really know, I am asleep.

I will listen to instrumental music, typically Tangerine Dream, if I feel I am not going to drop off quickly.

 

I sorted the sleep problem out the following night, thanks to Zolpidem Tartrate. Two draw backs with them. 1) It can leave you feeling really hung over in the morning. 2) It can make you be a little bit inappropriate, but we will quickly gloss over that. :flasher:

 

Paul

 

 

I can kind of verify the bit about not drinking alcohol. Well, kind of - it's both my experience and on a TV programme about sleeplessness, should be able to find it on YouTube or suchlike, they outlined the science. 

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Stevietoo
7 hours ago, Shirl said:

Just keep on plugging away ; don't ever settle for being brushed aside,

Thanks Shirl, yes, it's sometimes hard not to start 'settling'...

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popsie

Thanks Shirl for the good advice I will definitely look into it. 

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