consumed by fatigue but can't sleep

[dairelle]

Morning ladies....Needing some suggestions regarding bothersome symptoms.  I am still unsure of what the diagnosis will be when I finally get to see the GYN. Endo? Cysts? Ovca?  Trying not to think about it really, but my symptoms are all over the place and my days are getting longer.  I am exhausted and can only sleep maybe 3hrs these days.  Last night up all night. Napped this afternoon.  Now, here I am wide awake and feeling sick again.  Weeks up til now, I couldn't keep my eyes open for the life of me.

I am not in as much pain now that I have started my new BC patch.  Or at least those "unbearable cramps" have for the most part subsided.  Yet I wake up with nausea, lower back pain, mild lower abdominal discomfort with a burning up sensation, although my temp. is below 98F.  I have no idea what is with my bowels these days.  All in all, I just feel sick and run down.  Hoping someone out there has any helpful suggestions.  Is there anything I can change with my diet or daily routine to get through?

Thanks for listening...Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.

[turtledovemom]

Dairelle...
I wish I had a magic formula for taking care of the sleep issues.  I'm still a very bad sleeper, so I'll be looking for people to make some good suggestions to you.  I do know that it's helpful not to sleep during the day, but it sure is hard not to cave in and have a good afternoon nap.  Hopefully, some of the cysters who've had success in overcoming this will show up soon.  As for the other symptoms you described, I myself didn't get rid of them until the gyn/onc removed the cyst in April.  Stay strong...I hope you have a short wait between now and when you get to see your doc.
peace,
Anne

[dairelle]

Anne;

Thank you for your kind words. I read your posting and am greatful for all that everyone has to offer.  From what you've shared, it is clear that you are a far stronger woman than I.  I usualy am one not to moan, I guess I have to admit all this has made me nervous.  Aside from that tough mom I try to be for everyone.  (haha - cause moms aren't allowed to be sick? are we?)
I am ever greatful for you and the women on this forum.  It makes my problems easier to digest somehow.  I do wish you well.

Thank you, Dairelle

[turtledovemom]

Dairelle...
I'm far from strong and not always very brave.  It's true that Moms are not allowed to get sick :), but it's a beautiful thing when Moms can be there for one another.  It's easy to fall into ruts when we don't feel well.  The best I can offer you now is to remind you to eat smart, stay hydrated and stay strong.  Hang in there...I'm sure there will be other women who have mastered the beast of not sleeping.
peace,
Anne

[chandrika]

When I had problems sleeping, I used a herbal remedy called St Johns Wort, which seemed to get me into a regular sleeppattern very quickly and their are no reported bad side effects or anything. It has been used for years.

I dont take it any longer, but I do take multi vitamins daily and a calcium and magnesium supplement at bedtime, as these nutrients help relax you.

Also some lavendar oil on the pillow and a warm bath, some hot milk. They do help a little depending how severe the problem. Low level lights before bed time too, as this stimulates the brain to produce melatonin to sleep.

One more thing, is lettuce, eating a salad a day, lettuce contains alot of HTP, a precursor to serotonin, which at night time the body converts to melatonin which sends you off to sleep.

B vits also are involved in getting you off to sleep.So make sure you get enough.

I used to have so much problems sleeping it was awful i really sympathise, but all that has gone since I made sure I got all the RDAs of all the nutrients I needed and I hope this will help you too.

[turtledovemom]

Thank you!!!!

[newlifegal]

Hi there, it's the pits not being able to sleep, isn't it?  I stuggled all through chemo with it and still have problems with waking up frequently during the night.  However, I think that is more related to menopausal symptoms.  If you're anything like me, just the emotional factors of what's going on is enough to prevent a good night's sleep.  That being said, you could try some age old remedies of warm milk before bedtime or soaking in a warm tub with aromatic bath salts prior to going to bed.  Listening to soothing music might also help you to relax and drift off.  A last ditch effort would be to ask for an Rx sleep aid to get you through this phase.  Chances are once you have a better handle on what's going on, you'll be able to get into a more normal sleep cycle.

My best wishes go out to you.
Christa

[dairelle]

Thank You all for your help.  I will try them all.  I am going to love sleeping again.

Happy thoughts for everyone!  Dairelle