Would like some advice PLEASE!

[Zepora]

I have been taking sleeping pills since my early 20's, I'm now 56. I have had a very traumatic life with a lot of medical issues and have come to depend on them. I know that I am addicted to them, even my Doctor says that I'll probably have to take them for the rest of my life, does that sound right? I know that I'll have to take pain medication for the rest of my life. The problem is the amount that I'm taking. I have a prescription for Restoril 30mg with instructions to take 5 at bedtime. I started off taking just 2 at bedtime, but quickly built up a resistance to it. For that past couple of years I have been taking more than that. I take 7 of them now at bedtime, I used to wake up and take 2 or 3 more, but have stopped doing that, since the Dr. raised my HM contin to 18mg. At least with the increase in pain meds, the 210 mg of Restoril gives me a good night's sleep, other than having to get up to pee all night, because of IC. I'm afraid if I tell my Doctor how many sleeping pills I'm really taking, she will cut me off "cold turkey"! If I don't get my sleep, I'm so tired and can't handle stress or life like a normal person. But then, I'm not a normal person, am I?  When I am going through a lot of pain, or following cystopic hydrodistentions, I sometimes take Dilaudid 2mg, as well, and when I'm having a really bad time with my IBS I sometimes take Lomotil 2.5mg. When I'm really feeling horrible, I'll sometimes take a dose just to be able to nap. I'm worried that with the combination of medications I'm taking, I may not wake up one morning, cause I'll have passed away in my sleep. Please advise me!

[Zepora]

Hi Sharon, I just had a feeling you would be a Pisces!!! I'll send you a Private Message
soon. Thanks for caring.
Hugs & Prayers!

[idesofmarch]

I know that ides of march sounds depressing but I use it because it is my birthday. It also is my mood alot because of all the medical issues I have.  I try to be positive and I know God is allowing somethings for a good reason, but I just get tired of it all. I believe you do have an angel watching over you as I believe that for myself too. Mine is called God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  The Holy Trinity.  I pray that you will have some good sleep soon, but if you don't, don't hesitate to see your doctor after her vacation.  It will take some time for your body to adjust after all that medicine and lack of sleep.  Sharon is my name if that sounds better.

[Zepora]

Thanks for the advice. Funny you should mention someone watching over me. I know I've got a Guardian Angel. Also, idesofmarch is such a gloomy word, or are you a Pisces, like me? I will try to get back to the 5 capsules at bedtime, and if I don't sleep the first night, maybe I'll be tired enough to sleep the following night. My Primary Doctor is on holidays until July 21st, so can't see her until then.
Thanks for being there!
Hugs & Prayers
Zepora

[idesofmarch]

  Be honest with your doctor, see her as soon as possible.  I can't give you any better advice than that.  You should not take more pills than prescribed. No wonder you can't sleep. You could have died, I guess someone has been watching over you.