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At a certain point in my treatment with Matia I was referred by my rheumotologist to a "sleep hygienist". She gave me some tips and relaxation advice that helped my sleep and indirectly helped many of my IC symptoms. At that point, my bladder symptoms were 90% gone and once I went to sleep, I never had to wake up to pee.
I have had a very rough year. Apart from some really intense personal things going on I ended up coming down with a really horrible case of salmonella ( i was hospitalized for a week) and was very sick for about 6 months. During that time I barely slept and would get up around 12-1pm. 6 months later I stepped on a broken glass and had a minor surgery on my foot. I had so much pains and complications that I would fall asleep usually about 4-5 am and sleep on and off till about 12:00 am.
It makes sense that if a person does not sleep, that their immune system is on over-drive, the adrenals, and the body gets confused and produces the wrong hormones at the wrong times.
Now I am going thru a crazy kidney/bladder I don't know what...... for the last 2 weeks. The pain and the peeing urgency wakes me up for the first time ever. ( I was diagnosed with IC Jan 2004)
It has been now more then one year that I am going to sleep in the morning and sleeping only about 2-3 hrs a night.
This can not be good.
At the same time, I know taking something for the sleep is just a band-aid.
I know that not sleeping can make anyone more irritable, it makes it much harder for me to cope with my IC.
Is there anyone else going thru something like this?
I can totally relate...i have
I can totally relate...i have had IC since 1997....i have always had to wake a million x to pee...but i never had probs fallin asleep...and gettin enuf sleep...i would take naps alot... UNTIL...after i had my son i develpoed severe post partum depression and got insomnia,panice attacks, and anxiety...it was horrifying...i was on antipsychotic meds that they prescribe for people with multiple personalites to turn off my mind to help me sleep...it was very scary...and when i would try to nap...i was sooo anxious and freaked out i felt like i was crawling out of my skinwhen ur body goes thru somethin traumatic it effects ur sleep esp for people like us who have IC...u went thru many traumatic and painful things and ur sleep has been the things to suffer...and i feel for u...i am soo sry u are gng thru all this...and on top of all this sufferin not sleepin effects every thing in our everyday life...i know i am a miserable b$tch...LOL..i am gng to see matia on thurs..so i am hopin my sleep situation will imporve...right now i am takin meds to relax my bladder, as welll as sleep meds and i still wake frequently to pee and it is exhausting...i know how ur feelin...but u have to do what u have to do to get some sleep...and know that it will get better...try doing some meditation or listenting to music b4 bed....also i do acupuntcutre 2wice a week,,,,it takes some time....but it will help...i am thinkin of u and please let me know how ur doing...ur sleepless sister in NY...LOLKristen DAZZ
sugar and caffine
I have noticed even if I just have a small amount of caffine in the morning, I cant fall asleep at night. Also, even sugar does it to me. Once I gave up the stuff and when I cheat..I feel insane..Anxiety, heart palpatations, a feeling like I can't sit down, and depression, a very surreal experience. I use to have this low grade when I eat sugar and drank caffine daily, You would think that would be enough and help me not want to cheat..but not so. Every time I cheat it gets worse. I always have to take a sleeping herbal pill like melatonin when I cheat..to fall asleep and a lot of time I have to take another one at like midnight because the first one did not work. When I follow the list one diet though, I do sleep much better. it sounds like you have been through so much, I am glad you found Matia!
cecilia
If your not sleeping some medatation can provide almost the same effect. My favorite is Kelly Howell and jack Kornfeild. Kelly Howell has some for sleep and healing medatations with brain wave frequencies that I find deeply relaxing. Also Studies show that they can actually heal your body. You might check it out. You can buy the CD downloads or order them. http://www.brainsync.com/kellybio.asp
http://amberstar.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=Jack%20Kornfield
thanks for all of your input
Caffeine and sugar are not issues for me. I will look into the medidation music. I was looking thru amazon.com and they have hundreds of relaxation/meditation cds and its very overwhelming to make a choice. Now that I have a personal recomendation it makes it a little easer. Thanks again.
also go on itunes and u can
also go on itunes and u can put it right on ur i pod...sry to overwhelm u a lil more...lol...how are u doing?