Ok, what should be my next step?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 04, 2008 4:40 pm

I know the Ativan can't be causing everything, but since I'm already drowsy during the day, tired, and out of it, I don't think it helps much. The problem is, when I'm off the Ativan, I get unbearably nervous.

matthew76 · Post by **matthew76** » Sun May 04, 2008 4:42 pm

Oops, thought I was still logged in. There's that brain fog again! The brain fog, to me, is even worse than the tiredness. I seem in another zone (a fatigued one,) and can't get into anything. You know it's bad when I can't enjoy my puppy very much until night.

BTW, I try not to feel guilty about my state. But my parents aren't young anymore, and I live with them.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun May 04, 2008 6:51 pm

Mathew,
Before you do anything about stopping Ativan, please read the Ashton Manualcarefuly - and discuss a withdrawal schedule with a doctor. That unbearable nervousness you describe may be one of the withdrawal symptoms.

Severe apnea can case havoc in many aspects of your life, and getting your life together again may require hard work and patience. We're all here to help - use us in whichever way you can.

O.

matthew76 · Post by **matthew76** » Sun May 04, 2008 7:32 pm

Thanks, ozij. I am glad I have this forum. Others do not want to hear about it a lot, even though it impacts my life so much.

I do not plan on going off the Ativan until I talk with my doctor.

The worry stems from a few things:

- the tired haze that makes you feel you are dying or going brain dead

- the manner of onset. I think I had some apnea before, but could the apnea have suddenly gotten that much worse during the virus? I know that before November, I wasn't feeling quite as well and would suddenly fall asleep while sitting up in bed. All of this makes me worry about what else I could have, even though the doctor said I have been looked at from head to toe and she suspects nothing else. Well, I sure don't feel normal.

- if I'm still having these symptoms, could the apnea still put me at risk later for heart damage and stroke? I'm not snoring when observed, but you never know what's going on unless you are checked all night.

- how many continue to feel the way I have after CPAP?

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

matthew76 · Post by **matthew76** » Sun May 04, 2008 9:19 pm

Also, would BiPap be an option?

I'm really ready to try Provigil or take something for energy.

sootired2 · Post by **sootired2** » Sun May 04, 2008 9:44 pm

Mathew, I don't think anyone has mentioned sleep debt yet. It takes a looooong time to get over your sleep debt, especially with an AHI as high as you had. A month is not very long at all. You are trying to do everything that you need to do, so give yourself a pat on the back. The meds may be causing a problem also, but try to give the whole thing a couple of more months. Try googling sleep debt and see what it said about it.
Margaret

matthew76 · Post by **matthew76** » Sun May 04, 2008 9:46 pm

Hi Margaret,

I understand. I don't want to give up. Just don't want to feel so empty until I feel better, and I'm open to suggestions for any help in the meantime.