Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Part II The Results

So now for the good part...the results.  


Basically I have no clear-cut results.  It was determined that I do not have any apnea episodes overnight.  Meaning that I do not stop breathing for a significant amount of time that would interrupt the quality of sleep that I get.  I get into REM sleep, albeit it takes me some time, but I progress throughout the four stages of sleep fairly normally.  The doctor notes that I grind my teeth louder than anyone he's heard in the past 4 or 5 years.  So there's a few thoughts: that the grinding interrupts my sleep enough to make me tired throughout the day or that the grinding is an early sign of apnea that hasn't progressed into anything major (that would be picked up by the monitors).  


There is a chance that a CPAP machine still could help (if this is a case of early apnea) or that I could take medicine at bedtime to help relax me/my body/my muscles enough to calm the grinding and hopefully get better quality sleep.


I also take a medication for a heart condition that I have (nothing serious, but something I take medicine for) that could possibly be adding to and/or causing daytime sleepiness.  


So now that I've documented all of my ailments to the Interwebs (and sound slightly like a crazy old lady with all of the aforementioned ailments) the conclusion is that we will play around with my medications to see what makes me feel better, i.e. AWAKE during the day like a normal person


I have halved one of the heart medications and so far there has been no significant reduction in sleepiness.  I might have slept until 2pm on Sunday while Hubs was golfing.  However, I have experienced more hot flashes and racing heart beats than a menopausal woman.  A window into the future, if you will?  But it could take time.  Patience, dear Miss E, patience!


So, as my dad told me, being adult sometimes sucks.  Ok, maybe he didn't say exactly that.  But he reminded me that sometimes in this life there are no clear-cut answers.  Sometimes we have to keep tasting the soup to see how it tastes and add spices as needed.  So I'm making soup, folks.  And it's kinda gross right now, but hopefully I'll get it right.


***And if you made it this far, you are an amazing friend.  Muah!***


xoxo

8 comments:

~M~ said...

Hopefully you find something that works for you!

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

I wish there was more of a definitive answer for you. That really is the sucky bit about getting older - so rarely is that the case for any of us. Fingers crossed that the medication change helps.

Jackie said...

Awww, don't you hate when things aren't clear cut?! I hope you find something that works!

Jen said...

So sorry you have had to go through all of this. I hope you are able to find a solution that works for you. Sleep disorders are nothing to take lightly. Glad you are seeking help.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate the comment. Late in stopping by everyone's sites who so graciously came to mine on my Friday Featured Blogger day as I was at a horse show all weekend. Finally back to reality.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

While not clear cut, it is still some answers, right?

I hope they are able to figure things out with the meds to help you.

tootie said...

I hope that you find the right "recipe" soon! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Seems like you have lots of answers, which is nice after so many questions. I am glad for you...even though your dad is right, being an adult does suck sometimes! :)
Carrie

MissBliss said...

oh my... so frustrating trying to find all this out and then having a foggy answer... hang in there!!!