Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sandra LaBonte on July 4, 2011 at 12:19am

My doctor prescribed  Ambien, it puts me to sleep but like you I don't stay asleep. I am thinking about asking for something stronger.

Permalink Reply by Ruth on July 4, 2011 at 10:35am

I can't talk about meds and anyone else but what I have found is short term some things are helpful.  Like a 2-3 month course of anti-depressants or a day or two of Valium for funeral, etc.  It seems like with the SSRI's a week or two after the blood stream build up they stop working.  Even if the dose goes up.  So it isn't really any advantage to me to take them.  I had PTSD/ depression issues before my dad was murdered, so it's just exacerbated and compounded.  It worked for me to really clean up my sleep environment.  At first it was hard to fall asleep without the TV on to distract and relax me enought to feel sleepy. Now I just watch till that point, turn the TV sleep timer to 30 min and that way it's not going all night.  That helped 2 out of 3 wake ups per night.  I'm down to about 1 for every 6 hrs. now.  Thank God, I don't have to care for little children.  I'm sure I'd be wiped out after 3 or 4 hours.  They had to cut back my work load at work because I'm an educational aide.  I used to do 4K on up to 12 gr., with the "tougher" customers but now I'm more a cog in daily functions at school.  I'm not as quick thinking on my feet as I used to be.  I literally have to sit down to think.  It's hard not being the sharpest pencil on the desk anymore, but I accept it.  I hope your body/mind winds down enough to give you a break soon.

Permalink Reply by Sue Waxman on July 4, 2011 at 11:18am

Hello Ladies,

I have been on Effexor for depression for 2 years post divorce. It was a really horrible time in my life. My doctor and discussed me staying on it due to everything I had to deal with. It has been a life saver for me. My beloved mom died 1 week ago today. I am again dealing with loss. Mom was my world, We were the closest  daughter and mom can be. I think Ambien is a drug lots of people have difficulty taking. Mom took it and we found her VERY confussed on it. Lunestra seemed to work better. I also sleep with the TV on. I feel such compassion for you both Sandra and Ruth. I feel like my life has been loss after loss and heartache more than fulfillment. Went back to work Friday...I was a mess at first but it was a welcome distraction. I am a veterinary technician. I spend most of my free time in bed watching TV. Eating pretty crappy. I use to LOVE to cook. Hate it now. The simpliest things in a day are so hard. Brushing teeth, hair, dressing. My life is pretty freakin empty. Never had kids. I feel at 55 my life is over and i am just going through the motions. Thanks to whoever invented TV!!!! My heart and friendship with you! Sue

Permalink Reply by Kandi Broussard on July 4, 2011 at 2:41pm

YES!  I have not a normal night's sleep since my mom's murder.  It is awful!

Permalink Reply by MIchael A Ballard on July 5, 2011 at 11:31pm

You bet!
It is so much stress to our emotions and body!
You will sleep better as time goes on.
I lost my wife 4/1/11 and still have a little trouble relaxing, but have improved and have slept
through most nights since mid June.
Isn't it amazing how much we learn about life and love when we have to go through this?
I was always open-minded, and always thought that I could be stronger if had to endure a loss.
You know, when you think about it, being born, living, and death, these all have to be just natural.
I hope I helped you a little.
I know for sure that I have never enjoyed long warm showers like I have since losing my wife.
Bless you and enjoy every day and love yourself and family more than you ever think you could!
MB