New and wanted to talk about sleep problems

[Guest guest]

I just joined this group last week and have enjoyed reading so far

(makes you feel better knowing that there are people out there that

can understand what you are going through - especially when family

and work just don't get it).

I was diagnosed with RA about a year and a half ago. I was

immediately put on methotrexate along with an NSAID. Since then,

I've added Paxil (anger and depression issues along with an already

determined before RA case of Social Anxiety Disorder), Folic Acid,

Provigil, Singulair (for allergies to prevent my constant sinus

infections), and most recently Xyrem (GHB).

My biggest issue isn't so much the pain. I live with it and hobble

along at times. This biggest issue is the fatigue. I was so bad that

I was concerneed just to drive to work for fear of falling asleep at

the wheel. When I would get to work, I would doze in and out in

front of my computer so many times a day. My efficieny was near 0!

Luckily, I have worked for the company for 10 years and have paid my

dues so they have been extremely nice about the situation. So I am

extremely lucky there because most employers would have said bye-bye.

My rheumy reffered me to a lung doctor for a sleep study. I did the

overnight and daytime studies - only to rule out sleep apnea and

narcolespy. However, I did have 77 unexplained arousals (from a

deeper sleep stage to a lighter sleep stage) throughout the night

and I never went into the highest level of deep sleep. My rheumy

said this could be explained by certain medications (which he didn't

see any of my meds that could be causing the issue) or severe

disease. So his analysis was that the RA was causing my sleep

issues. He mentioned two ways to treat and started me on one

immediately - Provigil to help with my daytime sleepiness. It has

been my miracle drug - helped with my extreme fatigue and has lessen

the amount of times I fall asleep during the day to mostly zero

(some days I'm still a little groggy). It has also helped with my

concentration a good bit so I was able to be a more productive

employee.

When I went back to him for a check-up, we discussed further

treatment options because the provigil is just a fix so I won't fall

asleep during the day - it doesn't solve the root of the poor sleep

issue. So last night, I started Xyrem (GHB - aka the date rape

drug).

I am looking for anyone who has a similar issue and has taken Xyrem.

I still took about 15 minutes or so to fall asleep (all the material

said you would almost be knocked out immediately). Did the

medication keep you alseep all night or did you wake up several

times throughout the night?

I'm still kind of groggy this morning but I haven't fallen asleep

yet and I haven't taken my provigil. But I can feel it come on so I

better go take it!

Am I the only one with this issue????