Insomnia Support Group

I used to suffer from insomnia at least five nights out of seven even when I was very young. My doctor thought I was a hypochondriac because I had this whole list of vague symptoms including very frequent and heavy periods, major mood swings, anxiety attacks and depression. I would not sleep at all for the first 5 days of my 10 day period. I would finally finish just to have PMS symptoms start again within a week. I had all ready had surgery for endometriosis, that helped for a few months but then everything came back again. After changing doctors and tons of tests they offered me Prozac, but I have heard that it kills your sex drive and makes you lethargic. I tried birth control pills to help me regulate but they made me break out, gain weight, and be mean to everyone around me. I really hate the idea of living on pills anyway. I went to my OB/GYN, a very nice old man who had taken very good care of me when I had my babies, but his only solution for me was a hysterectomy. I really didn't feel ready to do that even though I am finished having children. I did some research and found a woman doctor who performed the Novasure procedure on me. They open a wire net inside the uterus and run an electric current for 90 seconds. It scars the inside of the uterus so that the lining doesn't build up as much. I went to the hospital at 7:30 in the morning and was home before noon. I noticed a HUGE difference immediately. I still have periods, with a regular 28 day cycle now, very little bleeding, hardly any cramping, finished in 3 or 4 days, and best of all, I can fall asleep most of the time. I still wake up in the middle of the night but I am able to fall back asleep with the help of relaxation CDs. I also made several lifestyle changes. I changed my diet to a reasonably healthy one, and I try to exercise several times a week. If I feel stressed I do yoga to calm myself before bed. I still suffer from insomnia a few times a month, especially if I am upset or stressed about anything, but it isn't as unbearable as it used to be. I think the waking up at night is habit from being on call for my kids 24 hours a day for so many years. If any of your symptoms sound similar, check with your doctor. It has made a huge difference in my life. This is only for women who don't plan on getting pregnant again.
Posted on 05/10/08, 12:05 am