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Bob Haire

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Joined
Jan 4, 2011
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Reason
CALS
Country
US
State
DE
City
Wilmington
My wife was diagnosed in January 2010, at age 83. She has declined significantly since then; can walk only to the bathroom and back with a walker, otherwise must be transported. Inabilty to get sleep has become a problem. She takes Ativan (originally prescribed for anxiety) in small dosage but that is becoming less effective. Any advice?
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry your wife has this disease. I don't know if age changes the way these work, so would ask her doctor--but I take Librium in order to shut down and go to sleep. My doctor prescribed 10 mg. capsules, said to take one, and if I wasn't sleep in a half hour, take another. Later, I got a standing prescription of 25 mg.

To end permanent awakening during the middle of the night, I was prescribed Amitriptylene, and I would think your wife should also begin on a low dose (I know it comes in 10 mg.) This is an old medication and used to be called Elavil. It causes some people disorientation during the day, or a "hung over" feeling. I take both Amitriptylene and Librium at 8 pm, and am awake at or by 8 am. I've done this for a long time with no trouble, but do check with her doctor. Also, some folks have initial drowsy days with Amitriptylene which ends in about a week.

Very best wishes. My father lives outside Wilmington, where I went through High School, making you a neighbor of sorts.

Ann
 
Sorry to meet you like this, but welcome to the forum and my world. I am 63 and was diagnosed in 2009 (Sept), and until recently was sleeping with no problem. This Sept (2010) I began waking frequently - every hour or so. I attributed it to stress but it continued and I began losing more strength and mobility, lost weight and cried a LOT. A trip to the doc in December and she RXed Lunesta for sleep along with Lorazopan for anxiety. I take one of each around 9:00PM and sleep soundly -with pleasant dreams, until 9:00 or so each morning.

What a difference, I can now use my right arm on a limited basis, and am eating better - haven't weighed but am guessing I've gained a bit. Holiday food! :)

Have you talked to her doc about some sort of sleep med that is right for her age and circumstances?

Good luck and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Diane
 
In my limited experience, sleep is key to how one is feeling each day and how the sypmptoms present.

I beleive that it is very important to resolve this issue for your wife.

Best.
 
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