[nemsmom]

Why is it that on a night that I NEED to sleep so bad, I can't?

The pain in my face and legs is keeping me awake tonight. I can't get comfortable! It's not as big of a deal on the weekends because my hubby is home to take care of the kids if I need to nap the next day. Sunday was that way because I couldn't sleep most of the night Saturday night.

But tomorrow I have a four hour round trip to take my son to an allergist. My Mom will be driving us but it will be an all day event. We have some grocery shopping to do and my Niece has her follow up appointment from her surgery after my son's appointment with the allergist. We live so far away from everything that we try and get as much as we can done in one trip.

At least a friend of ours is letting two of her teenagers come with us. They are great kids and such a help with the younger kids. So my seven passenger van will be at max capacity tomorrow.

Oh and does anyone know how to tell if jaw pain is from a tooth or not without going to the dentist. My last appointment with my neuro he said that he agrees I am in a flare. The jaw pain started after that though. But it's not constant, it's worse when I'm tired and doesn't seem to be bothered by heat, cold, or sweets.

Also does anyone else have a problem with flickering lights? Like when a florescent light doesn't come all the way on and flickers. I have noticed lately that when I'm in a room with that it makes me feel sick to my stomach for the rest of the day, even when I'm only in that lighting for five minutes. It also makes me completely off balance and I almost can't walk, and I start sweating. I have had two EEG's that have been totally normal. But this started after that, it's actually pretty new, within the last couple months.

Okay sorry this was so long. I need to vent and keep forgetting to ask the questions when I talk to my doctor, so I figure I'll ask all of you while I'm thinking about it.

I hope everyone has a great night.

Kristie

[Erin524]

I have the same problem with fluorescent lights.

I'm not looking forward to 2012 when incandescent (Edison) light bulbs will be totally outlawed and no longer sold.

I'm auditioning some LED light bulbs right now. I have an accent bulb in a desk lamp right now. It's got 35 little LED's inside it, and it gives out some nice light, but it's not really very bright. (well, it IS an accent bulb, not a full fledged light bulb) It looks just like a regular Edison light bulb and fits in regular Edison light sockets. It's a pretty nice bulb tho. Doesnt put out much heat either.

In the last day or two, I've started to notice I'm getting a vision problem. (right side of my face is numb, including my teeth, and my right eyeball and eyelids are numb too) I'm going to the eye doctor tomorrow to have that checked out.

I HATE fluorescent bulbs with a serious passion. My parents have a couple of fluorescent bulbs in the laundry room (bulbs look almost like an Edison bulb, but are fluorescent) I cant stand having to wait for them to warm up and actually put out light, and the light from those seem to hurt my eyes.

I'm kind of ticked at the government for making the Edison bulbs obsolete. Apparently no one told them that there are people with low vision who arent able to use the crummy fluorescent bulbs because the light makes them dizzy, or causes them pain or both.

I read about some guy in Germany (Edison bulbs are already obsolete over there) who went on a light bulb buying frenzy and bought a ton of light bulbs based on how much longer he thinks he's going to live. He managed to horde a bajillion (ok, I might have overestimated it) Edison bulbs to hopefully last him the rest of his life.

I also have problems with insomnia. Some nights I dont go to sleep till morning (or not at all) Since I dont work, it's usually not a problem for me. Unless I have an appointment early the next day.

[Judy2]

So sorry you're having "MS problems" now. This disease is really the pitts!!! Yes, I have trouble with certain lights also. The flickering is horrible and I feel the same as when I used to get motion sickness. Yuck! Do you notice the same thing happening when you're in a vehicle and the trees or telephone poles are passing quickly through your peripheral vision? I haven't been traveling in a long time, but I do remember that sickening sensation.

Being in a flare, it's probably more exaggerated and noticeable too. A flare used to always affect my balance which made me nauseous. Now, being spms, just going outside into the sunlight without sunglasses sends the sharp pains shooting through my eyes and head.

Isn't life wonderful!?!? Seriously, hope you feel better soon!!

[Dejibo]

Im sorry you dont feel well.

[SallyC]

(((((newsmom)))))

WHY??? Sounds like the question I've been asking, since I could talk and Noone has ever been able to answer it, to my satisfaction..

MS just muddies the pot even more and there are still no definitive or satisfying answers. All we get is gobbledegook.

My Mom had the most succinct answer...."Because I said so"

More hugs

[nemsmom]

Thanks everyone. Yes it is just as bad when traveling under trees with the flashing lights.

I got a call from the pharmacy today to refill my prescription. The lady had me on the phone while we were trying to find my Nieces doctor's office. She kept playing the you poor thing game. Sometimes I just want to say nope no knew symptoms to get them off the phone. Her appointment went great by the way.

My son's appointment was basically useless. But the doctor was very nice.

We did get some needed grocery shopping done and had lots of laughs for the day. It was good to spend the day with Mom.

It's funny, when Emily asks "Mommy, how did you know that?" I tell her cause I'm a Mom that's why. I got to bed around 1:30 this morning. Things will be fine, I was just having a rough night last night. Thanks for all the support. Hope everyone has a great night.

Kristie

[NurseNancy]

there's nothing worse than not sleeping well.
maybe it was the stress.
make sure you have good sleep hygiene. go to bed at about the same time each nite.

only use your bedroom to sleep, not to read or watch tv.
if you wake up try not to look at the clock. if you're drowsy stay in bed and try to fall asleep again. if you can't get up and try reading.

i also turn off my lites about an hr before bed. that's supposed to raise your melatonin levels which helps sleep.

and/or ask you dr if you could take something, like 25mg of benadryl.

[nemsmom]

Originally Posted by NurseNancy

there's nothing worse than not sleeping well.
maybe it was the stress.
make sure you have good sleep hygiene. go to bed at about the same time each nite.

only use your bedroom to sleep, not to read or watch tv.
if you wake up try not to look at the clock. if you're drowsy stay in bed and try to fall asleep again. if you can't get up and try reading.

i also turn off my lites about an hr before bed. that's supposed to raise your melatonin levels which helps sleep.

and/or ask you dr if you could take something, like 25mg of benadryl.

Thanks for all the tips. I have pretty much been sleeping well every other night for the last few days.

My pain levels have gone up again so that's whats keeping me awake but the next night I'm so exhausted I can't stay awake.