Cant sleep

[Jjude]

Dr gave me a ventolin inhaler today. took 2 puffs about 8pm, usually in bed latest about 11pm. although I've been up since 5 30 am, its now gone 12 30 am and Im still not tired. not sure if its because i feel anxious or some other reason.

[Jjude]

Hi Flibberti, pleased to meet you too. Strangely enough I could read a book a day until I was told I had copd last friday. Ive not picked my books up since. I just keep reading all I can on this disease and think its making me anxious. I don't even think I need an inhaler. I went to docs having been told I had a low oxygen level. never expected this, so still feeling a tad astonished.

[kenking in reply to Jjude]

If you were ok before they said you have copd then you are ok now. Do not let the doctors run your life, they don't know how you feel, only you know that. KEN

[Jjude in reply to kenking]

Thank you Ken x

[Hidden]

Hi Jude, it sounds that you are very anxious, you've had a shock! I've had COPD for only two years so it's still new to me, but what I do is stay on top and take control. I take ventolin, spiriva and symbicort the only side effect with me is a dry mouth. The people here have had copd for many years so they can give good advice. This forum is amazing and comforting. Oh please don't visit Dr Google whatever you do. Love Lee. X. 😄

[Jjude in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lee, yes thats what I need to do, take back control. Sleep at 1 am and up at 5 30, I must chill out and take your advice to stop googling so much. Im sure Ill settle in and accept that staying positive is that main thing.

[Hidden in reply to Jjude]

You'll get there, don't let it define you!

Take care. Leelee. X

[Fern369]

Ventolin always keeps me awake at night if I take it after 5pm at the latest.Try taking it earlier than usual that might help.i find the bronchodilators are pretty unpleasant side effect wise I feel like I have been up all night even when I haven't my body feels tired and achey and I get headaches too.

[rubyred777]

Hi Jude

Don't think I caught your first post.

Welcome to the site. The best thing to do, is not Google! You end up a nervous wreck. Run your questions by us. Experience is by far, the best teacher.

Did you find out what stage you are yet?

I've only been a member since Nov. myself. At first I was nervous and scared. Not now. I've learned so much from these wonderful people. You'll see for yourself. Ask lots of questions, and read old posts.

Rubyxx😊😊

[Jjude in reply to rubyred777]

Hi ruby and thanks for the welcome. Good to connect to such nice people in my present state who can, through own experiences, help with my worries and concerns. Im not sure what stage Im at as only being told last friday that is what it is, a mention of 44%, Im assuming now, that is my lung capacity. have to say i feel fine even if a little breathless, i was concerned about oxygen levels, though dr said last friday that was borderline. Im still confused about everything but learning fast. I don't feel i need the inhaler so ill just carry that with me in case from now on. Ive started breathing exercises which even so soon seem to be making a difference. Im going to weigh myself today see if putting on a little will help. Also going to ring surgery to see about a new Pulmonary rehab session that Middlesbrough has just got extra funding for. (heard about that on radio tees this morning). So, so far its just staying positive and be proactive in beneficial stuff that will help. x

[rubyred777 in reply to Jjude]

You seem like you have control of the situation. Doesn't seem like you need the inhaler yet.😊 see if you can get a copy of your spirometry test results. Also question your oxygen being borderline. Just some ideas for you when you see the Dr.

Also, alot of us have oximeters. The clip that you put on your finger to ck. oxygen levels. That way you can keep tabs on it yourself.

I drive the Dr. crazy asking questions! You got too. They just hand you inhalers and say goodbye......

I don't think you'll have any problems. Your taking control of the copd, not the other way around.

Rubyxx😊😊

[Offcut]

Ventolin can make the heart beat faster. Which will not help the sleep cycle. Did they tell you to use it at set times or only when needed? Ventolin is usually used to help when you are short of breath or about to start an activity.

Sometimes reading up on a conditions is not the best way forward as the source of the information may not be the best one to look at. I find the NHS sites and the research sites are a good source once you get though the medical jargon.

Might help to ask GP for a prevention Inhaler?

PMA

Be Well

[Jjude in reply to Offcut]

Hi Offcut, Im sure Dr said to use it only 4 times a week, then just to be sure when home, I asked for a call back. This time he told me to take as and when I need it. The thing about that is, I don't know when I need it, not needed it before. And that probably added to last nights dilemma. One good thing Im realising, get myself to this forum, your all stars and I thank each and everyone of you xx

[Offcut in reply to Jjude]

If you are struggling for breath or feeling tight. It sometimes can be easier to sit on a kitchen chair lean slightly forward (this opens the lungs) and do controlled slow deep breathing. If that fails take a good puff on the Ventolin and you should see a difference if not try 2 puffs. it should relive the tightness on the chest. Over use can cause twitching and fast HR. but not usually a major problem.

It is a fact that a lot of people do not get to use it correctly because the puff and inhale do not always match up, this can be got around with a spacer.

Be Well

[Jjude in reply to Offcut]

Thanks for that advice Offcut have certainly taken this onboard x

[Offcut in reply to Jjude]

It is getting past the panic breathing is the hard part I should think we have all had that at some stage. But you have to control it as best you can do not let it take control of you.

Be well

[FarmerD]

Hello again Jjude,I found when first told I had emphysema I am my own worst enemy.My mind does summersaults trying to reason through things.This is probably more to do with your sleeplessness than the ventolin.I use a nebuliser for salbutamol

Which is the same as ventolin,the nebs deliver equivalent of 25 puffs of the drug as an inhaler and I can use just before bed and sleep ok.Controlling my own thoughts is a lot more difficult.I don,t Google the condition as I get plenty information from my friends on this sight,there are plenty old posts that make interesting and informative reading

.I found training myself to control panic attacks when having severe breathing difficulties quite hard but now it,s easier.Try to relax I know it,s easier said than done.Reading is a good idea ,I find drifting off into a different world helps a lot.Best of luck D. 👍🏿

[Jjude in reply to FarmerD]

Hi D, and that relax advice is exactly what I intend to practice xx

[freefaller]

Hope you managed to get some sleep.

[Jjude in reply to freefaller]

I got 4 hours but ill relax much earlier tonight xx

[freefaller]

Good Luck for tonight. Sometimes you can be over tired. Then everything goes through your mind and you can't sleep for worrying!

[toerag]

it's annoying when something is nagging just outside your concious mind...i just get up and have a few games of cards as distraction therapy.

[Jjude]

Thanks freefaller and toe rag, have to say i slept much better last night 11pm till 6am which is more normal for me though i did wake at 4 and easily went back over. thanks for tips and encouragement xx

[freefaller]

Good News. Hope the warmer weather will not bother you. We have got all our fans cleaned and serviced. At the moment the room I am in is in shade but it is warm in our kitchen which has lots of velux windows to let the light and heat in. In the afternoon and early evening the heat can be unbearable in there which is why I am in here and himself is in the kitchen making bread - thank goodness I did the ironing yesterday if he was baking and I was ironing it would be like a sauna in there today!

Sian