DF or Normal (nearly)?: It's difficult to tell... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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DF or Normal (nearly)?

Nuff1 profile image
21 Replies

It's difficult to tell whether OH has DF or whether he'dbe nodding off in afternoons anyway. Since he retired he's very late to bed and late up unless he needs to go somewhere.

He's always said that he doesn't really get to sleep easily at night but if nothing to do he could sleep anywhere anytime in an afternoon (Photo iwas taken during an afternoon "comfort break" on a tractor run about 10 or 11 years ago).

Yesterday he was nodding off over a crossword puzzle - today he's gone to the shed to do some welding outdoors while it's not raining.

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Nuff1 profile image
Nuff1
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21 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Probably a little bit of both!

If he’s not sleeping well at night, then he’s just catching up with 40 winks. My hubby used to nod off most afternoons - he could fall asleep on a washing line! His excuse in retirement was he had heart problems and the hospital told him to! But as he could do it in his prime and when a serving soldier I just nodded and said nothing!

He started when as a young gamekeeper got up early in the morning, and then 3 years in the Far East in Army - so by the time I got him, it was pretty much entrenched! 😴!

If it is DF, not a lot to do about it, just reduce slowly and go with the flow!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I can understand nodding off over a crossword puzzle...

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer in reply toPMRpro

Especially when we have predhead!....couldn`t live without my crosswords....

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

It does sound like a normal response to the illness and the retirement. I make myself get up and showered in the morning because of a film I saw once called “ Woman In a Dressing Gown” with Anthony Quale. I do promise myself a nap if needed. I am going through a miserable phase of DF. With a bit of depression in the mix. Encourage him to talk in case he’s sinking into despondency.It’s too easy with this relentless disease.

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh in reply toSheffieldJane

Couldn’t like your post Jane. Hope you’ll soon get some energy back and feel much better. Xx

IzzysGran profile image
IzzysGran

Welding...!!! I love welding...did quite a bit when I was doing a blacksmithing course. Very satisfying. Heigh ho...

Love the photo btw...

Blackcat1M profile image
Blackcat1M

My hubby in his thirties , whilst at the seaside fell asleep on a bench on the promenade and people were taking photos my little son was so embarrassed bless him, has he changed no he still falls asleep ang goes to bed in the early hours,and he do not suffer with anything bless him. PMR he says women made it up ..............

Telian profile image
Telian in reply toBlackcat1M

Does he snore loudly? - if so he could have sleep apnoea?

Oxford8 profile image
Oxford8

Being able to drop off to sleep in the day time seems like precious gift to me.

Sleep, or lack of it, is still my worst problem. GP and Rheumy have both prescribed mild antidepressants for insomnia, but the medication makes me feel like a zombie. I prefer to manage with the little sleep I get than to spend my days under a drug Induced black cloud.

🤭🤭🌷

in reply toOxford8

Hi Oxford

Which antidepressant did GP/Rheumy prescribe?

I have low dose Amitriptyline & the key to its success is taking it earlier in the evening, so you sleep off the side effects. I got this tip from a Psychiatrist that l worked with.

MrsN

Oxford8 profile image
Oxford8 in reply to

Hi Mrs N,

One was pregabalin only 25mg. The after effects of that were not too bad but it did nothing to help with sleep.

The other, Dosulepin, even at 25mg was awful, and I was supposed to increase it to 75mg. (and it didn't help with sleep).

in reply toOxford8

Ah, l don’t have any experience of either personally, l just know some people take Pregabalin for Nerve Pain.

Oxford8 profile image
Oxford8 in reply to

I'll ask about amitryptiline. Thanks.

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh in reply toOxford8

Yes I’m on Amitriptyline too Oxford8( for nerve pain) Angela ( Mrs Nails) mentioned that she took it about 7pm( no instructions given by GP or pharmacy exactly when to take it)I’ve been taking it at 7pm and find that although I feel sleepy in the evening ( keep missing the end of programmes!!) I don’t feel drowsy in the morning. I must say though I gave it a couple of weeks for my body to get used to new medication.

in reply toJackoh

I had a friend taking it at midnight when she went to bed, so imagine what she was like the next morning!

Jane try 7.30pm now you’re getting used to it, I record a lot of programs & start then at 7.30-9.30pm as l never understand the ending otherwise!!!

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh in reply to

Sounds like a good plan!

in reply toJackoh

You’ll learn to adjust it to your needs, like if you have an early start! I fell asleep on a Coach in Bali & missed the Jewellery Shop 😱 as l’d taken it too late the night before!.....

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh in reply to

That I would put down as a catastrophe for you, possible blessing for your husband ( on the money front) !!😜xx

in reply toJackoh

I wanted to buy traditional earrings for the Daughters in Law so yes l was a bit sad 😔

Oxford8 profile image
Oxford8 in reply toJackoh

Thanks for that Jackoh. Much appreciated.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toOxford8

I take 10 mgs one hour before bedtime and it seems to help. No sensation of being on a drug at all. I just feel more comfortable. ( Amitriptylin).

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