Ugh...  It's been a long time since I've been here...  I just came off a 4 year bender without the demon riding me, well now I think it's here to collect back toll.  It's been so long I think I'll re-introduce myself:

My name is Ellis and I live in Salt Lake City, UT.  I have spent most of my life here, spending some time in New Hampshire and California, but I always end up back home.  I am 38 years old and have been living with ECH for a long time, just not diagnosed until I found this place 4 years ago and printed reams of paper to take the my Dr.  Like I said, my last episode was 4 years ago which may be the longest break that I can remember.  Usually my episodes would come 2x times a year.  It's kind of funny now that I think about it, it has been almost 4 years to the day since my last episode.  Anywho, I'm on oxygen and Verapamil and can't get in to see my neurologist for another week  >:(  luckily he was kind enough to call in the prescription for my oxygen on Christmas Eve and they were willing to deliver it at 4:00 P.M. Christmas Eve.  Well, I'm rambling because I'm tired but scared as hell to fall back asleep only to wake up in an hour.  Anyone figure out how to stop that from happening BTW?  Well g'night all and I'll check in tomorrow.  Or maybe in an hour when the beast climbs back onboard.

Welcome back, sorry it takes so long to see the neuro but AWESOME that he called in the oxygen for you.

For the night time hits, look into melatonin. An over the counter sleep aid available at health, vitamin stores or pharmacies. Start with 9-12 mg about 30 minutes before bed time. You may have to adjust the dosing up or down, down if you're a zombie in the morning, up if it's not having the desired effect. Many can reduce or even avoid the night time wake-ups using melatonin.

Go to the medications section of this board and read the link "123 pain free days and i think I know why."

It's a daily vitamin/mineral/anti inflammatory regimen that's showing some pretty impressive results. All over the counter stuff, it's inexpensive, definitely worth a look see and a try.

Wishing you a short go-round this cycle.

Joe

Quote:

I'm on oxygen and Verapamil and can't get in to see my neurologist for another week I'm tired but scared as hell to fall back asleep only to wake up in an hour.

The oxygen helps with the rude awakenings, verapamil is to prevent the hits.  When first given verap it may need to be adjusted gradually.  Give your doctor feedback on how effective it has been, increasing is not uncommon.

As Joe mentioned, melatonin may help in the meantime, caffeine can also.  Resorting to icepacks may assist with enduring.