INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours

Anonymous

Lookie ~ Yay! No more projects! Now you can enjoy your new house inside and out. Forest fires are scary....are you in any danger? We live in an area that is high risk and have had several bad fires over the years. Luckily our home has remained safe. It's amazing how far smoke and burning ash can travel. Hoping the wind shifts and blows it all away from you. 50,000 people is a staggering amount. May the firefighters get the fire under control and keep all the people and their homes safe.

Anonymous

Annie ~ Poor Logan! How old is he? Was he always sound sensitive? I am a temporarily (I hope) retired trainer/behaviorist. Lavender oil has a calming effect on dogs; it is the main ingredient in many of the products sold to soothe them. The Lavender oil can be used in an infuser or you can slightly dilute it and apply to your dog's paw pads and/or fur at the back of the neck. The oil is toxic to cats, so I would avoid using it anywhere a kitty might be. You can also buy "plug-ins" with lavender oil at the supermarket. My Shepherd Marti will camp out as close as possible to it when I use one. As hard as it is to see Logan upset, the best thing to do is not to fuss over him. Dogs take most of their cues on how to react from us...and quite often get it wrong. The petting and cuddling when he is scared or upset reinforces in his mind that something is wrong and that he should be scared. You could try offering a special treat, toy or playtime to distract him. Overtime, he hopefully will associate the noises with something pleasant instead of something scary. I'm not big on anxiety meds. Positive reinforcement and redirection are best. Marti is 12 and has the beginning signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and takes Xanax for it. Chilling her out during thunder storms is a nice bonus. If nothing else works for Logan or if you are afraid he may hurt himself, then I would insist on Prozac or Xanax. If Logan is a youngish guy, you may be able to use the techniques above to help him overcome his fear and not have to always medicate him.

I also am super sensitive to adhesives. One of my nurses introduced me to the greatest products ever......Skin-Prep Protection Dressing Wipes and Adhesive Tape Remover Pads. The wipes create a barrier between your skin and the adhesive without interfering with how it sticks to your skin. The pads have mineral oil and can be wiped over and under the bandage/tape to dissolve the adhesive so it comes off without hurting your skin. I bought some to keep in my purse just in-case they're not available if I go to a different provider/lab. Amazon carries the same brand used by the hospital....Skin-Prep "http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Prep-Protection-Dressing-Wipes-Box/dp/B000S9KLSY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00" and Remover "http://www.amazon.com/PDI-ADHESIVE-TAPE-REMOVER-PAD/dp/B00OVM1U0C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00"

Hope this helped

trish1314

I hate steroids! Its 5am and I'm still awake. I had treatment yesterday and guaranteed no sleep!

Jazzygirl

Good morning friends- I am a woman on the go this week, but going to step off the client site later today and work remote the rest of the week. Whoot whoot! Already tired of them this week!

JazzyJune- after the blast of winter-like weather over the weekend, it is warming up. It was warm and lovely yesterday and I stopped at my fav local nursery on the way home last night for a few more flowers to put into my pots out back. I suspect we may still get some more shots of winter in May this year. All the moisture the past few weeks is making my gardens happy!

I am having a lot of stiffness and pain in my hands and feet the past day, or what I call "having an AI week." Been icing the bottoms of my feet at night and they are better today, but woke up with stiff hands. Going to do a bit of yoga on the patio as the sun rises to loosen up my stuff.

Wren44

Shepkitty, Wish I had known about those pads when I had bandages. With my first Lx, I broke out from the tape. With the re-excision, they used glue. The glue was still there weeks later when they did the Mx (after finding a tumor they didn't know about). Tape is not my friend. Good advice about the dogs. Our first dog was afraid of thunder and spent July 4th on the floor of my closet. We brought her to Seattle, which rarely has thunderstorms. One evening, she was restless and whimpering and acting oddly. We wondered if she sensed an earthquake coming. Then soon we heard the thunder. It was a spectacular storm and you can still buy photos made during it.

queenmomcat

Trish1314: ugh, the insomnia from steroids! Did you get even a nap today?

Anonymous

Hi ladies! I'm just dropping in to say hello. Another random visit. The good news is that i'm not having anxiety, depression and other emotional effects, Not even insomnia! The bad news is this dirty bas*ard cancer is back. I'm just waiting for news from the docs on my new treatment plan. Drinking sidecars, smokin' weed and carousing with younger men....Oh wait, that's my fantasy life. My real one is eating healthy and exercising. Heavy sigh.

Phyllis

Anniekay80

You all gave me some great advice. When I get ready to sleep it takes at least 10 minutes to get settled. I have a body pillow, a small travel pillow, my heart pillow and a pile of regular pillows. Heart pillow and travel pillow go under underarms, body pillow clutched to my front, regular pillows stacked at exactly the right height for my neck....then I have to get the blanket just right....around my neck to protect against vampires LOL. Its right about that time I realize I need to use the bathroom just one last time.....so repeat cycle. I've had insomnia since high school back when we rode dinosaurs to school. I have tons of candles and use aromatherapy for myself. I used to also use lavender body scrub in a nice hot shower....but PS says no showers in Flint water.....and heated filtered water sponge bath just isn't as relaxing. So, I make do. Now days I sleep on the couch cause the bed is too high to climb up onto right now....and I go to sleep listening to ID tv. Weird I know falling asleep listening to crime stories and murder.....but for me that works eventually.

Now, Shep, Logan is about 8 years old now. He has always been sound sensitive. At first I tried playing fetch with him as a distraction, but he won't have anything to do with it. When we got our second dog, Lexi, 5 years ago she was fine with loud noises until she spotted Logan freaking out. The play fetch works well on Lexi. I'm going to try the aromatherapy on Logan cause that works for me and it's the only thing I haven't tried on Logan. Otherwise, storm coming, thunder, rain, gunshots, and fireworks all send him running for the basement to hide.....and if he can find a small space to squeeze into or under, he seems to feel safer. These days we are so used to it that we just ignore him (nothing we do helps anyway). And every year I mentally curse the fireworks companies....cause around here 4th of July lasts a few weeks before and a good month after when it comes to inconsiderate neighbor's setting off fireworks in the early AM hours.

Okay I've gone on long enough....time to start the relaxing part of the evening that hopefully leads to nice deep sleep tonight. Thank you all for your help....any idea I haven't yet tried, I will certainly try soon.

Hope everyone is feeling a little bit better tomorrow than they did today, and the day after that, and the day after that, etc. Cyber hugs to all.....

Lookforward

Shep thank you for the information on Skin-Prep, I am also sensitive to adhesives. I'll keep it in mind when I have surgery later this year.

Jazzy glad the ice helps with your stiffness. I need whole body icing to help with hot flashes. I also need to get back in a routine of doing yoga in the morning.

Phyllis sorry to hear about your return of cancer, hope you get your treatment plan soon. Stick with your fantasy life it sounds like

Lookforward

Annie sweet dreams , hope you get a good nights sleep.

Loveroflife

Oh Annie, isn't it annoying when you have all the pillows in the right spots before sleep/nap only to find out that you forget to empty your bladder first? So much work trying to be comfortable.

Welcome, Trish! Sorry you have steroid induced insomnia.

Forward, amazing how far smoke can travel. Hope you or family don't have asthma. What caused the fire? Thunderstorms? Here in California, it is not uncommon to get wild fire in the summer.

Phyllis, darn rogue cells!! Hugs. You have a fantasy life too?

ShepK, college will be about 7 hours away if DH is driving and 9 hours if I am driving. We have to go through Los Angeles, where every hour is rush hour!! I don't know how people manage to live in LA and keep their sanity. Thanks for the info on the Adhesive Tape Removal pads and the Skin Protection Dressing wipes. My younger daughter had bad reactions to adhesive tapes or Salonpas

Jazzy, are the clients getting on your nerves? Ha ha! Have you decided on a patio set?

JunieB, the young at heart! Did you go with a little person to watch The Jungle Book or did you go by yourself? I used to go to the movies(complementary from the university) by myself, usually after tough exams.

Loveroflife

Hey Susan, were you able to get your orchid to bloom? Only 2 of my 10 bloom

Loveroflife

Sensi, thinking of you. Best wishes and quick recovery. In your pocket tomorrow. I will bring chocolate dipped strawberries

JunieB

Good evening Ladies,

AnnieKay - Did you get a chance to check out that product I posted you about? The "Zen Pet" supplemental powder from Dr. Karen Becker. She's the homeopathic veterinarian in Chicago. Also, you're so right! Just as I get comfy and settled, the old bladder says "Umm, gotta go"

Phyllis - So sorry to hear that your cancer has come back. I hope you get a treatment plan that works for you quickly.

Loverly - I went to the see the "Jungle Book" movie with a friend whom I've known for several years from riding the local bus. Bill Murray does the voice of Baloo the bear. I love the song "The Bear Necessities"

The orchid pics are gorgeous.

Shep - I've been on the Ibrance for I think 6 rounds. My counts were going up for 3 mos. then down a bit one month and now in the toilet. Even though my cancer has been very stable, it makes me nervous to be off the Ibrance, plus I'll have to miss my June Faslodex injections. My next injections are scheduled for May 26th, surgery on June 9th. Next Faslodex would normally be on June 23rd, but will have to wait until I get home from rehab.

Sensi - Hope you're having fun with your friend or if you're re-couping from surgery, I hope your recovery is going well.

Jazzygirl - I hope the yoga got the joints lubricated and moving better.

I went to the vestibular clinic again today and the therapist has figured out that my vertigo is coming from my left ear. Based on certain movements she had me do, by laying down, then sitting up on both sides, then turning my head, etc. Dizziness really hit me when I layed down on the left or moved to turn quickly or sit up quickly. The sensation sucks! Gave me exercises to desensitize me. Could also be related to the Ibrance. I've never had an issue with vertigo before now.

After that appt. I went for my monthly massage and the MT worked on the tissues between my ribs and over my sacrum. Really loosened things up, but flares the fibromyalgia, so I just take some pain meds. Unfortunately I won't get to experience any massage until after my surgery. Probably August.

Also, hello to Susan, Queenie, Lookie, Sas, phgraham, and Wren. Sorry if I missed anyone!

Alright, it is now after 1:00 a.m. Nighty Night ladies.

Anniekay80

Jazzy

I checked out their web site. Besides the calming products, I found the Furminator brush (dog sheds constantly.....but his coat is so soft so no buzz cut for him) AND I found the perfect style furniture pet covers. I'm contemplating spending a LOT of money there. When my DH complains, I'm blaming you.....You don't have to live with him so I'm totally gonna throw you under the bus! LOL.

Jazzygirl

Phragm- so sorry to hear about the cancer returning. Let us know how we can help? Thinking positive thoughts for you sister.

susan3

pragmatic....dis glad to see your post and then I read it sorry it came back. Good luck on new treatment plan. Hope it's gentle to your system.

Hello to everyone. I am not as good as you guys with answering back to everyone. I need to take notes. Used to. Shouldn't have stopped.

Orchards, people have given me new ones so I have those blooming. The other still has beautiful leaves. I was given it it March, so maybe that one won't bloom till jan or feb. don't know. Read up on how to do it. Haven't yet, something about a different tray vented humid, or something like that.

I am busy trying to pick out some new perinnials for my garden. I but behind on my plant cash stash. Spent a lot if very fun money on Elena.

Also looking for a new mattress . Any suggestions. I gave read so much. My hubby is in a lot of pain again. He is at fault or a lot of it. I found a very expensive mattress that is a cross between a temurpedic and an air mattress. Sounds really good. 120 day trail. But very costly. They are very costly but on sale now. Would like him to feel better. I think sometimes when we can just start to feel better, than we start doing other things that are good for you. He has been sleeping on our blow up mattress and feels better on that. That is why I was thinking the air one. Better reviews on the combo. Ours isn't that old, but it is killing his body right now. His whole family has really really bad bones. He has seemed to inherit that. We are the walking wounded here:)

Hope everyone has a great day.

I will be resting a lot. Had chemo yesterday. Blahhhhh

Smaarty

pocket party for Sensi! Hope you get all your running around done today. Hang in there girl. It's almost done.

Phyllis, sorry about the recurrence, hope new treatment goes well for you.

Susan, take it easy. No recommendation on mattresses, mine is almost 19 years old. Still in good shape.

Everybody have a good day

feelingfeline

Phyllis HUGS AND HOPE YOU GET ON SO WELL WITH THE HEALTHY EATING AND EXERCISE THAT YOU GET OUT CAROUSING!

XXX

JunieB

Susan - After my lumbar spine surgery & my left hip reconstruction for the bone cancer, I couldn't lay on my mattress without pain. So my chiropractor at the time told me about a product called "Intelligel Mattress Toppers." I bought my topper in 2001 and I am still using it. I have a firm non-pillow top mattress with the Intelligel topper on it and I get tremendous support, but the softness to pad my past surgical sites. They are spendy, but are guaranteed for 20 - 25 years. A Queen sized topper runs approx. $900.00 plus the cost of a new firm mattress. Just Google "Intelligel Toppers" and that'll direct you to their website. I hope this is helpful.

Anniekay - You're so funny! May I remind you though that I only suggested the Zen Pet product. What websites you wandered to after that is ALL on you girlie :0) But if you must, feel free to throw away. As you said, I don't live with your DH.

Ok, I'm off to get groceries for my Mothers Mother's Day brunch. Keeping it simple. Just a quiche with ham or bacon, swiss cheese & asparagus I think, plus a salad. Going to rent the movie "The Intern" with Robert DeNiro & Ann Hathaway. Really cute movie.

Later Ladies:0)

sas-schatzi

Hi, Owlies been off for awhile, glued to election stuff.

Shep, LoL. I thought after I wrote 2C19 was it 2C9. In a different time it would have made me crazy--OCD - to not jump up and check it. But then I thought Shep will tell me . Did I say my VKROC1 is slow, but 2C9 was normal. Irony is before I knew that I always said I take Coumadin/warfarin over the new antiplatelet aggregates b/c there is a reversal agent for Coumadin. But if I need Coumadin it can be used, but needs to have a smaller dose. Thanks for the thoughts about Greg. It was a tough time. What's nice about time is those thoughts are fading. Thankfully. Took too many years for it to happen.

Shep can you do a cut and paste with an explanation to the 2D6 thread? It's important that these links don't get lost. OOPs I'll do it to make them hot. The way I make a hot link is 1. post link 2.hit the home key and then the end key.3, hit enter. Not sure what others do. BCO did an update sometime ago. Linking was changed. Previously you posted the link and hit enter and it made it hot.

HOT LINKAGE SUGGESTIONS EVERYONE?

Yogagirl Your post on D. Have you considered doing a thread on D? The problem is which forum to put it in. The tough thing with info like you have gathered, is unless it's put in a specific area it get's lost in time as the pages turn.

LOVERLY, he's home and safe. I do suggest in an OCD way to learn the bills. Don't ask why okay too sad. Truly you should have a clue.

Mags it's 5 days since I was here Yikes. Hope the d &c is better.

Susan Clair looks radiant and the babies darling.

sas-schatzi

Feeling Feline, in jan getting ready for the doc & myrna, I found a 100$. I used it to have DI do extra cleaning. So instead of paying her 160$. I was paying her only 60$. She got the explanation on the first pass. She knew if I did another explanation the reasoning wouldn't be valid.

Lookie, hope the arms better. It seems the most innocent things i.e leaning, become such a PITA for us. For me it's walking without falling. Donnie's so sweet. He's wonderful about putting a hand out to balance me stepping down. My knees hyperextend back

Junie hope you are feeling better. Kirby was the name from a Topper Movie--George Kirby played by Cary Grant. Is that where you came up with it? Are the other names associated with people? Remember the Grayfriars Bobby story?

Annie please,change Vets. I'm getting cranky as I get older. In a past time I would try to soften the suggestion, but................. That Vet is a poophead, it's cruel to let Logan be so fearful. My Vet prescribes Valium every 4th. Plus, years ago she suggested Prozac. I declined it then, but going to ask for a daily script at her yearly visit in June. Shatzi is terrified of storms. Each year it gets worse. I've decided it's time. Loverly had Mitsy on Prozac and it worked great for her anxiety. Not sure if Mitsy's back on it. The Thunder Shirt helps. Can get it through most online services, petsmart. Usually 50$.. BTW Logans a beautiful baby IS exchange recovery going well?

MammaRay, hugs, sometimes it's just hard to get things done. Praying for you.

Anonymous

Hey Y'all!

Just popping in quick....

Susan ~ I need a soft bed for my spine, neck and hips. I love our Sealy mattresses. Our first Sealy was a Waterbrook plush queen that we bough in 2010. When FFH (Fart Face Husband) insisted we needed a king size bed 3 years ago the style name had changed. I emailed Sealy asking which mattress was comparable. I got a prompt response that the Sealy Posturepedic Gel Series plush comfort was what we were looking for. I sleep on the "old" bed in the guest room as FFH snores and he claims that I snore. Both beds are comfy soft and conform to your body. I call them my marshmallow beds Only "bad" thing about the Sealys is that once I'm comfy I don't want to get up! Costco carries Sealy mattresses for a not so horrific price. Sears and stand alone mattress stores carry them too. The manufacturer link is:

http://www.sealy.com/mattresses

I need to look at JunieB's mattress toppers. DSS has been on a quest for the perfect topper for his new bed. And I must explore these tempting doggie products she found..........

Lookie ~ didn't realize you are in Alberta. OMD. Stay safe! And keep the lawn sprinklers on! Burning ash can travel for miles.

Sass ~ I'll post stuffs tonite. FFH is out of town for the day for work 'til midnight. WOO-HOO!

Gotta run to prep for obligatory social interaction.

Gentle hugs to all....

sas-schatzi

OMD Smarty that inner peace meme. is so true.

OH Annie so funny about the Taco Bell, please, put that on the constipation thread. So, glad the exchange is better than the BMX. Happy you are socializing. Getting rid of those poking expanders were a dream. My PS was a well recommended schmuck. My experience way outside the norm. I second Smarrty's pillow's.

Hi trish welcome here. Hope you get some sleep.

Phylis, I agree the fantasy life is way too much fun. Cancer sucks. Hugs

Susan I have a suggestion about the mattress. I'll call, too long for here. Well guess not, just read you had chemo. Consumer reports has a eval. Very interesting that the best buy is way cheaper than many others that were perceived to be better before their eval. I have a subscription you can use mine to review if you like.

Smaarty

Evie today. She looks so little with his hand on her!

Lookforward

Susan I bought a new mattress a couple of months ago. We got a Berkeley ergonomic cario natural mattress, made in California . It is a 3 layer pocket spring mattress. Camel hair, wool and latex. I love it , very comfortable , I have a hip that bothers me at times and have had no problems.

Shep yes I live in Alberta, but we have no fear of the fire reaching here. For the 80,000 that live in Fort McMurray their city is burning and they have been evacuated , most will arrive where I live. It is the biggest disaster in Canada

Jazzygirl

Susan- I have been patio furniture shopping but found myself in a store yesterday also looking at new mattresses. A new mattress is on my list for this year as well as the patio furniture. I saw a bunch with that topper that Jazzyjune mentioned, and when I am ready to buy a new mattress this year I am getting one of those! I tried one yesterday as I was walking around, and oh was it nice! Check out some of the furniture stores as they may have more variety of different mattresses than just going to one place that only sells that brand. I would love to know what you end up getting for my longer term purchase needs.

sensitivehrt

Thank you Smaarty,

I'm as done as I'm going to get.  Check in at 7:30 tomorrow. Sentinel node check at 8 and surgery set for 9:30.  Have a great weekend ladies.  I'll update when I can.

feelingfeline

Best wishes for health and healing Sensitive.

Wow Evie - little and getting bigger

Jazzygirl

Sensitive- in your pocket today during surgery. Let us know how you are doing on the other side of this procedure.