Jerry Paige
Robin Rose-Artiaga; I also have had sleep disorders since my early to mid twenties. I also became concsious of fatigue around age 30. Doctors basically told me no one ever died from a lack of sleep. Over the years it became increasingly difficult for me to handle fatigue. I was diagnosed with Hemochromatosis around age 50. In my late 40s I was diagnosed with Major Depression. Over the past 10-13 years I've taken all the anti-depressants and ever a series of ECT with no improvement. Currently I'm having a very difficult time. I'm seeing a new psychiatrist, who is following me through the process of withdrawing from anti-depressants and habit forming sleep medications (Klonopin and Ambien) I've taken for years. I'm getting very little sleep and feel mentally exhausted, but I seem to be the only one concerned. I can certainly identify with the reality of people getting sick of hearing chronic complianing. I suppose it's just human nature. The down side, for me at least, is feeling increasingly isolated. Three years ago I had to take early retirement, and am currently on disability. The days and nights are long, and though there are many thing I could be doing, it's increasing difficult to find the will to do anything. If anyone needs to share/unload I'm also here to listen. There is some comfort in knowing there are other people out there who understand. Jerry Paige