Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

Looks' like I'm #1! 

1. History with weight loss: I was always felt like a big kid, but looking back now I see that I was tall & average weight.  I think my mom helped create my food issues.  I restricted & binged/purged myself thin in high school & in my early 20s I was in great shape, but I didn't eat & I excersised 3 hours 6 times a week--I looked good, but.....  I got married & gained weight (my husband is a skinny guy).  I had a baby 2 years ago & am at the weight I was before she was born (I did not gain much throughout my pregnancy). 

2. History with Calorie Count: I just signed up last week.

3. Reason for joining this group: I eat pretty "good" during the day, but then strap on the feed bag & eat at night--I get up 1-6 times & eat.  I have been doing this for over 20 years which is not good for my sleep, but also sabotages any "diet" efforts.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I am married, have a wonderful little girl & 4 "evil" cats.  I work as an event manager & commute 2 hours each day.

I hope to connect with others that battle night time binges & find a permamnent solution.  I am SO sick of feeling worthless because I ate all night & I deserve better.  Not to mention my daughter needs a healthy, happy, good role model.

1. History with weight loss: I started trying to lose weight when i left HS and started gaining. I have since gained 80 lbs, and REALLY need to lose it!
2. History with Calorie Count: I joined in Jan and got serious about it in May. Havnt lost any weight yet, but i sabatoge myself on the weekend... im trying to change that!
3. Reason for joining this group: I sleep like crap lol n i would love to share n hear this others in the same boat.
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: Im a SAHM with a 3 y/o son. I love to cook, camp, fish, read, garden (tho i live in an apt n have very few plants :P) and lot of other things lol.

1. History with weight loss:  After years of yo-yo dieting, losing and gaining back even more weight, I found CC and a new way of getting healthy.  Now I'm on a sensible eating plan and I'm losing weight and keeping it off.

2. History with Calorie Count:  I joined in January, 2006 and was very surprised to find so many helpful friends.  They helped me shed my preconceived notions about weight loss.  My focus now isn't on the scale so much, but more on how I feel and improvement to my general health.

3. Reason for joining this group:  I have suspected sleep apnea but have not been able to complete a sleep study.  Also, I've been unable to fall asleep for the past 6 or 8 months for various reasons.  I'd like to learn more about how to get over my fears and how to get an accurate diagnosis.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:  I'm retired and live alone with my cat, Bubba, in a senior apartment building.  I'm enjoying retirement very much.  My hobbies include drawing, mostly plants and flowers, growing houseplants and cooking.

 

Original Post by clairelaine:

3. Reason for joining this group: I have suspected sleep apnea but have not been able to complete a sleep study. Also, I've been unable to fall asleep for the past 6 or 8 months for various reasons. I'd like to learn more about how to get over my fears and how to get an accurate diagnosis.

 

I'm curious about your statement here.  When you say you haven't been able to complete a sleep study, do you mean that you have had the time or money to get one done or that you were scheduled and for some reason the study was inconclusive?

As for how to tell you have sleep apnea, while the sleep study is the definitive way, the old fashioned method of diagnosis was really quite simple.  If you answer yes to all of these questions, then I would bet money that you have sleep apnea.

1.  Do you feel tired when you get up, no matter how long you slept or do you find that you are very tired during the day, even when you aren't active?

2.  Has anyone ever remarked that you seem to stop breathing when you sleep or have you startled awake and felt the need to gasp air?

3.  Do you snore loudly?

4.  Do you seldom dream or think that you just forget all of your dreams?

The reasoning behind the questions are simple.  Feeling tired when you get up or being very tired throughout the day is a common symptom for sleep apnea sufferers because when you have sleep apnea, you don't get the necessary REM (rapid eye movement) sleep that you body needs to recharge itself.  The reason for this is related to the reason for the second question.  Sleep apnea sufferers don't reach deep REM sleep because during the night, they stop breathing (their airway becomes blocked) and the body, in self defense, wakes you up to force you to breathe.  This is why you might sometimes gasp for air when you start awake.  The snoring question is asked because the tissue in your body that is blocking your air passages, often doesn't block them completely, but enough to cause snoring (and it is usually very loud or so my wife tells me).  The final question is related to the REM sleep issue.  Dreams occur when you are in REM sleep or the deep regenerative sleep.  Since sleep apnea sufferers don't reach REM sleep, they don't dream or believe that they just simply forget all of their dreams.  When I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, these were the questions and the explanation that my doctor gave me and the sleep study was simply to verify his diagnosis based on my answers to his questions.

As for being afraid, if you are afraid of what a diagnosis of sleep apnea will mean, then let me give you a little perspective on how living with sleep apnea has been for me.  Before I was diagnosed, I was always tired during the day and it got to the point where I couldn't stay awake at work and it was only because I have a very understanding boss that I didn't get fired.  Once I was diagnosed and was given a CPAP machine to use at night, I almost immediately felt much more rested and the problem of being tired all day went away.  I know that some people are afraid that the CPAP will interfere with their sleeping because it makes noise and you have to sleep with a mask over your face.  I have one of the masks that covers my nose, is held in place with a head harness and has a hose connecting the mask to the machine.  It really looks uncomfortable, but after a short period of adjustment, it doesn't interfere with my sleep at all and in fact, I like it because I can bury my head under the pillows and still breathe.  Since I sometimes like to sleep during the day, this is a big win because I can block out all of the light and nap peacefully.  The noise is a white noise that I actually find quite soothing.  I have come to associate it with restful sleep, so turning on the machine helps me fall asleep easier (I have also suffered from insomnia in the past).  The machine will also keep you from snoring, which makes my wife happy.

In addition to the CPAP machine, sleep apnea is sometimes treated with surgery, or a mouth piece that you wear to sleep.  I definitely didn't want to consider surgery or the mouth piece, so the CPAP machine was right for me.  Also, if you lose a significant amount of weight, you can actually cure sleep apnea that way, as the tissue that blocks your airway is usually fatty tissue.  Since I have lost over 100 pounds, I find that I don't need the CPAP machine all the time anymore, I don't snore like I used to and I get the restful REM sleep I need.

If your fears are preventing you from sleeping, then perhaps a relaxation technique I use might help.  Before laying down to sleep, have a nice cup of tea, like Chamomile to relax you.  When you lay down, get into a comfortable position and do the following.  Concentrate on your feet, imagining that they are growing very heavy, so heavy that you couldn't move them if you wanted to.  Don't fight the heavy feeling, just relax and enjoy the stillness.  Once your feet are completely relaxed and feeling heavy, then concentrate on your calves and do the same thing.  Move on to your thighs, then your hips, then your hands, forearms, upper arms, torso, shoulders, and finally your head.  Usually you won't make it past your hips.  While you are concentrating on the heavy feeling in your body, think only of that and nothing else.  If it helps you to sleep, then play some soft music or maybe a tape or CD of nature sounds.  By focusing all of your thoughts on the feeling of heaviness and on laying completely still, it is very hard to think of anything else.  I hope this helps.

1. History with weight loss: I never had trouble losing weight before I had kids. I was 24 the day after my 1st son was born, 25 with the 2nd, 26 with the 3rd and 30 when I had my 4th. I lost weight easily the 1st time but I was working part time and I think that helped. I haven't worked since. The 3rd time we went thru a real bad rough patch in our marriage and I had PPD really bad so I lost more weight than with the other 2 kids. This time I haven't lost anything. I actually gained bc I was craving milk while nursing. I would easily drink a gallon myself every 2-3 days. My son is 13 months and I am just now back to where I was after I gave birth to him. I don't have motivation this time around.

2. History with Calorie Count: I just signed up today and I hope to find friends that are having some of the same issues so we can help each other.

3. Reason for joining this group: I have always been an insomniac. The only times I have slept good is when I have been towards the end of my pregnancies. I hope to maybe find other ways to try to get to sleep. I usually sleep well once I get to sleep but it will take anywhere between 1-3 hours for me to get to sleep. The past few days I have actually gone to sleep in about 30-45 minutes but then I am up a few hours later and cannot go back to sleep again.  There are also times I sleep but I not well. Like I will think I am sleeping (if I think while I am sleeping...I am thinking too much to be sleeping in my opinion) but then I open my eyes randomly to look at the clock...So I need ideas, help, something...

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I am a SAHM and work PDO-Parent's Day Out- at my church on Tuesday and Thursday. I have 4 boys (1st born 8-1-01, 2nd born 6-5-03, 3rd born 12-6-04 & 4th born 9-14-07) and have been married for almost 8 years. We have been together almost 10 years. I do not have pets and I love to scrapbook--only I haven't had time for that in the last 4 years. i loove the outdoors. Love to camp and fish. Love to go to watch races and Monster Trucks. I love to be involved with my kids' classes in school but can't usually bc of the 2 smaller ones.

Hello.  I have narcolepsy.  I joined this group because I never met anybody else who had it.

Actually, I am on a lifestyle/permanent diet now.  I was pretty fat for a lot of my childhood.  One summer my mom was the director of a Girl Scout camp.  I got so tired of girls not being interested in me that I stopped eating Girl Scout cookies and began to run.  I kept running until I was in excellent shape.  Now I am in good shape- 5 10 200lbs with 36" waist, but not fantastic shape.  I am 32 years old.

I found this site because of blog.  Now I am hoping to find other people with narcolepsy.

-Ron

1. History with weight loss:

Most of my life I've been slender, but muscular. I gained 40 - 65 pounds with my pregnancies (4), but always managed to get most of it off within about a year. I'm 5'5". College weight 118, after babies 135. Because of a history of diabetes in my family, I have always been adamant about exercise. When my youngest was about 1 year old, I started bicycling and got back down to my college weight for maybe 7 years or so.

Then about 7-8 years ago, I began having some health problems. 30 minutes of exercise meant a 3-hour nap. I was constantly exhausted, in a brain fog. I began to pile on weight--sometimes as much as 12 pounds in a WEEK. I felt awful all the time. At one point, the doctors thought I had uncontrollable asthma and I was told to stop bicycling. I don't have asthma as it turns out. To make a long story short, I was diagnosed about 3 years ago with sleep apnea and idiopathic hypersomnia. By that time, I was just over 200 pounds.

I did lose about 15 pounds the first month on the C-Pap machine and I'm definitely thankful that I've stopped gaining anymore weight. However, the most I've been able to do since then is temporarily drop 7-8 pounds. My last doctor's visit said my weight is at 194. I'm very frustrated to say the least, as I've been counting calories and exercising during all this time. My GP doesn't believe me, although the Pulmonary Specialist assures me sleep apnea really messes up your metabolism.

2. History with Calorie Count:

I think I first joined in March, but took a break because life got busy. It takes time to enter all this stuff! Just got back into this last week.

3. Reason for joining this group:

Need support!!! Hope to find people who understand that some days you truly are just too exhausted to be your best.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

I could no longer function in my high-pressure job, so I quit about two years ago. We moved to a tiny rural town, to reduce the stresses of everyday life. I now work parttime as director of our village library. I remarried about 5 years ago. Between us we have six kids and six grandchildren. No pets at present, although I'm usually a cat person.

For exercise, I belly dance. Lots of fun and good for buidling those "core" muscles. I am also trying to get back into bicycling, now that the doctors agree it's okay.

1. History with weight loss:

I am 55 years old and this is the most I have ever weighed (150 lbs. 5'3" tall) and I am disgusted with myself.  Through out my life I have ranged from being thin (105) to where I am now.  Mentally I know that I am only about 10 or so pounds from having a BMI under 25 but...

2. History with Calorie Count:

I have been on and off Calorie Count for several years.  I have found it easier to count my calories using the tool bar on my internet homepage.  I just don't used it consistently.

3. Reason for joining this group:

I feel like I have not slept for 32 years.  Now I know that is not true but I probably could count on one hand how many nights I have slept the entire night without waking up in those 32 years.  It started with a normal pregnancy and then a very cranky baby (she is 31 now).  At first I thought I had just gotten into a very bad habit of waking 4 to 5 times a night but after this length of time I have no idea why I wake so often.  Could it still be just a bad habit and if so how do I break it?  I have been to doctors and all they really say is to cut out caffeine and alcohol.  It was interesting reading techdog's comments about sleep apnea (and yes I have had doctors suggest that but have not completed a sleep study).  I answered the questions from techdog:

 1.  Do you feel tired when you get up, no matter how long you slept or do you find that you are very tired during the day, even when you aren't active? Sometimes but not always

2.  Has anyone ever remarked that you seem to stop breathing when you sleep or have you startled awake and felt the need to gasp air? No

3.  Do you snore loudly? My husband tells me I snore but not loudly and not all night long but he is sleeping so he may not know.

4.  Do you seldom dream or think that you just forget all of your dreams? Yes!!!!  I tell people I never dream and yet...doesn't everybody dream?

I definitely need help on the sleep issue because I know that lack of sleep can mess with hormones and having gone through natural menopause believe me I know about hormonal changes.  I realize the lack of sleep could be hormonal and I would believe it was only that if it was a recent (last 4 or 5 years) change in my sleep pattern but I have not been menopausal for 32 years.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

I have been married for almost 36 years.  Two married children, four grandchildren and another on the way.  I have a degree in Gerontology and work with federally funded programs/grants to assist older adults to maintain independence.

I joined because someone invited me.

1.  older female

2.  joined CC spring of '07.  Lost 30 lbs. through dedication

3.  started working again autumn of '08 and gain weight back.

4.  Was slender my entire life until middle age.

5.  When I have a problem I don't sleep well or have bad dreams, or when I'm excited I don't sleep well.

6.  Before trips to Florida when I know I need rest for the drive, I have trouble sleeping.

For the past 20 years I have continually put on weight without successfully reducing although I've been on plently of diets.  I was not a heavy child or teenager, but I thought I was. So, my history with dieting began when I was about 13 and I have obsessed myself to about and 80 lbs. weight gain.  Now I am facing rhuematoid arthritis and wanting to get myself into better shape so I can live a long and healthy life.

I've been on calorie count for a few years and have used it off and on.  I use it for awhile and then I get back into old habits and my use dies off.  I'm trying again.

I joined this group because I thought maybe among my peers I might find some support in this ongoing battle.

I am a teacher by training, but am currently helping my husband build a part-time business.  I have 4 children one in college, two in high school and one in elementary school.  I am learning to garden and crochet.  I have a sweet old dog who loves to go for rides in the car and be taken for walks. 

Ron

Hi there, my name is Sarah, 32 years old, and I just joined this website and group. I was reading over the postings and came across you. I have Narcolepsy, Cataplexy, and Sleep Paralysis, was diagnosed six years ago due to having full body muscle failure 35 to 40 times a day from my Cataplexy. I have yet to meet anyone with Narcolepsy aswell. I also have an identical twin sister that has had no symptoms.  I have been overweight ever since I started meds...gained 25 pounds. Now I've been on weight watchers for two months and am on week 6 of cardio core boot camp. I really now starting to see serious results. If you ever want to ask any questions about N or have any comments, don't hesitate. Its not often you hear of someone with the same disorder!

 

Sarah 

Hi, I'm Beth, 32 years old.  I'm pretty isolated as far as having sleep support.  My husband is very supportive, but doesn't really "get" it.  I'm hoping to find some friends here!  I have Fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders go right along with that.  I have sleep apnea, alpha delta intrusion, periodic limb movement, and I also grind my teeth at night.  I'm averaging about 4 hours of sleep a night at this point, and it's not always good sleep.

1. History with weight loss:  I've spent my whole life chubby, but since my fibro diagnosis and all the meds involved, I've put on some serious weight.  I finally got fed up with it all and I started making better eating choices about 6 weeks ago and have lost 18 pounds so far.

 
2. History with Calorie Count:   Just joined this website on the recommendation of a friend, and this group popped up as a possibility.  I hit a plateau this week and came here and found out that I'm not eating nearly enough calories. 

3. Reason for joining this group:  I have nobody who gets how hard it is to lose weight when you don't sleep.  Hoping to find some support and make some connections.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:  I am married to a wonderful many and have two kiddos, ages 6 and 3.  I work from home as a documentation developer for a software company.  We have cats, guinea pigs, a toad, and some fish--typical house full o' kids and animals.  I love to read, do word puzzles, do crafts, and love being a mom.  I really love to garden, so I can't wait for spring!

Hi, I'm Elisa - 33 years old.

Weight loss history: chaotic! Yo-yo weight since my late teens. I've been really successful in loosing weight, every time, but not in keeping it off. Now I'm trying again, and hope a new and more relaxed (realistic!) approach will do the trick!

I joined this group because I suffer from narcolepsy. I was diagnosed in April 2009, after several years of not knowing what was wrong with me - it was such a relief to finally know what it was! Now I'm hoping they find the right medicine for me, so I can start living a little again.

I love traveling, hiking, geocaching, being outside etc., reading, movies, art, discussions etc. I live with my husband and two guinea pigs (no, you never get too old for guinea pigs - no matter what the rumor says), in the outskirts of Aarhus, Denmark.

Good luck with the weight loss to all of you!