Sleep Medicine Consultants

Hello My Friends,

I have been very busy trying to keep Jerry (my hubby) out of the hospital and actually working towards taking the time to exam and research my own health issues.

The good news is Jerry has been out of the hospital (knock on wood!) and generally feeling better. My news:

The last time I visited my pain management doctor, he referred me to the Sleep Medicine Consultants, Dr. J Douglas Hudson, M.D. and his staff. He also gave me a script for Lyrica. I did not fill the script because the insurance company required more information prior to approving the medication. I told the pharmacy to put it on hold because I am concerned about the cost and the side effects.

I did make an appointment with J Douglas Hudson M.D. at the Sleep Medicine Consultants in Austin, TX. My appointment was with Mary Youngwith R.N., F.N.P. The appointment was pleasant, informative, and we have discussed and agreed upon plans to assist me with my sleep challenges. She was open and made me feel very comfortable.

Under the supervision of Dr. Hudson, Mid-level Practioners' take patient medical histories, perform physical exams, make assessments, and order labs, tests, and write prescriptions as appropriate.

Mary Youngwith R.N., F.N.P. was well versed on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia! She told me she was currently reading Dr. Teitelbaum's book Fatigued to Fantastic. She gave me a copy of a study that referred to the use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. The conculsions: D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

She made no promises but believed it would not hurt to try the D-ribose. I have a follow-up appointment on Monday, February 28, 2011. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate the D-ribose. I will have to order it off the Internet. Once I buy the D-ribose, I am to take 5 grams 3x/day, then 5 grams 2x/day after 3-4 days. i was hoping to use it prior to our appointment:( I do plan on purchasing it off the Internet. She placed me on some low dose medications to help with my sleep. She wants to review my sleep patterns and then maybe I will complete a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. She did not want me to complete a sleep diary because sometimes it keeps you from assessing the real problem. We tend to focus to much on sleep and sometimes stay awake thinking about what we can do to help us sleep.

Meanwhile, the following link will give you some tips that will help you sleep well:

Other news, my visit with my regular PCP unfolded some bad news, I had an infection and required some meds, no biggie. However, I was also diagnosed with diabetes.:( Not good! I am in denial and plan on taking diet and exercise measures to prove I do not have diabetes. The doctor said he knew I was going to fuss at him:) and not believe him. That follow-up day I tested at 121, not bad, but not my normal reading. He gave me a Blood Glucose Monitoring System, medication and I must have a follow-up appointment in 2-3 months. Wow, do I have work to do!

I will admit I had been on a sweet binge! No more! I have to behave and start getting serious about my diet and exercise habits. I have not had much interest in food and started snacking on unhealthy foods. So, don't make the same mistake I did. Stay true to your healthy diet and exercise.

That is all for today! I hope I did not bore you. Take care and I hope and pray everyone has a pain and fatigue free day!