Why is it so hard to get doctors to actually 'hear' you when you talk? Do they just automatically assume you are stupid because they went to medical school? My hubby came home from work yesterday (it was Saturday) about 3:30 PM and was in bed at 4:00PM and is still there at 7:30 AM, and he can't get a doctor to be seriously concerned about his frightening need for sleep! Now, we, the afflicted have done our homework and figured out what might be the cause of this overwhelming need for sleep, but the last 2 doctors had never heard of it and weren't about to hear it from a mere patient! All the hell we need is someone to try prescribing some of the meds used to treat this disorder, but they treat us like morons and send us away. I cannot describe my level of frustration!
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, closely related to Restless Leg Syndrome, often seen in patients with sleep apnea--origin unknown. Treated with a variety of drugs, on a 'try it and see' basis. And we can't find anyone who does any more than shrug and tell him to lose weight and he'll feel better! Meanwhile, he keeps gaining weight because he eats and then goes to bed and sleeps until time to go to work. And sleeps all weekend, only getting up to eat and pee.
His VA primary care doctor at least admitted that he hadn't a clue and put him down for an EEG and an appointment with a VA neurologist... That was weeks ago and there's still a month before he sees the neuro!
I AM JUST SO FRUSTRATED!!!
The other nite, he had to turn down the offer of a new, better paying job in Georgia--a whole day's drive North and closer to our family. He doesn't dare try to work at a job without the crew he is on now--they are keeping an eye on him so he doesn't fall asleep and get caught. We can't even experiment by trying any of the drugs that are prescribed for this PLMD for fear they'll do a random drug thing at work and he will have drugs in his system that he doesn't have a prescription for! ARRRRRRRGGGGG!
