Anyone else driving in their sleep? I'm screwed now...

10/ 2/09 12:39pm

I'm sorry for you, I really am.

Maybe you should speak with your docotor about your medicine, ask his opinon. I think that you might be too medicated if you could possible drive and wreck and not know about it.

It sounds very dangerous and not worth your life..

jlindke

10/ 2/09 1:18pm

Yeah, it is tough having to weigh my pain relief vs amnesia of some unknown stupid, and probably dangerous acts. It is very hard to function in the kind of pain I'm in, but I don't want to unknowingly wander out of my house and get in my car... I'm so lucky that there were no injuries. I would never be able live down injuring someone.

Today they increased my Oxycontin from 15 mg a day to 65 mg a day. I don't know if I'll be able to walk, let alone drive.

I'm praying for a pain-free night - I hope yours is pain-free as well.

Jeff

papamozo

10/ 2/09 2:07pm

Jeff, get you some accountability, pal. Do you have a family member, or a good neighbor, with whom you could leave your keys? I know it sounds a bit demeaning, but it's better than wrecking your life, and anyone else's. Thank God no one was hurt this time, but I'm sorry you lost your truck. I have safeguards in place around me, people who let me know if I'm getting "too close to the edge" so I don't become addicted. But you could have the same type thing, if you have someone you can rely on for honesty. My prayers are with you, buddy.

Lorie Stransky

10/ 2/09 10:03pm

Hi Jeff,

I had a very similar incident happen to me. I didn't get in my car and drive, but I did end up at the bottom of the stairwell at the apartment building I live in. Just like you I took my meds and went to bed and the next thing I remember I wake up in the hospital. I was so humilated! I have no idea who found me or what they thought of me, thank God I was dressed. I came home and my bed was made and I had sets of shoes in every room-just plain freaky. I live alone and my kids are really concerned about me. I took the same meds I always take and one of those is Ambien, but I have been on that for years with no incidents. I too am so thankful I did not hurt anyone but myself, not even a broken bone. Lots of bruises and a bruised ego, but luckily I am still kickin'. Should we hide our car keys maybe? Good luck, just remember you are not alone!

Jeff L

10/ 3/09 5:34am

papamozo,

I live alone and, while I get along well with my neighbors, I don't think I could have them hold my keys or anything like that.

You are right though, I need to do something.

I was kinda hoping my oldest would move in with me - he just graduated high school and is waiting to leave for the Air Force. It would be great if he lived here...

I gotta figure something out; especially since they increased my oxycontin and started me on Cymbalta.

Jeff L

10/ 3/09 5:42am

Thanks Lorie,

Ya know, the really scary part that's been reported about Ambien is that eating and driving with amnesia for the event have been documented. I read one report where a woman kept gaining weight regardless of her diet and workout plan. Turns out she was getting up in the middle of the night to do things like eat an entire jar of peanut butter and, on one occasion actually buttered and ate an entire pack of cigarettes - must've set up video cameras or something...

The worst part for me was that I was drinking. The fact that there was measurable alcohol in my system probably means I'm just screwed - legally that is.

c

10/17/09 12:47am

Jeff

Be careful adding cymbalta to the list of meds you take. I took it for 6 mos and the side effects were horrible. My blood pressure shot way up (I always had low bp), temp would fluctuate high to low within 1/2 hour, panic attacks. I finally convinced the mds that it was the cymbalta and not menopause. The withdrawal was insane and it took nearly 2 years to feel like my "normal" self again (and there are some minor things that haven't returned to normal). This drug acts on both neurotransmitters that control bp, temp, taste, pulse rate, so many things associated with the autonomic system.

You need to do a search on the internet for each drug you take and see what real people have to say. Had I done that before taking cymbalta I would have learned alot. Also, you need to feel secure in talking to your doctors. Remember you are still the one who makes the final decisions regarding your body you are still in control. The doctors prescribe meds and hope for the best because they really don't have definitive answers for chronic pain.

I wish you good luck. Have patience with your body and accept that it is what it is... some things you just have to deal with. (Yes easier said than done ).

I hope you have more tolerable moments than not.

Good Luck

Jeff L

10/17/09 3:04am

c

I actually got switched from cymbalta to budeprion, which from what I've read is pretty much the same or a generic form of Wellbutrin.

Turns out the VA pharmacy doesn't carry Cymbalta, but budeprion I could get from them.

Since the VA supplies certain meds at no cost, I got the budeprion. Been reading up on it and it scares me -like all the anti-depressant side effects do. Was starting to think that I shouldn't start it until I can talk to my doc. It appears to be a totally different class of drug than the Cymbalta he originally prescribed. I want to know a little more about the differences between the 2 and why he chose this one. I had a doc give me an anti-depressant for my nerve once before and I too had horrible side effects.

MsBackPainInAlabama

10/ 4/09 1:33pm

I'm sorry, I don't feel sorry for you at all. You could have killed someone. You can't take even one of those meds and drink let alone all of those meds and drink and then drive. I think you are so lucky you didn't kill someone. You deserve a ticket, and probably some jail time for that stupidity. Are you suicidal too? You cannot drink and take those meds!

I don't like to be mean, but if you are taking all those meds then you shouldn't be out at all at night. Any of those meds can also affect your vision. And to be up at 4 am... You should be in bed early when you take all those meds so you get a real healing nights sleep.

What on earth are you thinking? Are you really a pain patient or just a recreational user? You don't sound like you are suffering like most of the pain patient I know of (and myself)! I can barely drive at all because of the pain. And to sit at a bar and drink? What the hell is that? If you are just lonely then join a club or something, you don't have to drink. But I think you like drinking and taking your drugs. I think you've probably been doing it for a while.

You need someone, maybe the police, to have you reevaluated at another pain doctor. I think if you can drive and stay up till 4 am and sit on a barstool, I think it's time you stop claiming you are in pain and fess up that you are addicted to drugs and drinking. Don't blame the meds for your stupidity, you did that on your own.

I'm glad you got arrested. You need a wake up call. You could have run over a kid and never even known it in your looped state of mind. You need to dry out completely.... If the judge asks take the month in rehab and dry out completely. It may save you some time in prison. And yes, you deserve prison. You could have killed someone!

I'm sorry I'm not sypathetic, but I am a real pain patient that can't even climb into a truck because it hurts too much. It hurts to much to walk, or sit. And I'm pissed at people like you that think they are immune to drunk driving charges. I hope someone tells you doctor and he rethinks giving you pain meds again. You do need to dry out. You give all pain patients a bad name. If you really had fibromyalgia you wouldn't be able to stay up all night and carouse with the locals at a bar. Fibro is extremely tiring and you just don't seem like you are tired. You seem more irked that you got caught. You need to go to AA instead of a pain doctor!

Jeff L

10/ 8/09 9:23pm

MsBackPainInAlabama

You need to go back and re-read my post.

You have no right to take that nasty tone with me or make such awful accusations about my state of health and accuse me of being an addict and a recreational user.

I don’t know where you got the idea that I was out sitting at a bar at 4 AM – I said I had a couple drinks with dinner then went to bed. I was not out all night partying.

I drink rarely – and even less since I have started having such severe problems with pain.

You need to come down off your highhorse, ms-I’m-a-real-pain-patient. It’s people like you, with your nasty, mean responses that drive people away from sites like this where they could be getting help. And don’t compare my pain to yours, or anyone else’s. You should know that everyone is affected differently by pain and meds.

Also, If I feel up to going out for dinner, that does not mean I’m faking my pain or other problems. I’m just not ready to roll over and die – I’m also not ready to just lay around the house and do nothing. I will do as much as I can, for as long as I can. I’ve got some life left to live.

Yes, I know drinking on top of these meds was stupid, and I am not looking for sympathy. I just wondered if anyone else had been driving or doing other things with amnesia. I don’t believe I’m immune to drunk driving laws – I know I’m going to get some severe consequences. This event terrified me – yes I could’ve hurt or killed someone. I’m worried that something like this could happen again; without drinking involved.

Don’t bother responding to me ever again. I won’t read it. You are obviously pissed at the world and I don’t need your negativity. To say all these terrible things to me and make your petty comparisons and accusations after reading one small post of mine… Maybe you should seek some anger management therapy. It’s unhealthy to be so mean and wish bad things to happen to others. I hope that you don’t act like this in your day to day life: flying off the handle and spouting mean things. I think you are the one that needs some re-evaluation. Constant pain and meds can make people mean and cranky so that they always snap at others. Hope you get some help with that.

It is a shame you have misjudged me so badly.

I hope this finds you as pain-free as possible.

Jeff

Jeanne

10/16/09 11:49am

Shame on all of you for taking such a mean position. No one can judge anothers pain level, since we are all individuals. true he shouldn't have had any kind of alcohol, but most of us have done something stupid when we are taking medications. I don't drink at all and I have had terrible problems with sleep walking and have had many accidents where some have put me in the hospital. I would just fall asleep while doing ordinary tasks or talking with people. I would have no memory of what I was doing before. My poor husband was afraid to go to sleep at night because of it. So be more understanding. After all we should care about each other.

eggs

10/16/09 1:43pm

Good for you Jeff! I wish more people would actually read what people write,before they start going off.I have had that same problem on another site(not here). It is demeaning and belittliong to the people that are on here for the right reasons(Aren't we all here for Support)?

It irritates me that these people judge and jump to conclusions when they do not know hardly anything about us.

It is obvious this scared you,if you were just a drunk who didn't care you wouldn't be on here looking for help.You do need to discuss this with your doc(probably already have).

I gotta say this is why I drink and do not take drugs(I am an self medicating with alcohol,yes I know it's not a good thing),however I do need to be alert to care for my children,not knocked out by a bunch of pills.(I am very sesitive to meds) I do not get drunk,and would never drink and drive.(just had to spell that out for everyone that is going to jump to conclusions yet again)!

the side effects of these pills are just as if not more dangerous than alcohol,and I am not saying you do not need them.I just think it's funny how people are so quick to cut down alcohol use,and at the same time they are putting pills in their system.

To each their own,I guess.

Sorry for rambling...Don't stop posting,alot of people here are on here to share,care,and support.

Good luck to you

Anonymous

10/16/09 4:44pm

"If you really had fibromyalgia you wouldn't be able to stay up all night and carouse with the locals at a bar. Fibro is extremely tiring and you just don't seem like you are tired."

MsAlabama,

That comment just isn't fair. It broke my heart when I read your post.

Please do not place us all in the same catagory as yourself.

Fibromyalgia affects each person differently and there is no room for judgement. We get enough of that from non-fibro believer's.

I've had Fm for over 30 years, beginning in jr. highschool. Played sports, worked, very active person with a very busy and healthy lifestyle. Went our dancing often 10pm - 3am, avid outdoorswomen, loved physical labor,etc...

Flares did knock me out from time to time.

Rarely could I sleep. The only way was with medication. Always exhausted. failed in studies but, kept pushing. Six yrs ago FM disabled me, mostly homebound now.

Anger is understood. Pain is crippling physically and mentally.

However, it isn't fair to say he doesn't fibromyalgia because he doesn't feel like you. We're all so different, that is one, of the main reason's doctors have such a hard time treating FM. Treating us.

I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time and not feel well, I'm right there with ya. However, we must be supportive of our fibromyalgia family, they're all we have. I think Jeff has learned that his meds and a drink or 2 doesn't mix.

Peace & blessings to you~

Jeff L

10/17/09 1:50am

Hi Jeanne,

Thanks for the response - I wanted to ask you about it. You spoke about the stuff you did and the amnesia in the past tense. Does that mean you don't have those problems any more? Did you find a cause or a cure? I'd love to know.

Thanks

Jeff

Jeff L

10/17/09 2:13am

Thanks eggs

You might wanna brace yourself - admitting you self-medicate with alcohol may bring on a lotta posts like I got ;]

Yeah, this whole thing has got me very scared. I'm hoping there won't be any more stupidity induced accidents in my future.

There was a time when I was self-medicating with alcohol. Alcohol helped me feel better after a couple drinks, but I wouldn't stop at a couple and would get drunk a lot. The cost in money, hangovers, social problems etc. just weren't worth it. It wasn't a good option for me.

The pills seem to be taking a toll now too. Like you said - to each his own. Personally, I don't think either option is really very good. They both have their bad side effects, ya know?

I don't think I'll stop posting. A lot of people are responding helpfully now. Was surprised that it took so long to get anything more than an angry response though.

Take care

Jeff

Anonymous

10/ 5/09 12:11pm

Actually Jeff, any of your meds could have something to do with it.

I USED to be on all that you are, had to go off cause of weight gain and lost memory,I still can't remember some things in past.Such as my son as a baby.

And I been married for 20yrs now and I can't remember the first few yrs of marrage.

So in saying all of that, check your meds look them up and see what people are saying.Everyone is different and you can talk to your Dr. about it and take 1 med at a time go off for a while and see.Yes it would take time to see which one but would be worth the time.

I am taking Vicodone still , but don't like how it makes me feel but have to take at times.Please dont go off any meds without your Dr, knowing.He or she knows what is best.

Ambiem: I did fall asleep at the wheel lucky noone got hurt and I made it home.

Scary I know,but worth asking about.

Hope this helps.

CC

Jeff L

10/ 8/09 9:32pm

Anonymous,

I have been having all kinds of memory problems. Mine, luckily, is more short-term memory related. Before I started on all the meds, I was getting so scatterbrained and forgetful... Now, it is even worse. I write my self notes for everything. My wallet is usually about 2 inches thick because of all the things I don't want to miss.

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost long-term memory. Chronic pain already robs us of so much, it is awful that you have lost such important memories. I feel for you.

Jeff

Cyndi

10/16/09 1:10pm

Dear Jeff,

Just read all the chewing out & garbage you had recieved-people can be soo mean sometimes as its not them. Awhile back one of the Kennedys had recieved a ticket & didn't remember driving- come to find out he was on Ambien. When we had lived in North Carolina I had to put curtain rods across the doorway so I wouldn't go downstairs( afraid of falling). Another time I had popped popcorn and spilled some on the floor -sat there and ate it off the floor don't remember a thing and I was on the same med's as you except for the pseudodrine(?) all were from a rheumatologist. For the short term memory do you ever try the seek & find books -helps with the spelling & memory or even crosswords..I had tried the Ginko & Ginseng but they are blood thinners -didn't even know until heart specialist had told me-NO MORE..Best of Luck Jeff don't let ignorant people get to you..They don't know how you feel unless they were on the same med's,same strength,same dose.

Jeff L

10/17/09 1:41am

Hi Cyndi,

Thanks for the response.

You know, I don't think I have actively been trying to do anything about the memory problems. I enjoy crosswords and I'm pretty good at them. I read every day too. I'm just about done with Hemingway's Islands in the Stream - again. Over the last year it has become really difficult to read, though. The meds give me random bouts of double vision and other visual problems. Everything - the pain and the meds - make concentration all but impossible sometimes. Maybe I'll try regularly doing crosswords. I do like them, and it would be great if they helped.

I'm not taking any supplements other than a multi-vitamin and fish oil for cholesterol. I have tried that 5-Hour Energy drink. It really helped make me feel more awake. The commercials are right for that one: No jittery feelings and no crash later. I think it is just B vitamins. I wonder if that is something I could take regularly...

Best of luck to you, too. It sounds like you WERE on the same meds I was on but are not any longer. I hope that means you were able to find a way to lessen your pain.

Jeff

lorreann

10/18/09 1:12am

I'm just so agravated reading these posts. Who the hell are these self righteous no-it- alls? I guess when people don't have to show their faces they can be so bold. Instead of dwelling on the past, it's more important to dtermine what can be done about it now. Hopefully you can find a formula for managing your pain that allows you to keep your mental faculties, too. I don't think you are in as serious trouble as you think if you present your case to the judge. Hopefully you can get a letter from your doctor and if necessary, a good attorney. I sympathize with your dillemma-I don't remember the last few days very clearly after I started on new pain meds. I decided to stop them. I've found that the rebound pain can be worse than the original pain. If you feel that you do have a problem with addictions I know you will find your way to get help, but it is very hard when we are "victims" of the only treatments available to us with Fibromyalgia. I wish you well, Jeff!

Jeff L

10/18/09 2:00am

Hi lorreann,

Yeah I been getting quite a beating - I'm a little down, but not out=]

You know, I'm hoping that the subject of my meds never comes up. The county this is in does not cut any deals on drinking and driving. There will be no leniency. The fact that I drank at all while taking meds would probably only get me in more trouble. Even though there are more and more cases popping up of people doing very complex things (like driving) while sleeping, I'll not try to use that to get a lesser charge. It just sounds like I'm trying to cop out...

I am a little worried though because I have been noticing things that make me think I'm sleepwalking: finding things that are not where I remember leaving them; dirty dishes I don't remember using; Stuff like that. Since I live alone, I'll have to set up a video camera or something.

Been reading lately how stress, lack of sleep, and fatigue can contribute to episodes of sleepwalking. I REALLY need to get some good sleep - and a regular sleep schedule. For some reason muscle aches have been really bad today - just moving my arm starts a ten minute long spike of pain. It's like I feel like I need to stretch, but when I do, instant spasms. God I hate this. Some days I just can't take it. I'm on so damn many meds I shouldn't be able to feel getting hit by a bus! Starting to vent a bit. I better go.

Hope you are well

Jeff

lorreann

10/18/09 4:12am

Maybe you can get a sleep study done. Fibromyalgia is a sleep disorder anyway, but if you're sleep walking you need to know. You have so many different issues going on with the Post Tramatic Stress Disorder and your painful injuries from your service to our country-are you only seeing VA doctors? It would be great if you could find a good therapist that would help you with some of the emotional issues, and a good doctor to manage the pain. (If there is such a thing!!) I don't know if this is possible, but I really hope you get more of a support system to help you. My sister was a teacher, too, and she shocked all of us by commiting suicide at 36 years old. Unfortunately, I think as a teacher she hid a lot of her depression and loneliness because she had an image to keep, and unfortunately it cost her her life. You have a double whammy of being a teacher AND ex military. I commented on another of your posts that you have a gift for writing. When you write, you really express yourself in a vivid way. You put in words feelings that all of us feel but have a hard time expressing. But to me you are sending red flags with some of the things you are saying-the car accident, and concerns with sleep walking, trouble driving, etc. Everything you've said is very understandable, but if you're concerned like you keep posting you are, we can only give our opinions-we can't really help. Please try to put away some of your pride and do whatever is necessary to get as much help as you think you need. I do think a video cam sounds like a good start, but please talk to your doctors, too. (Sorry to get carried away. I guess the mother in me must be coming out!!!)

Jeff L

10/18/09 8:50am

Hey lorreann, very sorry to hear about your sister. Such a tragic thing.

I thought I had put comments about sleep in a previous post, but maybe not... Every time I've spoken to a doctor about this - you're gonna love it - I was offered Ambien. The number one sleepwalking inducing drug. They were really insistent last time, but I still refused. I actually had one doctor offer me Zolpidem after I refused Ambien. He was surprised that I knew that it was just another name for Ambien. Couldn't believe he actually tried that crap with me... Last time I ever saw him.

I have another appointment in 2 weeks with that new doc I've started seeing. I am hoping he will be able to address this. I'll bring it up. You are right, though. I avoided this subject with him. I have put my focus on getting the pain under control. Guess I've been hoping that controlling the pain would fix everything...

The strange thing is how sometimes I don't think I've been thinking or acting differently at all, until I look back on certain things I've done recently. And I have to wonder, what the hell was I thinking? I know I'm absent minded and a little foggy, but I guess I still have a problem accepting that I am not thinking as clearly as I think I am, or want to be.

The issue of counseling I am pretty sure I brought up before. I went to counseling for PTSD (through the VA) and was immediately offered an anti-depressant, which I refused. The damn shrink then told me I could make another appointment IF I wanted the anti-depressant. She won't see me unless I'm drugged, and I really can't afford private counselling.

I have to tighten my belt even more now. I am no longer teaching. I am going through the process that puts me on long-term disability. It breaks my heart to do this, but I just can't do my job anymore.

I am really scared about the financial effects this will have. Luckily I do have long-term disability insurance. The only problem is that my pay drops to two thirds of this year's salary and the school corp stops paying their portion of my health insurance. If I elect to keep my health insurance, I will have to pay the full amount, which changes my insurance premium from $144 a month to $500 a month. I'll have to drop my insurance. I'll still have the VA, though. The new doctor I talked about is not VA, so I'll have to pay him out of pocket. I have seen many non-VA docs - mostly specialists like the neurosurgeon I just saw.

Thank you for the compliments on my writing. It looks like I'm going to have all the time in the world to work on a novel...

You are wrong though in saying that talking to all of you about what is going is not helping me. It is. It helps me to organize my thoughts. I get feedback and advice. Sometimes it helps to just vent to someone who has an understanding of what I'm going through, and sometimes just seeing all this in writing helps me feel better and see things a little more clearly. It helps me focus. I know this is not a substitute for a doctor's care, but it does help in the interim; like when I'm waiting for my next appointment. Your comments have made me decide to ask my son to move in for a while to help keep an eye on the sleepwalking thing. See this is helping me get the help I need =]

Just babbling now - I'm sooooo tired. Been up for 2 days straight and finally think I might be able to get some sleep.

Hope you are well

Jeff

lorreann

10/19/09 4:49am

Thanks Jeff for writing back. I was worried I may have overstepped my bounderies in giving advice. I'm glad you are considering having your son move in with you. Even having someone around to talk to might keep your focus off your pain and your thoughts collected. Besides, if you're like me, I love it when my boys move home for awhile. It's just good having them around. I understand your dilemma with your doctors. I, too, have the problem of saying no to my doctors about my meds. It's like I'm non compliant if I don't agree. The Ambian thing is a joke!! Good luck, and be careful when you drive!!!

Jeff L

10/19/09 6:06am

Hey lorreann, don't fret about giving advice, it's one of the main reasons I'm here.

I've been trying to limit my driving to early in the day before I've had too many pills - or I'll put off my morning dose for a little bit if I need to drive.

I wish my son had moved in with me when I first got divorced - hell, I wish I could've got custody of all my kids... Anyway, I am much happier with my kids around. That little bit of improvement with my mood really does help with the pain. My ex is one constant source of stress that I could really do without. Unfortunately, my youngest is only 7, so I've got many more years of dealing with her ahead of me.

Ya know, with the drug thing, and talking to my docs, most of them seem to act suspicious if I ask for a higher dose, refuse a med, or want to try other meds. I hate that. I don't like the way it makes me feel. I am normally a pretty secure, confident guy, but somehow, sometimes, it's like I'm a nervous little kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. It makes me even angrier because I know those feelings are unjustified - I just want to be an active part of my treatment, but I get the feeling that researching my conditions, meds, and treatments and being knowledgeable is looked down on. They act (or, it seems to me they act) like I'm one step away from being labeled "drug-seeking." When I was first prescribed Oxycodone, they told me I was scheduled for regular blood tests and I damn well better have Oxycodone in my system. And this is the woman that identified and diagnosed my fibro and PTSD, and also is the one that has set up my referrals for ortho surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain clinic, you name it. She is privy to all my medical conditions, she KNOWS the kind of pain I'm in and still acts this way. Everyone at the clinic is soooo paranoid about that scrip...

Sorry, starting to babble again. Better go. Hey, I'm going to start a new share post. I just found out some good news - my life insurance and my car loan both have disability clauses! That means they will make my payments for me! Talk about a huge help. With my drop in income, this could save me. I have been worried that I would lose my house, my vehicle... I'm going to check today and see if any other places do this - like my mortgage, credit cards, student loans. I want to share this info, and some other things - it could really help a lot of people so, look for my new share post

Jeff

Jeff L

10/27/09 7:27am

Well, I'm still sleepwalking.

Next Dr. appt is in a couple days, so I haven't had any professional input yet - myother doctor, the VA doctor, I just found out, is going to be gone for the next 2 months.

I'm also still having trouble faling asleep - I'm up on average for 2 days straight before I fall asleep. The doctors and pharmacists I've talked to all say I should have problems staying awake instead of falling asleep because of all the painkillers and muscle relaxers.

Anyway, I woke up Saturday exhausted, even though I had actually fallen asleep early. Couldn't figure out why till I saw the front door standing open. I know I locked it before going to bed. God only knows what I was up to. My son has moved in with me and I gave him my keys - I'm so embarrassed to have to ask this of him... Apparently whatever I was doing was quiet enough that he slept through it - not sure if that's good or bad. Guess it's time to set up the video camera and see if I can catch myself on film. I'm kind of creeped out at the thought of watching myself do things I have no memory of - does that sound strange? I do know that I ate while sleepwalking because I had cleaned the kitchen before going to bed. When I got up, there were 2 empty pop cans and 2 empty string cheese wrappers on the counter - those were the only obvious things I found. Yesterday I found a half pack of my cigarettes setting out on my boat - I have a small bass boat parked next to the garage. It looks like I got up, had a bite to eat, a couple cans of pop, then went and sat in my boat and smoked half a pack of cigarettes... Must be my subconscious telling me to go fishing =]

joanna

1/15/10 6:28pm

Oh Jeff, I am so sorry! I had to stop driving except close by because of my pain. Also recently Dx Fibromalgia. Two times on the expressway I ran up on the curb and scared my self half to death! 50+ miles an hour is not the speed you want to be drioving and then run up on the curb twice!! What did the police charge you with? Did they take your license away?I Have not fallen asleep driving yet, but close. I can fall asleep almost any where, any time. That's scarey to me/ What yu did must have really have scared you! Did you tell the cops that you were asleep and didn't remember anything? I really hope there's an answer for you. Good luck!

Jeff L

1/15/10 10:01pm

Yeah, the whole situation has been very scary, more than a little depressing, and extremely expensive (in more ways than one) - tried to explain what happened, but the bottom line is that I was driving with alcohol in my system. Anything other than that is just an excuse - and no excuse is good enough. The county it happened in is the toughest in the state, and they have a policy that drinking and driving charges are never reduced or dismissed. I got a DUI conviction. Got dropped by my insurance, lost my license for a year, and got hit really hard in the wallet too. I've heard the license re-instatement fees are stiff too. I'm on probation, get regular drug and alcohol testing, and have to go to mandatory counseling and meetings like drunk driving victim impact panels.

The good news is that I have had several changes in my medications over the last couple of months, and it seems to have stopped my late night wandering.

Anyone else driving in their sleep? I'm screwed now...

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