Question:
Any Post-Ops diagnosed with Ideopathic Hypersomnia? What Meds work best?

Hi everyone! I am 3 1/2 years post-op and have complained to my MD for several years now about severe fatigue and sleepiness. I was finally diagnosed with Ideopathic Hypersomnia, meaning I am sleepy and they don't know why. I was started on 200 mg Provigil daily, with little result. Has anyone else been diagnosed with this condidtion? If so, what has worked best for you? Especially for you other post-ops, since we are now 'wired' a bit differently. I am struggling to find decent information about this condition and wanted to hear from other post-ops that might be in the same boat. Thanks in advance for your responses! Also, as I said, I am 3 1/2 yrs post-op and have gained back about 20 lbs, without really changing my lifestyle. My MD seems to think that the old metabolism is catching back up with me b/c of the unusual sleep issues, so I am anxious to wake up and get some energy back! Jennifer    — thecobles (posted on August 25, 2006)

August 25, 2006
I only know that when I find I'm excessively sleepy it's because I'm low in my B vitamins. Are they keeping track of those for you? Are you good at following up on all that? You might need more even if your tests are in the normal range. How much did you end up losing down to? Is the 20 lbs just a normal post op rebound or does that shoot you up to an unreasonable level at this point? Oh - one more thought is carbs. I was sensitive to them before the surgery but even moreso now. I want to fall asleep when I eat them now - I get very tired and need to nap. So if you aren't watching those, try cutting some of them out and upping the protein level. See if that doesn't cut some of it for you. Maybe logging what you are eating along with the times you find you are overly sleepy would help you narrow down the cause.
   — Dinka Doo

August 25, 2006
have your iron checked.
   — tjjjx6

June 1, 2008
I am 3 yrs post Roux-en-Y, abd have struggled with hypersomnia for 2+ years. My sleep apnea was resolved with my weight loss, and narcolepsy was ruled out. I have been to so many doctors and have had so many tests, and taken so many meds that I am blue in the face! I tried Provigil, and then the drs added Ritalin, all without any effect. I could take the last dose of Ritalin for the day and be asleep an hour later. All these meds did was raise my BP and aggravate my tremors. I am currently ready to crack because I cannot stay awake, as you said- at work, while driving, at absolutely any time. My dr doesn't know what is wrong with me, and he can't treat what he doesn't know. If anyone has any help, please respond, and if you want to talk via email, let me know. I am desperate!
   — Ruby B.