I am trying to decide what to make of a new wrinkle

[Joe S.]

I passed out today in my chair. This by itself is not unusual when pain levels are high and I do not get a pain pill soon enough. But today I was out for about an hour with the TV on. There were a couple of phone calls that I did not here. When I came back around, I could open my eyes but not move anything else. After about 15 minutes (with "wheel of fortune on") I was able to move my toes, then my legs and head. Finally I was able to move my arms.

I have no idea what triggered this since my pain levels were low today. The not being able to move part was the scary part of the episode. Has anyone else experienced this?

[susanep]

Joe I have not experienced this, but you should get it checked out. The only thing I have done is fall asleep in the chair when looking online, which of course I never use to do. You take care, and please get it checked out.

susanep

[angielyn]

I only had this during my terrible flare during the summer which my sleep Dr. suspected was Sleep Paralysis. But, mine was very fast. Not 15 minutes! And would happen when falling asleep or waking but only lasted seconds. I was having a terrible time with sleep as well which is what most likely caused it. Since my sleep has settled down we're letting it go for now but he was starting to suspect narcolepsy. I was falling asleep and dreaming and waking back up within 15 minutes time.

How has your sleeping been lately? I would for sure mention this to your Dr. could be something else going on

[Joe S.]

I meditated to fall asleep. I usually try to last 8-10 hours now that I do not work. I have seen numerous Doctors with many tests over the shaking and passing out in pain. Nothing was found so no diagnosis. I have had 4 sleep studies with no results.

This appears to be a change in symptoms. No pain, no shaking, passing out, and not being able to move.

[angielyn]

I don't know if sleepy paralysis would show up on a sleep study if it doesn't happen at that time? From what I understand all it really is is your body not catching up with your waking up, since our body does the paralysis naturally so we don't beat the heck outa ourselves during our dreams 

I would assume it is something along those lines, but last I checked I sure have no MD after my name lol One thing is for sure... You know it has happened so just try and remember it MAY happen again so try not to be to scared if it does. I know for me it scared the living daylights out of me every single time 

[smallfry]

I have no insight for you on this and i can't help you in any way.
I would just like you to know that I am thinking of you you must have been scared out of your wits, It would be nice to get to the bottom of it. Please keep us posted.

Take care
Cheryl

[Joe S.]

Short night last night. Thank you for your concern but I was not scared. I was confused and puzzled. I am still a little puzzled as to what happened.

Maybe my nervous system was doing a reset of some sort.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Joe, are you sure you didn't have a mini-stroke or something like that?  That sounds very frightening!

[Joe S.]

I think it may be sleep paralysis. It happened again this morning when I took a nap. I heard a phantom gong I think it was the clock on the half hour. I tried to wake. It took a few minutes to open my very dry eyes. My head was the first to move this time. I was able to get out of the chair at 10:45 so again it took about 15 minutes.

I do not think it is a stroke. It just seems like some strange nerve reaction. It does not frighten me. I do not think it is any thing to be afraid of.

[A66eyroad]

Joe, do you think it might be a blood pressure thing?

[Joe S.]

I will try to check BP. It has been at normal levels for some time on every visit to DR.

[newhorizons]

Joe is Jan around when either of these have happened?

Or, have you mentioned to her this is occuring?

[Joe S.]

Jan has seen the twitching and muscle spasms before I pass out on many occasions. As I said the wrinkle is the paralysis. I have told Jan about this. It will be interesting to see if it happens again.

[Calli66]

Hi there. I had only one experience with sleep paralysis--it's very weird. I had tried to sleep in the back seat of my car while on a long road trip. I woke up, and could see the back of the car seat in front of me, but couldn't move anything for 15 minutes. I had the strange sensation that I had my eyelids shut and was somehow seeing through my eyelids.

BTW, I want to thank you for the many times I've read your advice to "Breathe in (I am...); breathe out (calm...)." I have been so stressed with traveling and caring for my mother, that it has become a daily habit for me, and works especially well to help me get to sleep.

Calli

[A66eyroad]

Joe, twitching and muscle spasms? Might it be a seizure of some kind? When will you be seeing your doctor again? I hope soon!