> Hi folks.  I have had diabetes 20 years.  I just had my labs done.  The good
> news is my kidney function is still good (creatinine level 1.4).  The bad
> news is over the last three years I have lost almost all of my vision due to
> DME (diabetic macular edema).  The good neews is my Dr. says the {*filter*}work
> showed I have excellent control over my diabetes.  The bad news is:  for the
> fourth time in 8 years the labwork shows a low hemoglobin count of 12.9.
> One {*filter*} test five years ago showed I needed iron.  I am a 49 year old
> male.  The other bad news is I have severe, chronic insomni for 18 years
> which started suddenly in 1987.  Folks, this insomnia  is so severe not only
> do I almost never sleep; when I do "sleep" it is only level oneor level two
> with no REM sleep.  I have been on benzodiazepines fo 12 straight years to
> get a little, and I do mean a little restful sleep.  I haven't been able to
> work for years.

> Could the severe, severe, lack of sleep be causing the iron-related anemia?

> Could the medication?

>  Thanks for any comments on any of this.

> >Hi folks.  I have had diabetes 20 years.  I just had my labs done.  The good
> >news is my kidney function is still good (creatinine level 1.4).  The bad
> >news is over the last three years I have lost almost all of my vision due to
> >DME (diabetic macular edema).  The good neews is my Dr. says the {*filter*}work
> >showed I have excellent control over my diabetes.  The bad news is:  for the
> >fourth time in 8 years the labwork shows a low hemoglobin count of 12.9.
> >One {*filter*} test five years ago showed I needed iron.  I am a 49 year old
> >male.  The other bad news is I have severe, chronic insomni for 18 years
> >which started suddenly in 1987.  Folks, this insomnia  is so severe not only
> >do I almost never sleep; when I do "sleep" it is only level oneor level two
> >with no REM sleep.  I have been on benzodiazepines fo 12 straight years to
> >get a little, and I do mean a little restful sleep.  I haven't been able to
> >work for years.

> >Could the severe, severe, lack of sleep be causing the iron-related anemia?
> >Could the medication?  Thanks for any comments on any of this.

> I'm getting very interested in sleep disorders.  Since my panic attacks
> a few months ago (at night) I've had much trouble sleeping.  Now I have
> to keep the windows open and sometimes even then I feel like I don't get
> enough oxygen.  I just went to Tahoe for a couple days and my sleep was
> virtually non-existent.

> I feel like the only time I have a chance of sleeping normally is when I
> get a lot of exercise during the day, but even then it's not certain.

> I'm very interested in this subject and would appreciate much further
> discussion.

[snip]
>> I'm getting very interested in sleep disorders.  Since my panic attacks
>> a few months ago (at night) I've had much trouble sleeping.  Now I have
>> to keep the windows open and sometimes even then I feel like I don't get
>> enough oxygen.  I just went to Tahoe for a couple days and my sleep was
>> virtually non-existent.

>> I feel like the only time I have a chance of sleeping normally is when I
>> get a lot of exercise during the day, but even then it's not certain.

>> I'm very interested in this subject and would appreciate much further
>> discussion.

>It sounds like you are having paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.  This
>symptom is associated with congestive heart failure.  For this reason,
>would suggest you inform your doctor who will likely refer you to a
>cardiologist.

>In Christ's love and service,

>Andrew