Fembat
Fembat
Sleep
I'm tired all the time. Actually it's more than just tired. I'm exhausted. My sleep pattern is all to pot. It's almost certainly the fibro that's causing it. This has been going on for over 12 months and has been the longest flare I've had to endure.
I don't feel as if I'm on top of things anymore. It's more like things are getting on top of me. I stay in bed for 10 hours - I go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning - but the night is broken with pain in my limbs. My muscles become rigid and I experience painful cramps. I wake about 5 times a night and it's becoming a real problem. Broken and painful nights become fatigued and painful days.
I've been trying different sleeping positions to see if that will help. Generally I sleep on my right side with my right shoulder supported by pillows. This is because the tender points around my right shoulder are particularly sore. It may seem silly then to sleep on it. It's because I've found that warmth eases the pain so during the winter this is the best position. However, my knees are beginning to hurt in that position and I don't know what to do about it. I've tried to sleep propped up as this eases my knees but then the tender points in my lower back get sore and my right shoulder isn't supported. I've even tried sleeping in a chair with my legs up on a footstool but that's not practical and it makes for a lonely night.
I've still got a couple of things I can try before I have yet another appointment with the doctor. Perhaps I should work on the sleeping plan more and see what I can do to get a more restful night's sleep. I'll try what I did with my children when they were restless babies; a bath and and a milky drink before bedtime. Anything's worth a try.
Comments
I have some trouble with my hips and legs, and found that a foam mattress cover can do a fair bit to ease the pain. The one we have is sort of like an eggcrate on one side, which allows heat to be trapped and increases the warmth as well.
I hope you find something that helps you out. *hugs*
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at February 20, 2007 01:19 PM
Tami - I'm already on a med that's stronger than Vicodin. I have to be so careful when taking them as they can, and do, have unpleasant IBS side effects. I think I'm between the rock and the hard place when it comes to meds:(
at February 20, 2007 01:21 PM
Ozy - I've been thinking of getting one of those Tempur mattress toppers to see if that would help. The only problem is the cost. I'll need to save up for a while I think.
They can be expensive. I think we were lucky enough to find a sale when we bought ours. There are many different types, at least there are here, so maybe some shopping around will locate something affordable.
I have had amazing success using self hypnosis recordings that I bought on Audible.com by Glenn Harrold. (actually it was free with on the trial) and have had amazing success. I do a relaxation/healing one in the day and a sleep one at night. If I don't do it,I don't sleep. If I do - it is like a miracle. I sleep so soundly. More soundly than any sleeping tablet ever accomplished and best thing... I don't wake up with pain. I cannot sing its praises enough!
at February 20, 2007 08:33 PM
I am learning a lot on FM latley- the first thing I have learned is that pain meds actually exacerbate FM...
Elle I swear you and I need to bunk up, we could keep each other company on those long lonely nights. My thoughts and blessings for relief are being sent to you.
Hi Elle - I have very similar problems with my RA and I sleep with a pillow between my knees - I know it sounds strange but it works for me!
Reminds me of the joke about the contraceptive pill - you have to hold it between your knees;o>>
Have you tried Valerian Root? It supposedly helps relax the muscles and helps with getting a restful night's sleep. I use it when I have a migraine or anxiety. Not sure if it would help in your situation but might be worth trying it.
Elle,
I use heat packs called a rice sock that I make useing a sock, fill with rice then microwave.Here's the "recipe"
http://www.lupusmctd.com/index.php?topic=1087.0
To fall asleep I to a Soma and pain med Darvocet, and I sleep on a feather mattress with a pillow behind my back for support and one between my legs. I have slept like this since I was 32 yrs old. I'm now 48 and the muscles are creating more spasms for me. I can't bed over or do much walking.
Wishing you a painfree day!
Kathy
California
On a completely different note.... Do you still maintain any webrings? Do you still use ringsurf.com to do this? Are you having problems with massive amounts of spam applications?
Incidentally, you are now the longest surviving member of the BlogPhiles webring.
Congratulations......
I find a heating blanket is the answer for me, I turn that sucker up and of course you have to have a good bed. Do You?
dot
Elle, my sleep has become far less disturbed (even during RA flare ups) since I bought a Tempur mattress. Everyone in the house loves it so much, they've now all got matching Tempur toppers! Mine was available on a 60 day trial basis, then buy or return.
We bought our Tempur mattress 4 or 5 years ago when Mr BW got a large and unexpected bonus from work. It is fabulous and has sorted out painful trapped shoulder nerves for both of us after just a few days.
Now, if I go away, I have real problems sleeping on any other mattress, and always wake up stiff.
Although expensive, they do come with a 15 year guarantee (and most people would buy several new mattresses in that time), and a 60 day home trial (but NB they do charge a large amount for delivery and collection if you decide it's not for you, so ask about this first).
As another thought... have you tried Reiki for your pain? That too has worked wonders for me.
I can sympathize with you. I wonder if your doctor can give you stronger pain meds … something like Vicodin, which relieves pain.