Insomnia causing flares

[Elmo333]

Hi folks. I don’t find that I’m triggered by any foods in particular or weather but if I have a few nights of not sleeping, I’m guaranteed a flare. Can’t move my shoulder today at all and it’s very frustrating! My mum died 2 weeks ago and consequently I’ve not done any exercise for weeks. I’m supposed to be playing tennis tomorrow and really can’t cancel so looking for a quick fix! My usual pattern is that it will be gone in a couple of days but I play doubles and I’m getting criticised for keep cancelling, letting down 3 other people! I’ve taken naproxen but haven’t taken my mtx for a few weeks due to an infection. Any ideas? Thank you x

[Mmrr]

No advice to give, just a comment. Not sleeping and flares definitely go together with me. But it can also be a flare causing me not to sleep. I have no solutions either.

[Stormpetrel]

Dear Elmo333

Sorry to hear about your situation.

I can fully sympathise with not letting people down. It’s rubbish. It’s also rubbish that ‘people’ aren’t more forgiving and understanding

My opinion is that your should not be put under pressure. I am also a physical person, I work outside/ love outdoor persuits and enjoy tennis! so I can understand your feelings. It’s hateful being unreliable. You are not alone.

I too get awful insomnia. I have just come out of a bad phase. Now able to sleep although waking up frequently due to pain. Don’t want to sound obvious but stress after a bereavement must be the big player in your insomnia. I certainly get bad with pain when I am overtired and stressed and it all goes in a viscious circle. I know it’s all about cutting out the stress, pain going down, better sleep then follows.

I take tramadol for pain one tablet per day this helps me feel ‘normal’ !! And I can get on. I also use Biofreeze gel on any problem joints this works for around 40 minutes for me which is often enough to take the edge off when trying to sleep or work outside.

My GP is convinced stress is my enemy. I am trying various ways of cutting it out!!!

Wise move keeping off MXT with infection.

Good luck

[Elmo333 in reply to Stormpetrel]

Thank you so much for taking time to write such a kind response. I think you make some very good points and it’s nice to know that you get the whole annoyance of being unreliable! All very frustrating but thanks again, it’s just lovely to be ‘heard’ sometimes x

[Hezekiah]

As regards the tennis, it seems like you need to find someone who can stand in for you, sometimes at short notice, it you don't feel fit to play. Any chance of that?

Tennis is my one of my favourite exercises too, and it's disappointing if it gets cancelled unexpectedly. Turned up at the Racquet Centre 2 weeks ago ready to play with the Over 55s only to find the Centre had "lost" our regular Wednesday slot that week, and hired the courts out to other folk. Minor blip though, and normal service quickly resumed.

[Shalf]

Sorry to read of the passing of your mum.

It's not advisable to exercise during a flare.