pain after sleep

[lubarr]

I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis at various lumber levels , and awaiting consultation at the spinal clinic . The big problem is standing and sitting upright. The thing that is really getting me down is the sleeping . I am tired all the time so going to sleep is no problem BUT in bed after about 1 1/2 hours I wake up and any slight movement causes agonising pain in my thighs and hips. I have to fight through this [sometimes just have to get up and hobble around] then with paracetamol I can go back to sleep for another short while. This resulting tiredness and the mobility problems and pain during the day has almost destroyed my life. Anybody any recommendations for sleeping?

[bgp244X]

Also 75...my gp (on the very odd occasion he lowers his standards and speaks to me on telephone) tells me to quote suck it up and live with it.....sometimes when I go to bed I just hope I don't wake up.

[lubarr in reply to bgp244X]

Know the feeling. I am so tired and in pain, I long for sleep but dread going to bed as I know I will wake up with worse pain again. I find the least painful position is sitting on my old saggy sofa and leaning forwards with my chest on my knees. I sometimes drift off to sleep and the other day I fell off and it was so difficult to get up. Tried to find this funny!!

[DENZ01 in reply to lubarr]

Hello

I have had the same type of health problem as you, I have suffered badly with the sleep situation (or lack thereof) for just over 30 years now. I also find that the only way to ease the pain is to drag myself out of bed & sit in the lounge, the same as you, I put my chest onto my lap & I have also fallen asleep 😴.

Unfortunately, I don't have anything helpful to offer, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in sleeping with your chest on your lap (🙃🙃).

I would say keep your chin up, but it's more comfy on your lap (😂😂).

I really hope that you haven't taken offence with me trying to let you know that you're not alone in your situation, I hope that you at least had a little smile 😊.

Best wishes

Karen x

[lubarr in reply to DENZ01]

Ta!! 🙋

[Madlegs1]

To both of you from another 75 yr old.I have quite severe hip pain which makes it difficult to sleep on my side.

I have Vimovo tablets ( Naproxen and a PPI) which are helpful.

I also take ibuprofen 400 mg, but as few times as I can.

Both will allow me to get some sleep.

The naproxen has to be prescribed, while the ibuprofen can be got over the counter(but hidden behind it !😝)

Good luck to both of you.

[jointpain]

I have cervical spinal stenosis and take naproxen every day, but as I am only a mere 65 I try to go cycling at least twice a week. Sleeping is a problem, and I wake frequently. In the morning my back is wracked in pain and stiffness, sitting on my chair for a half hour really helps, but alas not with the tiredness.

[Mitch48]

I’m 52 and have had extensive lumbar surgery for impending Cauda Equina & Spondylolisthesis (3 Foraminotomies/3 Laminectomies/2 Discectomies & a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion). I have been left with numerous symptoms post surgery from damaged nerves and find the most comfortable way to sleep is on my back (I can’t sleep on my side due to cervical spine injuries/damaged nerves post surgery too), it realigns the spine. I have severe pain when sitting & use a special cushion bought for that purpose & try to sit as little as possible. I lie down otherwise, it helps my neck. I also try to practice Yoga when I can or otherwise a few stretches, movement helps so much, my recent total knee replacement & patella will attest to that! Good luck.Kind Regards,

Mitch

[1vern0n]

Hi Lubarr, I have a degenerative disc disease due to arthritis in my spine and although Naproxen and other anti-inflamatories do not help I have found that a combination of Amitriptyline and Zapain at night do help. Amitriptyline relaxes the muscles and Zapain is a combination of paracetamol and codeine. Everyone is different and respond differently. I often wish that there was a solution for all. Take care.

[Ollieozzie]

Hi, I have spinal stenosis and 2 prolapsed discs. I take morphine 6 times a day. About 20-30 mins before bed I take a dose of morphine, duloxetine and pregabalin this ensures the intensity of the pain has dulled slightly. I then sleep on my better side which is my left. I put a body pillow in between my legs so my hips are apart and bend my knees slightly. I also have a frame on the side of my bed ro help me turn/get up out of bed it's a major help. I have no trouble falling asleep as I am absolutely exhausted but find I do wake up in the early hours where I get on my sofa and put the pillows on the corner so I half lieing down half sitting up and then lie on my back and try very hard to get another couple of hours as lack of sleep makes pain worse. I find sitting up straight hurts so I sit with my legs round to the side this is the only way I can get comfy. Hope this helps you.