Catch 22

[SID3]

I was dreading a recent short trip with two early morning flights. To my surprise the pmr caused me less pain and stiffness than usual, leading me to suppose that the longer I stay in bed (normally eight hours) the worse it is. Is this a catch 22 of needing rest but suffering from immobility? I’m still a one novice - eight months in and at 6.5 MHS on the slow taper.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As you were up earlier, did that mean you took your medication earlier?

That may be the reason why…the inflammatory substances are shed around 4am, so if you take your medication before (or even close to that time) they don’t have time to cause stiffness etc.

Some people take their meds early specifically to help that scenario- and then settle back down for another hour’s sleep before they get up.

[SID3 in reply to DorsetLady]

Well, a bit. I took them when I had breakfast at the airport, the first day at 7 and the second at 6, whereas I normally take the pred at 8.30. But even getting up, dressed and to the airport I was not struggling so much. Maybe it was a shot of my own adrenaline, assuming I have any left!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SID3]

Could be - at your dose. Or too busy thinking about getting ready 😊..but interesting nevertheless,

[SheffieldJane]

I love it when that happens. I think it’s the distraction of a lovely change, not to be underestimated.

[SID3 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Agreed - significant distractions do help. Mind over body etc. Today it is back to 3-4 hours of stiffness (until the pred kicks in) after 8 hours in bed. But rather that than trying to manage on only four hours of sleep!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have myofascial pain syndrome as part of my PMR and it particularly affect my low back. If I have a bad night and lie awake a long time or stay in bed longer than my usual get up time my low back is worse than if I have slept well. Maybe that in combination with the earlier dose made a difference? And it is often better when you have something else to think about. I was going to say "enjoyable" - but whether airports and flying come under that heading is debatable!

[Whitner]

I do think movement/exercise makes me feel better. Happy you experienced that too!