Pain and sleep problems

[Parrcj]

Looking for advice my head / T is so loud at the moment it feel like my head is going to explode. Also painful but not sure what pain killers to take.

It wakes me every night i then have to put sleep music on to block out the noise. Resorted to a shop brought sleeping tablet last night. Did sleep but as soon as i wake its there again. I have tried so hard to ignore but its winning not sure how many more days i can cope. I know i will have to live with this i have no other choice.

Its been more than 2 years now hearing aids prescribed i feel very lucky to have these but still not the answer. Do anyone wear HA all day, does this help ?

So painkillers any advice please on which ones do not make T worse .

Just hoping that one day this noise will stop !!

[Martymacfly]

It's the hope that kills us! I too have all your symptoms and I've accepted there's nothing I can do except carry on doing as many of the things I enjoy regardless. You can't just keep being depressed about it being there everytime you wake up because that's not healthy. Try and think of all the worse things you might have e.g. MND, cancer, be in a wheelchair, refugee etcGood luck my friend

[Beagleears]

HiI have T everyday when I wake up too. I have habituated to it now most of the time but I must admit waking up in the middle of the night is one of those times when it really gets on my nerves. It's really hard to get back to sleep so I understand how frustrating and irritating it is for you if you are going through a period of insomnia, which happens to me too. To be honest I have never tried sleeping tablets I use meditation/relaxation that I found on you tube by John Kabbat Zinn I have tried sleep music aswell but for me personally I prefer the meditation/relaxation. Sometimes I just pick up my current book and read as I find that helps me to drop off to sleep by taking my mind off the noise in my head.

As far as painkillers go I use paracetamol or if I'm in a lot of pain high strength Co codamol which you have to get on prescription. I suffer with back pain at times that's why I use high strength medication. I haven't had or perhaps I haven't noticed any difference to my T when taking pain medication. I take betahistine as I suffer with vertigo/balance issues which has helped me a lot over the past year as my balance has definitely improved and I haven't had any problems with T spiking because of these tablets either.

Occasionally my T does spike for a while I have no idea why but eventually it settles back down especially if I focus on something else instead like a book, a movie, a walk out in the countryside, gardening or whatever else I feel like doing to distract myself.

I can't comment on hearing aids as I am waiting for ENT/Audiology appointment.

I think its very difficult to do but try to keep as calm as possible. If you are anxious or worried and getting worked up T is definitely worse. It seems to feed off anxiety and stress and if you have a few sleepless nights it's worse. I also find my balance gets worse on these occasions.

I hope it brings you some comfort to know you are not alone with this problem take care of yourself and try to find a way to relax and focus on other things in your life that you enjoy doing. Eventually the T will fade into the background even though it doesnt go completely it will be a lot better. I know you probably don't believe me but it WILL get better for you.

[daverussell in reply to Beagleears]

Couldn't have put it better. Brilliant story, that reflects my experience.I've habituated myself, but as you say at times it's frustrating, especially waking up at night and not being able to get to sleep. One sleepless night can lead to another, as I've experienced recently, but we have to accept it WILL get better.

[Parrcj in reply to daverussell]

When you say you have habituated do you mean you no longer have T. ?

[daverussell in reply to Parrcj]

it means it becomes part of your environment, just like a 'ticking clock. or, let's say, if you move from the countryside to the city, you become used to the drone and hum of traffic outside. However, if you are stressed and become focused on it, it can be infuriating.. You may still need strategies to help you. I have hearing aids and I take Sertraline. I'm hoping I can start reducing my dose of Sertraline soon.

[Parrcj in reply to daverussell]

Okay , great to know HA helped. I am trying HA supplied by NHS at first i was unsure how long and when to wear them. For me they have been a great help evenings, and last night i kept one in over night. It went well dropped off to sleep and woke without the scretching in the middle of the night. This was a GREAT result I cannot explain the relief and happiness I felt.

So with your explanatiom I have habituated in the day and I think slowly finding a way to manage nights.

🤗

[daverussell in reply to Parrcj]

That's great news. I also forgot to mention I use a speaker headband at night. The doubles up as an eye mask.

[Parrcj in reply to daverussell]

Okay thanks i have a sleep pillow with speakers 🤗

[Kellythecat-74 in reply to Parrcj]

I have just got mine last week . Helps a bit . Still at factory setting and basic Going back for check up next week. Does yours have sounds or music? If so what helps the most.? Thanks

[Parrcj in reply to Kellythecat-74]

Hi my HA do not have music , i use my earpods plugged into my phone to listen to sleep relaxation to help at bedtime .

[Kellythecat-74 in reply to Parrcj]

Thank you . I'm still trying different methods . I have ear phones and listen to LBC but they usually fall out when I'm sleeping . Listen to the radio sometimes but that doesnt seem to work as well .

[Beagleears in reply to daverussell]

Hi....thanks and yes we all have to get through the ups and downs of T as best we can....take care

[Parrcj in reply to Beagleears]

Thank you for taking the time to respond with very positive advice.

[Beagleears in reply to Parrcj]

Thanks....We all have to find our own way to deal with T but it helps to know others are having similar experiences and sharing in those experiences may give useful information that leads to a better way of coping. That's what I like about this site....you may not agree with all the information or ideas and knowledge that is shared but you might find something that triggers you to try it out and it might be beneficial take care

[msspinner]

Have you sought advice about the pain?

[Parrcj in reply to msspinner]

I have not, but reading many write up some make it worse . Just thinking of trying some for relief. I know there are many people who suffer long term illness much worse than T . I remain positive , active , and try to ignore if i can . Its very hard for us all

[msspinner in reply to Parrcj]

Good attitude. I was thinking the pain might be the cause of the T rather than the other way round?

[doglover1973 in reply to Parrcj]

I have a long term illness as well as T and - if I could choose one or the other - I don't know which way I'd go. It would be a close call but I'm not sure if I could turn down peace & quiet. T is right up there with the big problems of life.

[Parrcj in reply to doglover1973]

I know where you are coming from I think ME/CFS or T , which one 🤗 x

[doglover1973 in reply to Parrcj]

Do you have ME/CFS? I 've had it for some time.

[Parrcj in reply to doglover1973]

Yes i do but very much recovered. I work on 90% in my energy box now. Plan my playing days (golf), 1 day on 1 day off. Avoid playing 3 days on the run. Was diagnosed 30 years ago, off work, for 2 years, that was a battle I won. So thats how i look at T , I will eventually win this battle with T.

How are you ?

[doglover1973 in reply to Parrcj]

That's good news 🙂 It's nice to hear a recovery story! I was diagnosed in 2000 and have been very limited ever since. I usually operate at 35 - 45% I wonder if the pain you describe is linked to ME rather than T .. Just a thought. I often have a heavy head too. Always have done.

[Parrcj]

Thank you