Sleep interrupted by chronic pain?
Sometimes I think we don't realize how much pain we're living with each day until something takes it temporarily from us. Then when it returns, everything seems magnified...
I have several chronic pain issues including Lupus, Migraine and other headache disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. A recent severe bout with Migraine was finally aborted with IV Magnesium and Dexamethasone, followed by prednisone for a couple weeks.
Oh how I loved suddenly being able to move without constant pain. I put away the heating pad and began to sleep without waking... something I haven't done in years.
I am also *metabolically deranged* (lol!) and suffer osteoporosis that had just crept its way back into the land of Osteopenia.
Now that the steroids have finished their course and run dry, here I am again. I toss and turn and live with my heating pad as I try to get thru days and nights wondering the *why me* question as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I can't take regular pain control.
It's no wonder that Chronic pain patients suffer sleep disorders. I'm just wondering how others cope with their circumstances...
I have several chronic pain issues including Lupus, Migraine and other headache disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. A recent severe bout with Migraine was finally aborted with IV Magnesium and Dexamethasone, followed by prednisone for a couple weeks.
Oh how I loved suddenly being able to move without constant pain. I put away the heating pad and began to sleep without waking... something I haven't done in years.
I am also *metabolically deranged* (lol!) and suffer osteoporosis that had just crept its way back into the land of Osteopenia.
Now that the steroids have finished their course and run dry, here I am again. I toss and turn and live with my heating pad as I try to get thru days and nights wondering the *why me* question as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I can't take regular pain control.
It's no wonder that Chronic pain patients suffer sleep disorders. I'm just wondering how others cope with their circumstances...
Tags: anti-inflammatories, chronic pain, insomnia, pain, sleep, steroids
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Ellen S on -
Event today!
Megan Oltman is presenting a Visualization/relaxation teleclass for Migraine & chronic illness today at 5:30 ET, 2:30 PT See more information here: http://htxt.it/lNan Pls RT
Thanks MaxJerz of Rhymes with Migraines for re-tweeting this info!
-
Permalink Reply by Sarah on -
I have a heated mattress pad, and even when it's 70 outside I sleep with it turned on or I wake up stiffer than a board. I also get out of bed in stages, stretching while I do it. My feet, my ankles, my hips, my back, my shoulders and my neck, I work my way up, otherwise I end up pulling something just getting out of bed.
Sleep wise, lately I've been so tired I pass out from exhaustion, but I have been known to use Tylenol or Advil PM on occasion. Sometimes it makes me "jumpy" (don't quite know how to describe it) and so I try to avoid it unless I *really* need the sleep.
-
Permalink Reply by Jenn C on -
Hi Ellen,
I just happened upon this and saw the word magnesium. I called my pain management Dr last week, who is a physiatrist. He is basically a Dr of the body. So he handles all of my multiple issues. I haven't had a migraine in awhile. I started getting one the beginning of last week, and it was getting worse everyday, so I called and left a message. The nurse called me back, and on top of suggesting I drink a strong cup of coffee and taking 3 aleve, he told her to suggest I start to take 800 mgs of magnesium a day. Like I said I haven't had a migraine in sometime, and I used to go to the ER and they would give me strong shots that would kill the pain, allow rest and usually after a few days on migraine meds w caffeine in them, it would subside. I did not try the 800 mgs of magnesium because I found out it was stemming from my sinus's, but I am curious, have you used magnesium for migraines before? Just a heads up for the future? I am already on high doses of pain meds daily, so adding more wasn't going to get rid of the migraine, and I do get them for days on end, sometimes a week or more. Then they disappear. I have never had any neurological diagnosis, mine are diagnosed from my neck injuries, and when my BP gets high, I tend to get them also until I manage that. I am taking daily vitamins w magnesium in them, but not that high of a dose. Has it helped you? Just never heard of it, and then I saw this discussion after being RXd to take it from my pain Dr.......
Much Peace
Jenn
-
Permalink Reply by Ellen S on
-
Hi Jenn, yes, Magnesium is a part of my treatment/prevention plan. I use a very easily taken (I don't do pills well) highly absorbable and usable form that dissolves in water. It is called CALM. I know my body has trouble maintaining enough mag and that this is an issue. I also have osteoporosis issues and magnesium is vital to keeping my bones healthy so they don't break again.
Calcium and magnesium balance each other in the body. Calcium is largely responsible for muscle contraction, where magnesium is responsible for the relaxation. Many people take magnesium in the evening as it helps them sleep.
My biggest problem with magnesium is that I have to take it orally, unless I have a whopper Migraine and get it in an IV. Not only do I suffer malabsorption problems, but I have to time my daily doses of meds very carefully. Several must not be taken within "X" hours of food or other meds etc. It's really difficult for me to get in that calcium, which binds to other medicines, keeping them from absorption. It is also really tough to find a place to slip in the magnesium without disrupting something else. *sigh* Because I suffer from kidney stones very often, I have to be really careful and balance these out appropriately with each other. That's a hard thing to do.
I'm glad your headaches seem to be under control. Caffeine can be a great treatment, but it can turn on you and become the beast that causes your pain too. In the words of Elmer Fudd: "Be wary, wary cawful." Those that have trouble sleeping or suffer a lot of Migraines are told to stay away from caffeine, as are those with thyroid dysfunction. I LOVED caffeine, was addicted to it, and went thru heck trying to get off of it. Fell off the wagon a few times, only to have to repeat the process. I haven't been able to drink even the smallest soda in many years - since before my diagnosis of Graves' Disease. It helps Migraines for me, but I rebound off the caffeine a day or two later and am worse off than I started. It also does absolutely NOTHING to help me sleep. Right now, sleep is at a premium.
800 mgs is a good dose, but most people find they can't start at that level without experiencing diarrhea. It's best to split doses thru the day, or begin at a smaller dose and creep up slowly to the full recommended amount. magnesium is also very easily absorbed thru the skin. This is why Epsom salts work to relieve muscle cramping and pain. Now, if my bathroom was just finished so I could use my new bathtub!! :)
So, are you seeing any benefits to adding the magnesium to your regimen? Do you think it helps with your pain, or helps in relaxing you so that you can sleep?
-
Permalink Reply by Jenn C on
-
Hey Ellen, As you probably noticed I am only slipping on and off of twitter to follow a few things. I have not been able to even look at a puter for a few weeks! Just a few mins here and there. I just finally signed on here. I never did try the magnesium because I didn't really know which way to take it best, as you said pills may have been too much. I didn't even see my neurologist this month because I am going away and have to fit in a few other Dr appt next week. So, I didn't discuss it with him. I just p/ up my RXs for the month. I will talk to him about it next month for future references. I do not get migraines as much as I used too, and the main cause is my neck injuries, on top of that bad allergies/sinus's. I here you on the sleep. I have been awake every 30-45 mins for the last 3 weeks due to pain and a horrible mattress! I really think if I get a better bed someday when I have some extra $$$ I may be able to sleep a little better? My bed was supposed to be a pillow top mattress but when it was delivered I think we paid for one, but was sent a reg mattress!!! An unexpected walk yesterday(about a mile) and cleaning my my bathroom last night, put my whole spine outta whack, and I am miserable today. I don't even use my ambien anymore. I think I need to give them a break because they atren't helping me sleep, and I just feel over drugged all day the next day when I take them because I don't *sleep* them off I guess? Things have been rough, sorry I haven't been very involved!!! Thanks for the heads up on the magnesium tho, I am going to talk to my Dr about it next month so I can at least get the proper kind(powder?) I do take the calcium/D, stress tabs w/ zinc, and bioflex for joint pain, which all have magnesium in them......He told me to take straight magnesium on top of all those meds for my bones, and pain too but I have so many GI problems I am on so much already. I am trying to not add anymore to my daily regimen unless I absolutely need it! You are so informative!!! I am so happy that you have the patience to investigate all of these great new meds, ideas, and treatments. I just can't sit at my desk for that long.....I think someone here needs a lap top lol
Thanks again
Peace
Jenn
-
Permalink Reply by Ellen S on
-
Hi Jenn! I wish I had a laptop too, I think it would help me with my posture, which can get bad if I sit here long, but my fingers don't work well on the keys of my hubby's. Frustrating. I tend to take lots of breaks about every hour or so. I have a good chair and switch positions often. I just got another memory foam mattress topper from Overstock.com for only $29! King sized, only about $3 shipping. (It's airing out right now before I use it) Check them out. If you need a new mattress, I'm told Bed in a Box is a great economical place to go. I need a bed that can raise and lower the head for my Migraine and pain issues. Sooo expensive. I'm trying to be patient.
© 2009 Created by Marie
