I'm looking for others with inability to sleep due to pain

Posted by kfender @kfender, Aug 15 6:48am

I have been experiencing pain in joints of spine, hips, ribs only on the dependent side when lying in bed. Pain is severe enough to only allow a couple hours of sleep before having to get up and move around. I feel like these joints are locked up and it is painful to get up. Once I am up the pain is quickly relieved by moving around. This pain has been every day/night for about 3+ years. I am 55 years old now and despite multiple specialists and diagnostic tests, I have received no definitive diagnosis.

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I've had issues sleeping from time to time and I've started using Lyrica 150 mg at night. This drug helps with muscle pain and it really made me sleepy during the day. I stopped using it for a while because of the sleepiness during the day.
The past couple months I started using the 150 mg at night & it really helped me fall asleep (less pain and it gives me the drowsiness to fall asleep). I use a lower dose during the 100 mg ... I might try 50 mg if it is available for day time use. I'm still working on the dosage for the daytime use.

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Chronic spine pain is miserable and makes sleep difficult. Some things that I do to stay sane:
*Stretch and massage myself (I am alone) before bed
*Take Magnesium and calcium before bed
*Use Magnesium cream to massage my feet, lower back and buttock area
*Try to never take a nap on couch in day hours, even when I'm exhausted
*Be as physically active as possible by day
STILL cannot sleep more than 1.5 hrs at a time 🙁

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I’m right there with you regarding pain and no sleep. At this point I’ve decided to call my doctor for something stronger than Tylenol. Couldn’t take gabapentin. I have an Rx for methocarbanol, but haven’t taken it yet. I’m always hesitant to take new meds. But, I need sleep!

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Profile picture for borwin98 @borwin98

@dmash3 I was in extreme pain until I went to a pain clinic. I am not pain-free, but I get help and now sleep pain-free. Don't give up; there is help for you. Good luck.

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@borwin98 I’m curious about what you were given that has given you pain-free sleep! I have been going to PM doctors for years & can’t sleep w/o waking up throughout the night in pain.

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Sounds like arthritis.

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Profile picture for jw9 @jw9

Make sure to check back for replies on your post because I have a feeling there will be many who relate to broken nights, sleepless with pain. Whenever I have something going on it seems pain is more intense during the night. I've been told it's because there's nothing to distract my mind at night.

I'm sorry you haven't found any answers about what's causing your pain. That's why it's good that you posted a question; it can feel self-negating to look for answers and find none. I'm sorry you have been through this a long time.

For the past 2 years I've had severe lower back pain. One of the things that I do, rather than getting up, I leave the heating pad plugged in by my bed. I can reach over and use it for 20 minutes and I get some relief. It's things like that others might add to the conversation.

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@jw9 I listen to a meditation 10-12 minutes that focuses on breathing. I use the Cove app-it’s free. I also sometimes listen to relaxing guitar playing (Spotify). Thinking of you.

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Try an MFR therapist. Get some massage. check you don't have undiagnosed gout. (uric acid level simple blood test). Check your sugar intake. Check if you are having an inflammatory reaction which causes pain. Mine was gouty arthritis. Get extra exercise - like gentle walking (I do twice a day for 20 - 30 minutes). Make sure you are wearing out your body for rest so you can sleep deeper. Hot shower or bath before bed. A great heating pad to relax your body.

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I empathize
I have increasing pain at night. Have to get up and move. Pain doctors and a chiropractor (includes acupuncture) can only help a little. I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and autonomic neuropathy. Only meds that I get are maximum gabapentin ( without which daytime would also be intolerable). Occasional tylenol3 at night. Even less frequently clonazepam for sleep - (cannot mix with Tylenol3).
Mayo where the autonomic neuropathy was diagnosed, told me that because I was taking maximum gabapentin they had no other recommendations. Have tried Cbd-Thc gummies that do work but I dare not drive the next morning.
Very hot very deep baths help. I stay in until they cool down. Weeding in garden helps disperse the irritation I feel because ai have not slept
Have you tried any pain medicines? Botox? I get that for headaches. Keep pushing your doctor. Each body reacts differently.

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I’ve been using Trazadone 200mg at bedtime. It gives me about 2 - 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Then I wake every hour for the rest of the night. I don’t take a 2nd dose because the foggy brain & tiredness ruins my morning. My pain is from a 20 year old failed TKR.

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