I have perused numerous discussion threads regarding many options to help with sleep. I wanted to start this thread for two reasons: 1) to find an option so that I can sleep and 2) to entertain those who cannot sleep occasionally with the suggestion from my rheumatologist.
Firstly, I have arthritis here-there-everywhere but what gives me the most grief is my neck. I have had a disc replacement for the herniated disc but still am riddled with the other arthritic discs. I have good days and bad days like most of you. Methotrexate and Humira control most of the body ailments. However I do go thru periods where my neck ache, burns, cracks horribly which in turn makes sleep or attempts to sleep - pointless. When it is bad - it is really bad. They pain gets so bad I normally awake with a splitting headache during the night. Sometimes enough to physically make me sick. Eating Ibuprofen in the morning seems to be a regular item with my coffee. I have tried melatonin, benadryl, tylenol pm, ZZquil, some compound cream which was expensive and useless.....but nothing numbs the pain during those bad times and allows me to sleep remotely restful. I BEGGED my rheumatologist for something to help me sleep and his answer was:
'What are you doing for aerobic exercise? That is the best treatment he can suggest'. I do exercise 5 days a week but can someone explain to me how aerobic exercise will reduce the arthritic pain in my neck? I cannot think of anyway that will help my neck to reduce pain, can you? Yes i am feeling a bit cranky today cause I am going on a week of lousy sleep. :(
So my question to you: any suggestions since my rheumatologist refuses to give me anything to help sleep during painful days?
Thank you all.
Sonna