Rough day

Recently, I have been waking up about six hours after I go to sleep, in pain. I take ambien, and sleep well. But, I do sleep deeply and stay still. So, my body is protesting the stillness, and the fibro and stupid AS kick in with pain.

I get up, take my tramadol, and fall asleep again for a few hours.

I was very achy this AM. Went to the psych for a check-in and to get new scripts. He is good, but busy, and I always sit and wait for at least an hour. After that long, my back, hips, and legs hurt, my neck was getting stiff, the sound of others in the waiting room was getting to me ( which always happens when I start to a flare), and the smell of smokers was getting worse. Again, increased sensitivity. I actually had my ear plugs in for a bit as two elderly gents chatted about their rebuilt engines. I hope they were talking about cars.

Finally got in after one hour fortyfive minutes. Chatted and got my
scripts. Was feeling awful, but still stopped at the pool to do my
workout.

Now, sitting with bed buddy and extra painkiller. Some days, it ain't
even worth getting outta bed. Jes' sayin'.

The pain from fibro and AS/arthritisisn't being well controlled in the past three to four months. Tramadol seems to wear off after six hours, but I am hesitant to take it in the afternoon and evening because it works like caffeine, jolts me with energy. It seems to counteract the sleeping med, waking me up every few hours and
then makingit hard to fall asleep. The hydrocodone doesn't last long, either. I also am hesitant to take more than a 5-500 in a 24 hour period.

Clearly, I need to talk with rhuemie at my appointment next month. He wants me to go on Humira (one of the new biologics) but I am very hesitant. Despite the food, sleep, exercise, and excess supplements ( most expensive urine in town!), I get every cold that winks at me, and the biologics further dampen the immune system. Of course, part of this could be stress, since I push myself a little too hard.

Perhaps the doc will have some further suggestions. I am working on a big life change in the next six months, once that is alternately
sad and glad and depressing and exhilarating. Regardless of the emotions surrounding it, I think it necessary.

Grrrr.

Pain-less evening, chawl.

Post Edited (Myself 09) : 3/26/2013 6:26:53 PM (GMT-6)

Can you take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen? Those are generally the first line of defense with AS. It helps 50% of AS patients from what i have read. My doctor said I've most likely had AS for many years but kept it under control with the ibuprofen I take. I don't have any fusing either. Walking is good and of course your swimming is good, too. I never found that Tramadol or even Vicodin helped with the AS pain but ibuprofen is like a wonder drug for me.

I hope you have a much better day tomorrow. Sweet dreams!

Sherrine

I'm hoping that you will find something that will give you some relief. I also have conditions with an inflammatory process going on. So many of the meds come with side effects. Keeping the inflammation down is the big thing in controlling the pain.

Biologics, NSAIDS or DMARDS help keep inflammation down but they all come wth potential side effects. Tried NSAIDs, Mobic and Celebrex...Now on the DMARD Methotrexare, it doesn't come without some side effects...I have to get my blood monitored often and sometimes my liver enzymes go sky high but it has helped keep my diseases somewhat under control.

Wishing you the best of luck...you always put forth so much effort being proactive and I find that very inspirational!

Hugs, Robin

No, I tried first Ibuprofen, and then naproxen. They are okay for short periods. But then the colon explodes.

I will mention this misoprostol to the doc when I go in next month.

Last night, I did a hot bath and then liberally applied aspercreme on knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, and small of back. Slept better, but not long enough due to work.

I think, but do not know for sure, that since because the absorption of the aspirin in localized, that there is less harm to the colon. But it is something to ask my doctor, since I using the creme far more often recently.

Coming from a southern background, I would often use Goody's powders for headaches. Aspirin and caffeine. These are the same basic formulation as BC powders. I find many people from other parts of the country have never heard of them, but they were pretty standard medication as I was growing up. My PC doctor was quite worried when she heard I used them periodically. for migraines But, interestingly, migraines have been far fewer since I have eliminated certain foods-beans, raw veggies, spices,etc.

I have a friend who has had migraines every day all of her life.  She is in her 60's now.  She discovered that tomatoes were the cause!  She loves tomatoes and would have them once or twice a day.  Now she doesn't eat them and she also doesn't get the migraines!  So you might give that a try.

 

There is a wonderful product that I use for pain and it's all natural.  It's called Sombra.  I get the warm therapy one and I buy the one in a roll-on.  I love it because I don't get my hands messy.  You do need to shake it before use.  It smells like grapefruit and the odor dissipates in a couple of minutes and it's not greasy either.  I love it.  It does come in a cream in jars, too, if you prefer it.  I was introduced to this by my massage therapist.  Here is a link from Amazon because that's where I get it and the price is good, too.  Also, you can read the reviews.  It's good stuff!  

 

http://www.amazon.com/Sombra-Therapy-Natural-Relieving-3-Ounce/dp/B0007LM3UM

 

Sherrine 

Good luck, Myself. Having your sleep interrupted by pain is the pitts!

You said a big life change - - is this something you want to disclose? ;)

Debbie