Hi I'm new here!!

poppyb63 · 19. May 2012, 05:04

Hello , Just joined site as desperately need to be able to chat to people that know what arthritis discomfort is really like. I have recently been diagnosed with enteropathic polyathritis caused probably by my Crohns disease which I've had for around 20 years, pain moves from joint to joint daily but is everywhere at the moment , cant take ibuprofen because of my other probs has anyone any advice to help me sleep!
Thanks and looking forward to chatting to you

pinkbritishstars · 19. May 2012, 05:16

Welcome to the forum Poppy though sorry that you had to find us.

pink xx

kellerman · 19. May 2012, 05:33

Hi Poppy and welcome from me too.
Advise on helping you sleep? Well your GP is the person to ask. In my case I cat nap most of the night and find myself up,though never dressed very early.....usually about 5.
By about 4pm I'll be shattered but this is the norm for me.
Some-one will be along who can maybe suggest something to you although please be aware none of us are docs.
May

bubbadog · 19. May 2012, 07:21

Hi poppy, welcome to AC forum, you have done the best thing joining the site, we all look out for each other on here and be a friend when you need one, listen when someone needs to talk. Hope you enjoy the site . Look forward to reading your posts and welcome again!

dreamdaisy · 19. May 2012, 07:35

Hello, it's lovely to meet you and I am glad you have found us because we all empathise with the problems you are facing. I am not entirely sure what sleep is - I understand the theory but the reality is a very different thing! I have learned over the years to sleep when I need to, regardless of the time of day, and not to fret too much about lying there awake in the night. If I really can't drop off then I read my Kindle, or listen to my MP3 player. I also amuse myself with alphabet lists (last night's was football players of any vintage, Armstrong, Ball, Charlton, Delaney, Evans etc) simply because these distractions stop me focusing too much on what is hurting. I usually manage about 90 minutes or so in between each waking and if by some miracle I get more then that is a bonus!

Right, I must go and get washed and dressed - I've had a busy morning sorting stuff out and it's time to relax a little. I also need to go and get some bread and I can't really do that just wearing my nightie!

I hope you have a pleasant week-end and I look forward to seeing your name here and there. DD

mouseymousey · 19. May 2012, 09:44

Hello Poppy.
Horrible isn't it? A few things I've picked up along the way (but I would also mention all this to your gp).
Hot bath/shower just before bed
Opening the bedroom window a tad
milky drink
switch off the box and read something instead?
a bit of fresh air during the day - a walk or something
don't eat too late
herbal sleeping tablets - worth a try, but I suspect you already have?
I'm sort of at the acceptance stage - I know I'm going to wake up a few times so I read or watch some rubbish. Some days I wake up late as I've been awake during the night. I'd certainly tell your gp - he/she needs to be aware how it is affecting you. ~ Best wishes.

poppyb63 · 19. May 2012, 10:49

Thankyou eberyone for making me feel so welcome!! And thanks for the sleeping tips

valval · 19. May 2012, 11:33

hi welcome from me try to distract your self if pain is bad if you focus on it it feels far worse than if you can read play game etc. sleep that a hard one ask gp for help there good luck val

loovechocolate · 19. May 2012, 12:01

Sleep - I remeber that lol

Welcome Poppy for me fresh air and not getting to hot, I gave up work last June and I must be honest not having to set the alarm helps means I can sleep when I can. But I would talk to your GP or consultant they should help

tjt6768 · 19. May 2012, 12:26

A huge welcome from me too..
Hope you're not suffering too much right now..

As for sleep, I find a lump hammer and willing assailant to work well

Looking forward to reading m ore posts

barbara12 · 19. May 2012, 12:39

Hi Poppy
And a warm welcome from me, has you say just to be able to talk to people that understand some of what you are going through.
I take amytriptalines to help me sleep, sorry not sure of the spelling, I was so grateful to get some sleep, talking about Crohns I do think that these are prescribed for that, I may be wrong but you asl your GP.
Take care xx

Heather65 · 19. May 2012, 14:58

hi poopy add welcome im quite new on here and find everyone very friendly and have got some good tips so hopefully you will do to .

As for sleep thats a mystery i yet to solve

Heather65 · 19. May 2012, 14:59

oops sorry for the spelling poppy

CraftyDeb · 19. May 2012, 15:26

Hi Poppy
I am fairly new on here too, welcome.

Regarding your sleep problem I have a heat pad (usually for animals) that I put in the microwave for 2 mins and then go to bed with it near the most painful joint(s) and find that helps me sleep a bit better and also a warm bath before bed helps too.

Speak again soon x

barking1 · 19. May 2012, 15:29

Hi and welcome to the forum from me to xx Jane

7worlds · 19. May 2012, 16:59

Hi Poppy. Welcome to the forum from another newbie.

7worlds

carolewilkinson · 20. May 2012, 19:11

hi poppy. i'm new to the site also. i look forward to chatting to people who know not only what the psychlogical and physical effects of this disease but also the loss of friendships and romantic relationships. with regards to sleep?? i time my painkillers to be taken After my bath and settle myself into bed. i turn on radio four' on low volume so i really have to concentrate to listen..... that's usually enough..... look forward to hearing how you're getting on. take care

hileena111 · 21. May 2012, 02:55

Hi Poppy
Sorry I cant really help you....I have OA but just popped on to say welcome to the forum

Love
Hileena

Folara · 21. May 2012, 06:02

Hi Poppy, welcome to the forum.

Fols x

fowls48 · 21. May 2012, 07:54

Welcome Poppy

Sorry i am a newcomer too this forum , so cannot help much .

regards
fowls48

dachshund · 21. May 2012, 08:16

Welcome Poppy.
i dont know anything about that. have you tried the lavender spray called sleep from a well known chemist.
take care.
joan xx

traluvie · 21. May 2012, 08:24

Hi Poppy,

Welcome from me too..
Sleep, well there has only one thing that has improved my sleeping and that is Amitriptyline which is prescribed by a doctor.
It may be worth trying the things that others have suggested first and if that doesn't help then you may need to talk to your Gp and see what they suggest..
Hope you manage to find something that suits you soon as sleep is very importnant for us..
Take care