Pain worse in bed at night

Seamoth
Seamoth Member Posts: 7
edited 17. Feb 2013, 06:11 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi! I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left knee and both shoulders. I find I am able to manage during the day (with daily walking and Ibuprofen) but in bed at night the pain in my knee is excruciating. I've been taking 400 g of Ibuprofen before going to bed but this doesn't seem to have any effect. Usually after just a couple of hours I have to get out of bed to stop the pain. After being up and pottering about for ten mts the pain in my knee slips back to manageable levels that I can cope with. Its been like tis for the last month or so and now I'm so sleep deprived and consequently easily depressed. My GP says to increase the dosage of Ibuprofen at night but I don't think thats such a good idea, not for every night anyway.
Do any of you have this 'night' problem or have any advice? Many thanks.
A day without laughter is, like, night.

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Seamoth. It's lovely to meet you but I'm sorry things are not too easy for you right now. Pain and lack of sleep can easily lead to depression. It makes sense.

    I don't know how you normally take your ibuprofen. Some people take them as and when needed but, for constant pain, anti-inflammatories work best taken regularly. If you're not used to taking meds regularly it can seem a big step. I'm all for taking as few as possible but, as mine is RA, I do have to take those meds regularly anyway. I just try to keep the pain relief to a minimum but sometimes have to up them. They can always be lowered again when things have settles down somewhat.

    Have you any other pain relief? Something like co-codamol might make for a better night's sleep. Has your GP suggested this?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Seamoth
    Seamoth Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for your advice, SW. i think maybe you are right, and i should consider taking the Iboprofan regularly rather than as needed. I have tried parocetemal before going to bed, and that does seem to help the night pain but haven't wanted to take it habitually. Guess I'm scared of becoming dependent on meds, but maybe I will have to in the end anyway, may as well start now and be able to sleep at night. Thanks again.
    A day without laughter is, like, night.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    A couple of tips to protect your stomach if you are going to take meds regularly. Firstly always take them with food - just a plain biscuit or small piece of fruit will do, it doesn't have to be a meal. Most importantly, if you're taking anti-inflammatories regularly, ask for a stomach-protecting med at the first sign of trouble. I know it's yet another pill to take but these are well worth it for the problems they guard against.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Seamoth
    Seamoth Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    SW thanks again. Will definitely follow your good advice.
    Best wishes.
    A day without laughter is, like, night.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,908
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Seamoth

    Lovely to meet you and welcome you to our forums :)

    Typical isn't it that joints seize up while we are at rest and then can get 'extra' paiful. I also think that pain at night is the worst kind of pain for me anyway :?

    I took the old brufen for decades with no real problems but find now I can't take them at all (or diclos/aspirin etc) due to belly issues - even though I always took them after food. The meds to 'protect our stomachs are proton pump inhibitors. They do lots of jobs, but they can prevent ulcers when using anti-inflams long-term.

    Paracetamol is a good idea you know. It's a painkiller and you are in pain.

    Some people find resting the affected joint on a pillow in bed can help too so might be worth experimenting?? Shoulders are difficult to rest in bed though. I have a memory foam shaped pillow which prevents me squashing mine too much. Trail and error got me here and it might not help you.

    Love

    Toni xxx
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Seamoth

    Hi!

    I think reading your post you do need to use brufen and paracetemol together as that can be good for pain..Its what they give you after joint replacement as well as other things (in case people pull me up on that) and it may just help you a wee bit..Could you try going to sleep also with a pillow under the leg...
    I'd go back to GP if this doesnt work and if your;e worried about too much paracetemol you can get stomach protectors....

    Elainexx
    Seamoth wrote:
    Hi! I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left knee and both shoulders. I find I am able to manage during the day (with daily walking and Ibuprofen) but in bed at night the pain in my knee is excruciating. I've been taking 400 g of Ibuprofen before going to bed but this doesn't seem to have any effect. Usually after just a couple of hours I have to get out of bed to stop the pain. After being up and pottering about for ten mts the pain in my knee slips back to manageable levels that I can cope with. Its been like tis for the last month or so and now I'm so sleep deprived and consequently easily depressed. My GP says to increase the dosage of Ibuprofen at night but I don't think thats such a good idea, not for every night anyway.
    Do any of you have this 'night' problem or have any advice? Many thanks.
  • Seamoth
    Seamoth Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Toni and Elaine, many thanks for your tips and comments. All taken onboard. Very glad I took the plunge and posted on this forum. Sincere thanks to all.
    Sue
    A day without laughter is, like, night.
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sue

    It is a good place this forum...Quite often you have to become (excuse the phrase) a nuisance to your GP/consultant to try and find treatment that helps you and is manageable...It is there but sometimes you got to dig a bit for it..

    Elainexx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,908
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sue

    I am so glad you have found the forum so helpful :)

    Fingers crossed you might get a better night tonight.....if you don't maybe a chat to the pharmacist might give you some extra ideas for over the counter meds.

    Take care and keep posting!

    Love

    Toni xxx
  • As5567
    As5567 Member Posts: 665
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi seamoth,

    This is just a suggestion but you might want to ask your doctor about a slow release anti-inflammatory for overnight pain and stiffness. I personally have found that those types of medications help me get more sleep than taking regular meds. And as suggested above you could ask for some slightly stronger pain killers than paracetamol as I'm sure most here will agree it’s not always strong enough to block the levels of pain.

    Hope all goes well for you anyway :)

    Seamoth wrote:
    Hi! I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left knee and both shoulders. I find I am able to manage during the day (with daily walking and Ibuprofen) but in bed at night the pain in my knee is excruciating. I've been taking 400 g of Ibuprofen before going to bed but this doesn't seem to have any effect. Usually after just a couple of hours I have to get out of bed to stop the pain. After being up and pottering about for ten mts the pain in my knee slips back to manageable levels that I can cope with. Its been like tis for the last month or so and now I'm so sleep deprived and consequently easily depressed. My GP says to increase the dosage of Ibuprofen at night but I don't think thats such a good idea, not for every night anyway.
    Do any of you have this 'night' problem or have any advice? Many thanks.
  • Seamoth
    Seamoth Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    As5567, thanks for that advice. I'll ask my GP about that, -sounds like a good idea.
    A day without laughter is, like, night.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Back in 2002 I started sleeping with a pillow under my knees (or between them if I turned on my side). It helps to ease the pressure on the sore joint and make life a little more comfy. I also take a daily anti-inflammatory (for Achilles tendonitis but it helps other bits too) and a minimum of four cocodamols per day, two in the morning and two at night. The pain remains constant but it's manageable - and yes, it's always worse at night. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • blueknees
    blueknees Member Posts: 90
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Nightime is always the quietest time and so the slightest thing will wake you up. Once awake you will feel whatever aches and pains you have but usually the worst pain first.

    Your sleep pattern will get you asleep for a few hours but after about two your sleep will lighten and that's when you will most probably wake up.

    Try not to worry about it as worrying makes things worse.

    We all suffer the same as you at night, that's not helpful but it may be good for you to know.

    As we get older we need less sleep, for example over 60 7 to 8 hours a day is enough. If we sleep during the day that makes the need less at night.

    try to work put what time you want to get up and deduct the number of hours sleep you need and go to bed at that time. e.g. get up 8 am, need 8 hours sleep - go to bed at 12. Try to take your pain relief just before turning in.

    Take care
  • PowerOn
    PowerOn Member Posts: 200
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Seamoth
    Going to bed and relaxing does seem to set the muscles into over drive and pain can be a lot worse, best to try going to bed when you are not overtired or after a long soak in the tub if you are able.
    I have recently started using Oruvail Gel on prescription as I do not trust side effects from meds.
    It may be available over the counter or maybe your GP would prescribe it- I find it really good-I also have OA in both knees and other places.
    The pillows/cushions are a very good tip.
    Best joke I ever read, "With that information and a diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor can develop a treatment plan‏" or back in reality totally ignore you. Is ok I have a sense of humour and a boxing glove, not defeated yet.
  • Seamoth
    Seamoth Member Posts: 7
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    DD, Blueknees and Poweron, can't thank you enough for all that advice and, yes, comfort. It's so good to know my night pain is nothing unusual for OA. I tried sleeping with a pillow between my knees last night and it certainly helped, ie I did not have to get out of bed; i did wake up at 03h30 but managed to get back to sleep again fairly soon. First time in weeks that I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and, wait for it, happy. I have made an appointment with my GP to discuss slow release meds for night time. The gel sounds a good idea, I will ask her about that too.
    To ALL of you wonderful people, THANK YOU ! :D
    A day without laughter is, like, night.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm glad the pillow helped - be prepared for more bad nights when it doesn't :wink: but take some pain relief in the night if necessary because that can help you drift off again. You woke up feeling refreshed? Crikey, that must be first for the forum! :lol: Take care and keep in touch. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben