KNEE ARTHRITIS - General principles of managing Osteoarthritis of the knee :

Help I can't sleep!!! - - Posted by Knee_Queen (Knee_Queen), 4 December 2004


Hi there,

Basically, I'm presuming with my history of both knee and then hip problems that I have OA of all four joints. I will be discussing this further with my OS when I next see him in january but he has even commented on the fact I have arthritis in both hands (he spotted this about ten years ago when I was only 13yrs).

Before my TTT/LR in september this year my left knee ('good' knee) didn't appreciate walking longer distances such as round the supermarket- it wasn't so bad that I'd have to sit down, but I'd often have to lift my leg up for a few seconds to give it a rest. Both knee's crunch and click especially when going up stairs and I have periods that often last for several weeks when one or the other hip grinds on every step- but usually the problem eases up on its own accord.

However, since my last op things have been getting worse, both knees are clicking more and always feels as though they need kind of 'cracking' to loosen things up (I try not to do this as I end up hyperextending afterwards)!!! Even my left ankle has started clicking and I've never had any problems with it before now. I had my surgery three months ago and have yet to have a restful nights sleep. Both knee's ache like mad at times in the night and about three weeks ago both hips have started aching during the day and waking me up several times a night on top of the knee pain.

Its almost impossible to find a comfortable position to sleep in that will relieve both hips and knee's at the same time and the only relief I can find is to actually get up and do some exercises or at least walk around. As soon as I get back in bed and lie still for five minutes or so the aches (pain really) start again. I'm sleeping between 2-5 and a half hours a night and am due to start work next week but only half time. Wondering if any one has any advice as I don't know how I'll manage work when I'm this tired all the time!

Thanks!

Heidi
Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 4 December 2004

Have you tried acupunture and/or ultrasound?  It might really help your pain so you might get some sleep.
Some people have had some real good results with those treatments.
Posted by Knee_Queen (Knee_Queen), 8 December 2004


I have been having acupuncture every week since starting physio but have just stopped as my physio doesn't think its worth continuing- maybe because it stresses me out a little or maybe because I've been trying so hard with the exercises I've made enough improvement not to have it anymore. I sleep quite well after acupuncture compared to other nights- but only because I have been so anxious about the acupuncture in the first place!!!! I've never had ultrasound though, my physio hasn't suggested it either so it's difficult to bring the subject up- looks like I'll probably be having an MAU anyways before I'm even ready to have the screw out as I'm not getting my ROM back!!! Thanks for the idea's though- maybe I should look in to braving acupuncture privately at the local traditional chinese medicine centre!

Heidi  
Posted by tsanford07 (tsanford07), 30 December 2004

Hi Heidi,

I really understand about not being able to find a comfortable way to sleep.  I haven't had a good night sleep in 2 years since both my knees gave out and now its getting worse.  What I would talk to the doctor about is a tens unit.  Its a protable unit used to send electrical pulses and it helps control pain.  It's not bigger than a walkman.  I have one and in the past it has helped I'm just not using it right now because I am getting ready for surgery and I don't think it will help right now.  Hope that helps.  I pray you get some relief and rest.
Tara
Posted by Janet (Janet), 31 December 2004

You definitely need to sleep. Studies show that even people with no pain complain of pain when they are sleep deprived. If you already have pain and aren't sleeping, it just magnifies the pain you have.

Have you told your doctor about this? It sounds like you need some sleep medication (Ambien is a good one) to help you through this time.

Janet
Posted by Knee_Queen (Knee_Queen), 31 December 2004


Thanks for the advice- I'm worried about taking any kind of sleeping pills though!!! Luckily I have only been working part-time for the last four weeks to enable me to catch up on sleep. However I'm due to start working full-time again from the 4th Jan which should be very interesting on limited sleep!!!! I'm due to see my OS in three weeks and because I'll be exercising extra hard up until then I'm sure the knee/hip pain will get worse- he might have some advice for me when he notices how tired I'll be looking by then!!!!

Heidi

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