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March 15, 2010 - 4:04pm
immyali
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Joined: 08/09/2009
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What do you do?

For those like myself who have a bad back AND bad knees, does anyone else have a problem with sleep positions?
When my back is really bad, as is the case after hubby smacked me on the butt and I arched my back trying to get away, I really need to sleep with my legs up on pillows.

The problem is if I sleep through the night, it takes me a good five mins to be able to walk because my knees are so painful and stiff I can't get them going.

How do others tackle this problem?

Kylie

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March 15, 2010 - 4:15pm
#1
inchworm
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Toss and turn

Hi Kyle,

I'm generally shifting position frequently, trying to find one that doesn't aggravate my bad knee or back. Can't lay on either side very long and never ever on my stomach, so most nights are on my back with my bad knee flexed partway. Am having the knee replaced soon and am hoping that will help my back problems. My knees don't get as stiff as yours, though. I feel for you!

_____________

Linda

4/2009 Cervical posterior foraminotomy for herniation C6/7
4/2010 Total knee replacement
9/29/10 PLIF with laminectomies L4-S1 to correct lumbar curve and L5 nerve root impingement.

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March 15, 2010 - 4:24pm
#2
charry
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Hi Kylie

I do sleep well on my left side with a body pillow between my knees. It still takes me at least a half an hour to get up when I sleep all night with a sleeping pill. If I get up suddenly I have foot issues and get a good muscle spasm in my thigh! Since hurting my back I can't sleep with my husband I've been kicked not intentionally though but he sleeps all over the place and I can't have him kicking me! I did have a flare up when my knee was so swollen but no problems lately. My husband had knee surgery and he puts ice sometimes before bed and it helps him. Take care and hope you get some rest. Charry

_____________

Any answers I have is not medical advice only a Doctor can help you with that. Just sharing my personal experience as a fellow Spine Health member only. Mild DDD of complete lumbar area with recent healing of L5-S1 HD and annular tear.Leg &foot weakness nerve compression L4-L5.Mod. disc changes C5-C7 nerve impingement sore elbow and numb hand. Sept. 2011 MRI L4-L5 disc bulge and L5 facet joint and narrowing. Meds-Oxycontin 80mg,Cymbalta,Lyrica, Flexeril,Naproxen,Serax. Platinum Infrared heating pad. ER and Oncology trained and Cardiology RN on Disability. Keep the faith.

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March 15, 2010 - 4:28pm
#3
immyali
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User offline. Last seen 1 year 37 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 08/09/2009
Posts: 445
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Hi Inchworm

I generally toss and turn too, but I took a sleeping pill last night trying to at least one good night this week and well.... apparently I didn't move.
Bad decision on my behalf I guess.
I wanted to get my knees replaced but my ortho said I was too fat and wasn't takiing my weight loss seriously (his words) and that I should do swimming etc and just push through the pain. When I told him I ended up bed ridden if I push through the pain he told me to keep pushing through the pain that it will get better.
Can you say A- hole....
Thanks for the input, guess i'll just have to not take sleeping pills and toss and turn.
Kylie

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