GOING MAD, TRYING TO SLEEP

[KrisTed89]

I have had back surgery and nerve damage in my left leg. I am on medication for 18 hrs a day, but at  night when I try to sleep, my leg jumps and jerks and I feel like there is an electric current running  through it. I can't sleep with this horrible sensation and I am exhausted. I thought maybe it was restless leg syndrom, but my doctor says no. He has done nothing for this. It has been 6 years since my surgery and this leg thing is just getting worse and worse. Any suggestions? Occasionally It will also affect the right leg now.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

It might be worth discussing with your doctor if it is a restless legs syndrome. I am not quite sure about it, but it sounds like one. And have you tried any traction at home ? If the sensation originates from the back, you might benefit from a light traction at bedtime.

Regards

[KrisTed89]

I can't sleep on my back due to a bladder condition, and I can't sleep on my stomach. I always sleep on either side with my knees bent or hugging a body pillow. The problem with my leg is daytime as well, but as long as I am moving, it can be tolerated with pain medication. There isn't actually pain, it is just such a yucky sensation that I can't stand to keep my muscles still. it is a horrible constant stimulation of my leg nerve or muscle. I thought it might be an allergy of sorts because it gets worse with certain stimulants, like cold medication, so I avoid those.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

It is obvious that the position in which you sleep is not comfortable, considering the nerve damage from the back surgery. Some benefit can be had from trying different sleeping postures. When you lie down on your back, the vertebral column has to adjust differently.

Have you tried sleeping prone ?

Regards

[KrisTed89]

Finding a dr. that will listen and actually be willing to do something is difficult. I spent 20 yrs trying to get help with my back. I was told to live with it, it wasn't bad enough, don't believe in pain medication, the works.  I finally had a total collapse before I had surgery. Any other advice on what dr to even try?

[junie37]

How about a new Dr ??