Sleep is a Dream

[HawktheSlayer]

Hi,
  This is my first post here. I have had 3 failed back surgeries and now have a SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator) implanted in me for pain reduction, I take perk 3-325 6/day Lyrica 250mg 2/day and at nite I take either Ambient Cr  or Tramazipne 1-2/day at nite. Now even with all of this I still cant seem to sleep that much. I am right now running on a 58hr day with no sleep. I know that soon my body will shut down and I will rest i get about 8-10 hrs when this happens and then its another long day for me. Does anyone out there have any sugestions about something that I might be able to try to sleep every nite even if its just a few hrs. I have tried warm milk, and a few other things my wife asked me to try, but I thought that mabey others with the same type of issue could have other suggestions I could try. Now I do not do any type of rec drug, and can not do them due to my work so please do not sugest anyhting that is illegal. Thanks for your time.

R/
Adam

[babygirl149]

Hi hawk Im on perk's aswell and im on the morphine patch my sleep is also messed up for the last three years, my doctor gives me lorazephan to sleep  but sometimes if i dont have them i take gravol believe it or not it can knock alot of people out.. I even tried one of those herbal sleeping aids they sell at walmart but had a very extreme reaction to it for 8 hours i could not stop shaking, my doctor told me those herbal pills are not good to be taken with perscribed meds.... Try the gravol see it that helps you at all....... goodluck

babygirl

[Curtis1960]

Hello, Hawk.

About the only thing I can think of is valium for the sleep and more pwerful pain medication.  I know you're on a log of pain killers, but perhaps 80mg oxycontin twice a day can ease the pain.  
I also use a tens unit on my neck for relief.  I get some relief from massage therapy and have had a little success with accupuncture.  If your pain is localized in the back, there is lidocaine patches that last twelve hours on the area of the pain.  I have tried capsazim (spelling) cream that at first burns the back like crasy until the nerves just shut themselves down and the pain fades.  The only problem is in the summer time when you walk in the heat or get into a hot car - the capsazim really activates and leaves you with a terrible burning sensation.

Lastly, I'd get your doctor to refer you to a pain doctor (physiatrist).  They have a whole bag of tricks up their sleeves.  I was referred to a pain doc that did different types of injections into the back and neck for the pain.

I use an ice bag, icey hot, stretching to help.  Perhaps some of these ideas can help you.  

Gotta run!

Take care!

Curt