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I'm not sure what pain patches you might be referring to, but most of them that I am aware of are narcotics...and should be a last resort in my book.

I find myself that I tend to lay in one spot too long now on apap........that too makes me sore and I don't have all of the medical complications you mention.

Have you tried or found any of the local creams or gels for muscle aches to be of any benefit? That might be better for you than a another systemic drug. Biofreeze is always a good choice.......

I like to sleep on my right side but find that I get severe pain in my right thigh after a while - sounds similar to what you are describing.

I had some success with tucking a pillow between my thighs as it takes the pressure off the sore one.

I will be buying myself a special pillow like this one http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/side_ ... r_more.php in the next few weeks Perhaps something like that would work for you also?

Also wanted to say with the propping up on 2 pillows thing. Have you tried a sleeping wedge? I used to use many pillows also and found in the night I would slip off them and wake up very sore but using a wedge ( i have this one http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/bed_wedge_more.php) has really helped that and now I only need 1 pillow.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lu ... oduct.html

As you might know, Mike is quite disabled with chronic osteomyelitis in his hip and has graduated from a cane to a walker. He was having pretty bad pain in his hip no matter which side he slept on until several members here recommended this topper. Comes in different sizes. It's been a godsend and even helps me with my aches and pains. If he does have a bad night anyway he takes a Tylenol and it helps. My chiropractor told me sleeping on 2 pillows(asthma) on my side was not such a good position and he recommended raising the head of the bed instead so we put some telephone books under the headboard legs which raises it about 4 inches. You're getting lots of good tips here.

scrapper wrote:I'm not sure what pain patches you might be referring to, but most of them that I am aware of are narcotics...and should be a last resort in my book.

I find myself that I tend to lay in one spot too long now on apap........that too makes me sore and I don't have all of the medical complications you mention.

Have you tried or found any of the local creams or gels for muscle aches to be of any benefit? That might be better for you than a another systemic drug. Biofreeze is always a good choice.......

I was talking about the pain patches that use some type of pad to produce heat, but I can't remember the name brand. I've used them in the past for neck pain from herniated disks.

But I like the idea of some kind of cream put on the area -- that might actually help. I could apply it before going to bed.

Thank you!

sortasleepy wrote:Madalot -

I've gone from waking up numerous times a night in pain unable to find a comfortable position to sleep in even with two advil to sleeping soundly until about 4 or 5 am (almost getting up time). The days I don't do the therapy, I still have difficulty, but it's not NEARLY as bad.

So..just another thing to check out ...

Sortasleepy (I probably need to get another name ...doing well on the sleep angle)

I like your username! Thanks for chiming in here. I'm getting a lot of suggestions.

I'm glad you've been able to find a way to make your situation better. That's great.

boosmum wrote:I had some success with tucking a pillow between my thighs as it takes the pressure off the sore one.

I will be buying myself a special pillow like this one http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/side_ ... r_more.php in the next few weeks Perhaps something like that would work for you also?

Also wanted to say with the propping up on 2 pillows thing. Have you tried a sleeping wedge? I used to use many pillows also and found in the night I would slip off them and wake up very sore but using a wedge ( i have this one http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/bed_wedge_more.php) has really helped that and now I only need 1 pillow.

Several have suggested the pillow between my legs. This may be the thing I try first since so many have suggested it.

I used to use a wedge and didn't care for it much. I gave it away since I really hated it. I'm sleeping on the two pillows because it makes my breathing a little bit easier.

Thanks for helping here!

DoriC wrote:http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lu ... oduct.html

As you might know, Mike is quite disabled with chronic osteomyelitis in his hip and has graduated from a cane to a walker. He was having pretty bad pain in his hip no matter which side he slept on until several members here recommended this topper. Comes in different sizes. It's been a godsend and even helps me with my aches and pains. If he does have a bad night anyway he takes a Tylenol and it helps. My chiropractor told me sleeping on 2 pillows(asthma) on my side was not such a good position and he recommended raising the head of the bed instead so we put some telephone books under the headboard legs which raises it about 4 inches. You're getting lots of good tips here.

Hi Dori,

You're right that I'm getting a LOT of good tips. That's why I really like this forum so much -- so much help, good advice and friendship.

I'm glad a bed topper was helpful to you and Mike. I'll keep it in mind if some of the other suggestions don't solve the problem.

Thanks for sharing this with me and the board. I have a feeling one of these suggestions will be the ticket to relieving this problem.

HoseCrusher wrote:Electrolyte and mineral imbalance in the body can often result in muscle cramps. You may want to review your diet to make sure you are balanced in this area. Magnesium rich foods, or supplements, often make the cramps go away.

Ok - so it's not just me. My doctor prescribed extra magnesium for me about a year ago because I was having a lot of problems with muscle cramps and bursitis. Haven't had a problem since - except - I ran out and forgot to order more. After about a week I found I couldn't sleep for long on my side because my outer thighs ached and I was kind of achy in the morning. I got some cheap magnesium at a health food store to tide me over 'till my regular brand came and the problem was gone by the next night. I take Calcium with Magnesium (2:1) but my Doc says that is just enough Mag to help absorb the Cal. As usual, he was spot on. Anyway, it worked for me and sure was an easy fix. Doc recommended Vital Nutrients brand Tripple Mag. I get it online. But the cheap stuff seems to work too. I just take the recommended serving size - not a mega-dose.

Sillyme wrote:

HoseCrusher wrote:Electrolyte and mineral imbalance in the body can often result in muscle cramps. You may want to review your diet to make sure you are balanced in this area. Magnesium rich foods, or supplements, often make the cramps go away.

Ok - so it's not just me. My doctor prescribed extra magnesium for me about a year ago because I was having a lot of problems with muscle cramps and bursitis. Haven't had a problem since - except - I ran out and forgot to order more. After about a week I found I couldn't sleep for long on my side because my outer thighs ached and I was kind of achy in the morning. I got some cheap magnesium at a health food store to tide me over 'till my regular brand came and the problem was gone by the next night. I take Calcium with Magnesium (2:1) but my Doc says that is just enough Mag to help absorb the Cal. As usual, he was spot on. Anyway, it worked for me and sure was an easy fix. Doc recommended Vital Nutrients brand Tripple Mag. I get it online. But the cheap stuff seems to work too. I just take the recommended serving size - not a mega-dose.

Thanks for chiming in on this, Sillyme! This is very interesting. I wouldn't start any supplements without discussing it with my doctor. My situation is fairly complex and I need to be careful about adding anything new without checking first. I have a regular checkup for my neuromuscular disease in January, but will call or email before that if some of the other suggestions don't help.

Thanks again!!