Discussion Forums

Suffering from Insomnia after chronic pain, Need support 
Started by Aarondeadstar
03 Nov 2016, 4:53 AM

After injuring my spine while lifting weights, my life was not the same. I am presently a chronic back pain patient. I tried a various treatments and chiropractic therapies, but, nothing helped.  The past 2 years, things got even worse. I pain kept me awake all night. My gf left me and I am living alone. 
Now I am having an even bigger problem  I am suffering from Insomnia. I don't get proper sleep even when the pain is under control. I lost my job and I am staying with my mother now. I feel so bad, she has to take care of her grown up son at this age. I will be starting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from next week and I hope I would be able to get some sleep. I feel that insomnia is the biggest pain or suffering for a person. 
I think that life is not fair for all. Some people get to live a prosperous life while the others are always put in darkness. I feel very depressed and lonely. I'd like to chat with someone and get some solace. I came to this forum to get a relief. 
Report this post      
 
Reply by oldbat
05 Nov 2016, 5:28 PM

Welcome to CVH!  You've come to the right place for solace, sympathy, caring ears and the odd (usually very!) good laugh!

You're so right that life is NOT fair.  I'm sure that there is no-one on this board who wouldn't agree with you.  All of us are adept at finding new, creative (sometimes highly entertaining) ways in which to cope.  Wine , chocolate and trash tv or novels come to mind!

I do sympathize about your insomnia.  Something we share.  I treat mine with street (I wish!) drugs.  Have to as I'm a solo caregiver.  Pain, too.  But I suspect your major sources of pain are coming from your girl friend leaving (talk about bad timing), guilt about you mother being your care-giver and grief from the loss of your job.

There are a couple of things that might help:  talk to your mother (if you can) about how you're feeling about her currently looking after you.  You may be surprised at her response.  If you're both open enough, you may even come up with some ways to make both your lives easier.  Have you checked with Social Services in your area to see if they can provide someone to take care of you, while she goes to a movie, spends time with a friend, etc.? This should be a free service.  I have it once a week, and it's a godsend!

As for the pain, have you considered accupunture?  I've done it several times for excruciating sciatica, and it's been a miracle.  Not sure how bad your spinal injury is, but if you can move around at all - swimming.  Also a wonderful pain-reliever, as well as being soothing and relaxing.  Should help you sleep better too.  The only non-medical substance I can suggest is Melatonin.  Sold OTC in pharmacies.  Some people swear by it.  There's also a thread on this board called, I think:  "Silly things that make us happy".  You might get a giggle or two out of that.  Laughter is a great stress-buster, too.

And, perhaps the most important thing you can do for yourself, keep coming back here.  There is always someone who will respond, offer helpful suggestions and sympathy.  We're all here for you.

Hopefully, this missive has offered you at least a little relief,

oldbat 

P.S.  The CBT is a great idea.  When do you start, and how often will you be going.  And I hope you  know there is homework:) 
Report this post      


Our Partners
Asked and Answered
Asked and Answered

Find out what Canadians
are asking

Ask a Professional
Ask a Professional

Our team of experts answers
your questions about
life-threatening illness and loss.

Just want to talk?
Just want to talk?

Join the Discussion
Forums

Books, Links, and More
Books, Links, and More

Recommended by our team

Programs and Services
Programs and Services

Find local, regional,
and national services