Unable to lie down due to degenerative spinal condition

KatBeerling

Hi my name is Kat, I'm 50, and have a degenerative spinal condition. I had a complete decompression at L5 - L3 site in Oct 17. Since then my lower spine is starting to now compress.  I have been unable to lay down in my bed since the operation. I end up in extreme pain and a seized back after about 2 hours of laying down. I now have to sleep on my reclining sofa in a sitting position. I only get about 4 hours a night on this. I am still trying to work as an admin officer, but it's now taking a toll. Can you offer any suggestions to help me please? I also have bi-polar for 30 years. Medicated. 

Many thanks

Kat x

Jean_OT

Hi Kat

Thanks for posting.

Sorry to hear about your situation. 

Sleep is so important to our well-being so the fact you are trying to cope with just four hours sleep a night needs to be taken very seriously. Especially as it could potentially impact on the management of your long standing mental health condition.

Do you already have healthcare professionals working with you on this matter?
If so, what are they suggesting? If not,  I think this warrants urgent GP referrals. If possible it sounds as if you need better pain management and also a good OT assessment/advice on equipment to promote better sleep.

Nothing I can say he is a substitute for a face to face OT assessment. It occurs to me that if you are able to sleep in your recliner but not in your bed that it might be worth an OT exploring the possibility of a  profiling beds:
https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/children/beds-3166-p/ there is  also a wide range od postural supports available (for examples see) :  
https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/children/night-time-postural-support-2835-p/ (sorry I know this link is aimed at children but it is a nice comprehensive list of the different kinds of product available) 

Or course the important thing is selecting the correct product for your needs and that goes beyond what I can advise on. 

Also with the current climate of austerity in the NHS and social care it can be very difficult to get such products supplied. However, if an OT assesses what it is you need get them to put their recommendations in writing even if they can't supply, as it is sometimes possible to get charitable funding. 

Profiling beds are expensive but sometimes renting is a good option as it allows people to see if they can benefit from one before they buy.

Best Wishes

Jean 

KatBeerling

Thank you so much for replying to me. I have a care manager at the mental health unit. I will talk to her about this situation. 

Hopefully she can get an appointment sorted for me. 

Thanks again.

Kat xc

Jean_OT

You are very welcome Kat

If you want to  feel free to stay in touch and let me know how you go with this.

Best Wishes
Jean