Hi fonts of all knowledge
I’ve read some posts on pressure pains and wondered what they were?. I have pain in my left leg when I’m in bed…quite painful, mostly in my thigh (feels like a gnawing pain) and it doesn’t seem to matter if I’m lying on my left side or not. Changing sides helps for a while but I have to do this at least 4 times every nite…not much sleep for me lol!
Does anyone experience this?
Oonagh
xxx
Hi Oongh, pressure pain occurs when staying in one position… hence too much pressure for too long. For instance sitting in wheelchair for too long or lying in bed in same position for too long. Can lead to pressure sores which are like blisters… used to be called bed sores… and actually can be very dangerous as they can get infected.
Can also occur on elbows and heels, again from lying in bed and contantly applying pressure to those area to push yourself into sitting position.
I think what you have sounds like ‘secondary pain’. That is pain that is not caused directly by your MS (ie not caused by the damage to your nervous system) but pain caused by your ‘gait’ when walking. Are you putting more weight on your left leg when you are walking… maybe because it is stronger than your right leg? Or maybe trying to keep your balance by putting weight on your left leg?
Are you taking any med’s for MS pain? If you’re not on any other med’s, try 2 paracetamol at bedtime and see if it helps.
I used to try to be ‘drug free’ when I first had MS but living with pain is no fun at all… I now take whatever helps (well within reason… I’m not out at night prowling the streets looking for drug dealers… Lol…)
I know that deep gnawing pain you’re talking about and it’s hard to lie still or sleep with it. Might be worth seeing the GP?
Hope you’re doing ok hon and hope this helps,
Pat x (oh I love the ‘fonts of all knowledge’ bit!)
I often get pain in my feet shortly after standing up and it then moves to my ankles, not sure if it is the same pain that you are getting but it is like a throbbing pain caused by the pressure of my body weight.
It also hurts my feet and ankles when I struggle upstairs.
Hi Pat,
I’m putting a lot of pressure on my left leg. My right leg isn’t too bad but my balance is so rubbish I naturally lean on my left leg. I’m really trying to focus on my balance and wish I had a full length mirror so I could watch how I walk.
The pain goes away as soon as I get up and then I’m left with the usual lead legs that are a different pain.
Still not diagnosed and the 26 Nov is my D day hopefully (not holding my breath tho)
Have no meds yet (apart from 24 0.5 chlonazepam which my consultant gave me in April to help me sleep and still have 12 left)…am just hoping at some point I’ll be given something to relieve the constant pain.
Thanks for the reply Pat, it helps a lot! I must say I’m glad you haven’t resorted to prowling the streets
Oonagh
xxx
Hi Raggamuffin,
I don’t have pain in my ankles…but maybe I do as I can’t discern between the lead legs and pins and needles in my feet.
I do struggle going upstairs as my legs are so heavy. God! Doesn’t it make you want to screeeeeeeeeeeeam!
Ahhhhhhh that’s better
Thank you both
Oonagh
xxx
Lead legs that sounds familiar as does the pains in feet when you first stand. I seem to struggle with pains in my arms and my grip of late.
After saying my new meds were working (note to self keep ones mouth shut) I am getting an intense sharp pain all down my upper body and arms it comes in waves but never goes away fully. I have had this pain before but not as bad as this started afternoon boy has it seems a long time!!!
Do any of you get this pain in your arms and problems with grip? I seem to read alot about leg problems but not alot on arms.
Also starting to think about getting a wheelchair/scooter any tips as not really sure where to start
Mark
Lead legs that sounds familiar as does the pains in feet when you first stand. I seem to struggle with pains in my arms and my grip of late.
After saying my new meds were working (note to self keep ones mouth shut) I am getting an intense sharp pain all down my upper body and arms it comes in waves but never goes away fully. I have had this pain before but not as bad as this started afternoon boy has it seems a long time!!!
Do any of you get this pain in your arms and problems with grip? I seem to read alot about leg problems but not alot on arms.
Also starting to think about getting a wheelchair/scooter any tips as not really sure where to start
Mark
Hi Mark,
I don’t get pains in my arms but I do get pins and needles in my hands and I have, what feels like, a band across the top of my right forearm that comes and goes.
Oonagh
xxx
Ho Oonagh, I have the very same thing at night and think it is as Pat describes. Unfortunately, I have it both sides so have to turn constantly throughout the night. Luckily, it wakens me but I go back to sleep once I turn over then it wakes me again and I have to turn again and so on. It is a nuisance but doesn’t disturb me too much, yet! Teresa xx
Hi not Ho! Teresa xx
LOL! I was nearly offended there It’s the disturbing my sleep that’s getting on my wick! I’ve never been a good sleeper due to shift work (the lab I used to work in ran 24/7). I’m going to take Pat’s advice and take 2 paras before bed to see if that helps.
Oonagh
xxx
Hi again Oonagh, I know it’s a big step (excuse pun!) but have you considered using a walking stick? (perhaps you already are?) It would help with your balance and would perhaps stop you from putting so much weight on your left leg.
There are some really funky ones available… check out online.
When you first use one it feels really weird and you think everyone is looking at you… but you soon get over that. Partly because nobody is taking any notice at all, but also because of the benefits. Helps balance, makes walking easier, gives a signal to people that you have a disability so people are more patient if you are a slow walker (inc drivers at crossings), and people usually offer you a seat on buses and trains.
Anyway, might be worth a try just to help your left leg out a bit.
Pat x
Hi Pat,
I bought a (quite funky) stick a little while ago. Deary me, when I first started using it I kept tripping myself up lol.
I actually bought it for two main reasons: to give me a bit of confidence and to stop people thinking I was drunk . As I haven’t been dx yet I’m not on any treatments for symptoms so I have just started to do some light exercises to hopefully help me with balance…only time will tell. Really, really trying to walk before I can run but I’m finding it very difficult to accept that I won’t be walking the fells anymore. Oh dear, excuse me while I have a little ’ moment’.
On the plus side, 2 of my girls are coming over tonight so I’m guaranteed a bloody good laugh!
Thank you Pat
xxx
Oonagh, re walking the fells… I know it’s heartbreaking to lose the ability to do such things. I also was a great walker.
Check this mobility scooter out:
Where there’s a will there’s a way
Pat xx
Dearest darling Santa…
Hi, sounds like you might have found the reason for the pain.ie to do with walking.
But may I talk about pressure pains for a mo, please?
I have this in my heels. it`s really painful at times.
Pressure pains are taken seriously, as if the skin breaks or ulcers form, they are very hard to deal with and can cause horrendous pain.
It is something I am seeing district nurses about.
Keep your skin well moisturised to avoid it cracking.
I also toss and turn all night to spread the pressure around my body.
i have an air circulating mattress and a profile bed. I got these on NHS.
I hope you can find a way to ease your pains.
luv Pollx
Thank you for the tip Poll. I hope the nurses can help you with your heels…sounds really painful.
xxx