COULD IT BE THAT SIMPLE?

For years I have dealt with arthritis in my hip and a herniated disc in my back.  I have kept pretty much mobile so there has been mostly just an annoyance level to my pains.   However in the last year the pains have increased to the point of some concern. My limp was getting more pronounced and pain in my back was becoming a constant. Will I need a hip replacement? Will I need back surgery?

Well, I consulted Dr. Google and as usual he always fits me right in, no appointment necessary.  Per usual however, I skipped over the most common remedy  the good doc offered which is to place a pillow between my knees for sleeping. This is highly recommended if you are a side sleeper like me. Back sleepers are to put the pillow under their knees and stomach sleepers are to put it under their stomach.

Compliments of Mayo Clinic

I have heard all this before and have always rejected the idea. I mean, how can a person possibly sleep with their legs trapped like that? I don't even wear pajama bottoms as I can't stand my legs being confined.  How could I ever change positions during the night without it being a major project?

Well I had gotten to the point of being willing to try anything and that remedy kept popping up. Knowing full well it would not be effective but I had to like the price--free-- and what did I have to lose outside of a nights sleep?

So I jammed a pillow between my knees, set my jaw and expected nothing except a restless night. What I didn't expect was that it was no big annoying deal. I did not have a problem changing positions in bed for I didn't try to. Evidently we change positions searching for comfort. Guess what?? I was oddly comfortable so I slept peacefully.

I dared the process when I woke for my nightly potty run and I challenged that pillow before moving. "Ok, let's see if I can get out of bed now with out groaning."  Holy Moly, almost no pain getting out of bed. Hum, I thought as I got back into bed, lets see how this turns out in the AM. That will be the true test.

I awoke in the morning and got up again with almost no pain.  Huh??

I was a rapidly becoming a believer by now and kept up the pillow routine for the next three nights. The improvement has been significant. Could all of my pains be relieved by so simple a method? For now, I am saying a big time "YES".

If you have similar problems and have avoided this procedure like I have, just try it. The worst that can happen is that you will have a miserable nights sleep. The best that could happen is you will finally get relief and there are no side effects like we get with most medicinal remedies. I promise, no headaches, diarrhea, upset stomachs, blurred vision, dizziness, memory problems, or oily gas (that last side effect always scared me) and it is even safe for pregnant women.

You may all ready be doing this but if not, I hope this brings you or someone you know some relief. My job is done.