Monday, October 3, 2016

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.

42 comments :

  1. Yes! So glad you discovered this. The place we stay when we head south for the winter has a bed that really bothered my back. I tried the pillow trick and it was like magic!

    I'm guessing that it has something to do with realigning the hips and spine. What would we do without Dr. Google!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole,
      That is what I understand is what happens. So glad you have tried it and it works for you. It is magic.

      Delete
  2. Good job! I shall try your advice. Plus thanks for the disclaimer of NO possible side effects. Don't tell the FDA or they will find something.

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    Replies
    1. Annie,
      Ha ha, let's hope not. Sure this is as benign as it gets.

      Delete
  3. I have been sleeping with a pillow between my knees for years now, and I just move it out of the way when I change positions in the middle of the night and replace it when I'm comfy. Glad it's working for you! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Djan,
      The only problem I had was maneuvering it under the sheets without totally waking up. So glad you are all ready on board.

      Delete
  4. Yes! I have used the pillows for years. I have way less aches and pains than I did in younger years. Had I known you were resisting a simple fix, I would have snuck into your room and tucked that pillow between your legs...
    Well...maybe not. I generally try to avoid actions that might land me in jail.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Olga,
      Ha ha, wouldn't have had you arrested but I could have used a stern talking to years ago. It does work.

      Delete
  5. I have a little bit of a problem with my hip, but exercise tend to work it out some, still I might gove this a try.

    Couldn't hurt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. joeh,
      Not only can't hurt but it is free. I went from occasional stiffness to pain so maybe you should nip it in the bud. Good luck.

      Delete
  6. The granny warrior yoga instructor here, told us to give it a try, and it has helped many. I'm glad you found relief!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brig,
      This is a common treatment known by many that actually works. I'd trust a yoga instructor.

      Delete
  7. This is GREAT news, Patti. I'm so glad it worked. I'm going to share this with my mom who always wakes up with low back pain and already has had a hip replaced. I'll let you know how she does with it. Thank you for consulting Dr. Google!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. robin,
      Oh how I hope it helps your Mom. It is simple but very effective. Do let me know.

      Delete
  8. You are such a goodie. Passing along what works for us is the true measure of being a loving member of a community. That's why I shared my magnesium oil. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Hurrah. xoxo Oma Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda W,
      You know it. Somethings are just too good not to share especially if it might help someone else. Thank you.

      Delete
  9. Yep - the pillow trick works! Why do we always want complex answers when simple often do the trick? I guess we just can't believe something so easy with no side effects would work. Slleep well, Patti!

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    Replies
    1. Barb,
      I am usually the first to jump on the bandwagon of simple--don't know why I fought this for so long. And yes, I am sleeping much better.

      Delete
    2. Patti, I thought of you when I walked yesterday - was wondering how you're feeling. That weightloss is amazing! Bob actually lowered his blood pressure in a short time (was just in caution area, not high) by changing 4 things - no alcohol, no caffeine, magnesium supplementation, and diet (vegetarian). We were shocked that he lowered it so quickly!

      Delete
    3. Barb,
      Doing good. I have kept the weight off for the past 10 months. Still have a few old age complaints but nothing I can't live with. That is super about Bob. I am a huge believer that we have a lot of control over our health. Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure can be greatly helped by diet and exercise. Keep up the good work.

      Delete
  10. I have heard about this, and glad it worked for you. I'll have to try it myself, to be sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rosaria,
      It is so good to hear from you after all these years. I thought you quit blogging. I will pop over to see if you are posting again.
      Yes, try it, you have nothing to lose.

      Delete
  11. The pillow routine was used by me too. What else I use from inflamtion reduction is MSM crystals with fitered water. It seems we all need a bit more of MSM at all ages but moreso now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heidrun,
      So glad you are also using the pillow. I have tried MSM but did have a reaction of abdominal discomfort. So glad it works for you.

      Delete
  12. I've slept with a pillow between my legs when I've had back pain and it really dioes work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephen,
      I am so glad you too got relief. Guess I am the last to the table here.

      Delete
  13. Hubby uses a pillow but he won't ditch his recliner which is horrible for your back.

    Glad it helped. I like pleasant surprises.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail,
      Thanks for the recliner warning. And here I was thinking of getting one.

      Delete
  14. I'm like you as I can't stand having my legs covered by pajamas. I do occasionally have back pain (especially after a heavy duty gardening day) so I'll have to try to the pillow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eileen,
      I sure hope it helps you. Just wish I had started doing this sooner and prevented the pain in the first place.

      Delete
  15. I'm going to have to try this, even though I don't like anything on my legs and get hot with even a sheet over me. A trip back to the chiropractor is in order for me, too. I'm suspecting my recliner isn't helping, but it's hard to give it up! Thanks for the tip, Patti. Have a nice week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl,
      Yes, it can get hot with the pillow. I crank the thermostat down.You are the second to boo hiss recliners. And I was so looking forward to lazing in one. Guess not now.

      Delete
  16. I used a pillow when I injured my hip and it did help. I was diagnosed with moderate arthritis in it also, but right now I have no pain. I will remember this post though if the pain returns. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Inger,
      It is a good plan to file away and hope you never need it.

      Delete
  17. I'm convinced. But now I have to pass it on to my spouse who is very stubborn with trying anything but a certified doctors who dispenses pills...:(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TB,
      Good luck. I understand her reluctance. It seems too simple to work. I fought using it for years.

      Delete
  18. Great advice about the pillow, and wonderful to find something that works without needing drugs. I've been using a small pillow some nights between my arm and body to ease shoulder pain, and this also helps quite a bit.

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    Replies
    1. Peter,
      Hum, I have a bum shoulder also. Maybe I will try a pillow cure there also. Thanks.

      Delete
  19. This is so interesting! I sleep with a king sized long pillow (in front of me) with my knee on it since I'm a side sleeper now too. It didn't occur to me to put it between my legs. On the other hand, I also like resting my arm on it at the same time so I think I'll keep doing what I'm doing. Then again... hmmmm... I think I'll just see what it feels like with the pillow actually between my legs. Intriguing.

    ReplyDelete

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