how to sleep for 4 hours straight

[GordonCook]

I'm not quite sure how to organize my queries.   last night my night was not real good.   this morning  I had a new 50 µg patch  and the 12 µg.  on Friday  I do 50 µg only.     in the last 30 or so hours  I have had only one  narco  i.e. 10 mg hydrocodone  and  this evening I have felt more bright eyed and bushy tailed than usual.  have gotten useful writing done  have spent an hour so far today on my cardio strider will spend another 30 minutes on it before going to sleep.   at the moment I don't feel any pain  and have been able to move around quite well.   there is probably no explanation but  I am really  trying to concentrate on what works and avoid what doesn't seem to work.   it would be really nice if I slept better tonight but who knows.  am avoiding  putting pressure on my arms at this point because I have done so much they have become quite sensitive and sore.  

[Tuckamore]

I meant to add - you're doing well in your inquires. Ppl are more apt to see your single heading or title and respond to your questions.

If what you have to comment - or ask-  is an addition to the initial title you can just keep adding to your thread. It's the "new" questions that get better visibility.

Thanks You,
~Tuck

[Tuckamore]

I'm delighted to hear that so far - so good - with the reduction of opiates. Remember that just like it took several days for you to feel the full effects when you increased, or began the Fentanyl - it will take several days for your body to feel the effects of the reduction of it.

I am also delighted that you are able to exercise. I caution you not to over-do. A flare right now could push you backwards. Take it slow and steady.

I tried Tramadol for several weeks with absolutely no effect on my pain. Now that may be because my system did not utilized Tramadol well. Maybe it was because my pain was too severe to be controlled by Tramadol. Just because it wasn't effective for me doesn't mean it wouldn't be effective for you. I've heard other members claim it's very effective and controls their pain.  

I think I've told you that Lyrica has been a welcome addition to my medication regime.  It was/is 100% more effective than Tramadol. Remember it is in a different family of medications. It works best on nerve pain - helps that ole sciatica.

You might want to discuss taking some Benadryl at HS (Hour of Sleep) with your PMP. He may not agree that it would be a good addition due to your Fentanyl - but it's worth discussing. We used it effectively as a sleeping aid and safely in the facilities I practiced.  

There are other medications that can promote sleep without taking a "sleeping pill" - which I highly discourage. Chamomile tea is commonly used as a remedy for sleeplessness. It's also said to reduce anxiety and boost the immune system. My sister uses it regularly and finds it effective.

Hope you pain continues to be minimal - and that you can get some sleep. It's important in general health - and controlling pain.

My Best,
~Tuck

[GordonCook]

been following up on tucks advice
long acting opiates for chronic pain produced a bunch of useful info

anyone with useful exprience with  tramadol or ultram?
need to do 10 minutes  cardio strider then back to bed

seated typing feeling mild si joint

[GordonCook]

did not sleep for 4 hours but did sleep for three and have just done 20 minute on cardio strider aka recumbent cross trainer.  pain level ok.   :-)  reporting like this because i am nervous about going to the flat 50 mcg