Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group rib cage or heart involvement and typical pain for

how does the sleeping on your back work? I always try... but fail and land up on my side.. and pay for it the next day hehe

I sleep basicaly sitting up - but at a bit of a recline. Sometimes manage to sleep on my side, but then my chest starts to get that crushed-in feeling.

Attended my French class today. Feeling more and more dreadful, spaced out, abdomen in painful spasms and suddenly terribly tired. Had to leave in the middle of the second session. Got to the surgery and the doctor fitted me in as an emergency; abdomen really spasming, thought I was going to pass out. BP high (but he didn't give me the numbers) He examined me and gave me antispasmodics. He was good to consult with - reckons colitis. Yes, I go along with that (hope it aint anything more, but need to get it thoroughly checked out.) He says to check back with him if it doesn't settle down/continues. (Getting on and off that couch was diff. Help, I got quite stuck getting off of it. Back and neck was going into a number on me - what a mess. Sigh.)

Got a script, but couldn't drive home. Walked to the pharmacy then walked home. (TG I live very central in this small town.) When I got in I made myself a pot of green tea - was what I needed. Then tucked myself into the corner of the settee.

Later watched some TV but was seeing double - weird. Sight eventually cleared back to normal. Spasmodics worked, and I was able to walk back down to the surgery to pick up my car.

Spasms are just begining to start over again. Better take some more meds, sigh. Don't want another night like last night...just hope houndette don't come out in sympathy - again!!?

Ditto here Sue. Can't bear the stricture around my rib cage. Darn uncomfortable. But again, with summer and perforce lighter clothing, suppose I'll have to suck it up... Always summat with this condition

Hi Sonja,

I use pillows to keep me on my back. I've described this elsewhere on the forum - I have a thin feather pillow and I push the feathers to the sides so it's flat in the middle. The flat bit goes under my neck and the plump sections either side of my head/face which helps to keep my head from rolling to one side. Then I have pillows under my knees. That pretty much keeps me on my back.

I didn't have to do this over the last three weeks on prednisone but I'll be back to this tonight along with pain meds before I go to bed.

wendy, did you come spy on me one night while i was sleeping and copy me!

that's exactly how i would describe my sleeping on my back, right down to the way of squishing that feather pillow. exact same type of feather pillow, etc.

sue

Hi Sue,

I've noticed before that we are sleep copycats

wendy those kids are so CUTE!!!!

I know - but I'm trying to find a way to get the images to show up clearer. If you click on the pictures, you can load a better copy.

Sounds like AS to me. I get soreness along the ribs and around the sternum or diaphragm. Deep breathing will aggravate it. I don't know of anyway to relieve it. You can't exactly stretch that area.

ultrasound helps my ribs if i have a particularly bad spot.

sue