Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
R
rollergal Asked March 2020

My husband has Parkinson's and I get up at 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. I'm having trouble sleeping because I also have severe back pain. Advice?

I don't know what to do?

Linda22 Mar 2020
My husband was also on a four hour schedule for carbidopa We used the continuous release carbidopa for nighttime. One dose before bedtime held for eight hours. His neuro said the CR was fine at nighttime because there was no issue with eating protein during that period. I found melatonin helped with my sleep. PD affects absolutely everything from head to toe...many hugs to you and your husband.

rollergal Mar 2020
I get up to give my husband his medication  at 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.  and to help him get to the bathroom without falling and helping him back in bed.  My back is bad because I have a compression fracture on the left side.  I do exercises for it and I also have pain medication that helps.
NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2020
My mother takes a 7 o’clock dosage but nothing during the sleeping hours. That’s tough. Broken sleep is dreadful. I’m so sorry that you aren’t able to rest. Please speak to his neurologist again about meds being adjusted to a more tolerable schedule.

ADVERTISEMENT


NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2020
Sorry that I overlooked that you have back pain. I am so sorry. Have you spoken to an orthopedic doctor to see if there are options to help you?

I noticed that my previous response only addressed the Parkinson’s issue which is very sensitive to me because my mom has Parkinson’s disease. Please forgive me for not addressing your back issues.

Grandma1954 Mar 2020
Why are you getting up at 3:00 am and 7:00 am?

As to the back pain are you seeing anyone for it? And do you know the cause? (I see on your profile you like rollerblading..I can't imagine doing that at all but not at all with a bad back!)
If the pain is from helping your husband get up the situation probably will not improve and most likely will get worse.
If you do not have equipment to help him you may end up injuring yourself to the point that you will both need care.
I used a Sit-to-Stand with/for my Husband and getting him up was so easy. When he no longer could support himself I started using a Hoyer Lift. The equipment was ordered through Hospice but could easily be obtained by talking to your doctor and it can be ordered.
Another option would be to get a caregiver that would come in and do overnight work.
NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2020
Exercising is so good for us. It is good to be active.
TNtechie Mar 2020
I also have troubles getting back to sleep at night due to back pain. Getting my mind on something other than the pain or my worries helps me. I read a book, usually a re-read because if its a new book, I might get too interested to go back to sleep. Recently I have started using audible audiobooks with the sleep mode. Being able to close my eyes and just listen to the voice reading the book without needing to turn pages or remain in any given position helps a lot. I use a wired earbud to avoid disturbing others.

NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2020
Why are you waking up? To help him with bathroom trips or what?

Parkinson’s is tough. My mom has it.

Sorry that you are struggling with caring for him. It’s difficult to watch someone suffer. It’s exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter