Sleep is definitely something we need. Along with a constant schedule. They both go hand-in-hand. If you don't follow a set schedule, you can end up in a flare up with no relief in site. I have been in a flare up for a year now and I'm still fighting with doctors over medications. By the end of April, I was taking 18 pills a day and all I felt was constantly tired. The medications I was talking kept constantly drowsy with no relief for the pain. By the beginning of May, I had run out of the majority of the medication and quit taking everything but my effexor. I still hurt, but at least I am not walking around in a daze and trying to sleep 10-14hrs. At times, I may only get 2-4 hrs of sleep, but I can function better.

The reason I am in the flare up is because I was forced to change jobs over a year ago and I started working different shifts. I am in the military and too close to retirement (less than 3 years) to quit. I bounce between 12 hr days and nights. It takes me about 2 weeks for the pain to ease up after I get back on days. When I work nights, I can't get away from the pain because I have various appointments and training during the days on my days off. I have tried explaining my situation to my supervisor, but I just get a schedule that bounces more. I have another doctor appointment at the end of June and I am hoping I can convince my doctor to put me in for a medical board to get permission to retrain into a job that is primarily a day shift.

I have given up on lifting my arms over my head. I no longer use my left arm for driving unless I am on a staight road. There are times I wake up with so much pain in my hips, I have problems moving. If anyone has any idea how to deal with shift work, I would love to hear them.