Hi all,

I've had adult on-set non-genetic spinal muscular atrophy for 11 years now. This disease affects all the muscles in my body and I have been gradually losing weight over the years. Prior to my illness I weighed 130 pounds. I've been hanging in there up until last winter and that was a nightmare. I am down to 88 pounds and I must say, it's not pretty.

My problem is this. When I lie/lay down at night I can feel every bone in my body. Ribs, hip bones, back bones all feel like I'm resting on cement. My mattress is fairly new and I have a new mattress pad but there just seems like there is something else I could do. I am still independent and live alone (widow). Has anyone gone through this? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Susan

Susan...
while I don't have your DX conditon, I empathize with much you're experiencing.

Finding comfort esp in bed has been very challenging. I tried many toppers, cushions, etc. then I bought a new memory foam mattress-- hoping comfort and sleep would improve but still "too hard" and uncomforatable --seems to exaccerbate pain & other neuro SX. .

I began to use [medical] sheepskins in bed --first for cold feet then placed under-most sensitive or painful sites (like my knee when it was fractured few weeks ago)
Sheepskin has helped more than anything I've tried but size of skins can be limiting as well as shapes. I"ve been re-consdering getting sheepskin "topper' matress- cover for entire mattress. pricey but something to consider???

my mother went thru similar weight loss & comfort problems.as well as wounds . tried various mattresses--foam, water, etc; sand beds and some other things ordered by DRs & therapists were covered by Medicare. (sorry I don't recall all -or know what may be available now for you. Perhaps a consult w/ DR or PT or other therapist -- could be beneficial.
or others will reply with better suggestions-- somethings that will help ---
wishing you the Best....

Pono........

Wow. I've never heard of sheepskin as a padding. Brilliant. Can you tell me where I can purchase online? Thanks a lot.

Susan

Her's some info links for you, i hope you find something to help-
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c...ed&btnG=Search

DH and I went mattress shopping not long ago. We tried a mattress made from gel, and it was very comfortable.

There are a few different softness levels. Also, you can purchase only a topper. Rather spendy, but very nice. We haven't bought a new mattress yet, but it is definitely a consideration when we do.

http://intellibedmattress.com/

Sweet dreams!

Thank you for the response to my question. As usual, you all are great.

Susan

I recently was trying to decide between an Intelli Bed and an Ortho Gel mattress from MyComfort in Utah.(**) Has anyone tried out the Ortho Gel line? Any pointers on advantages or disadvantages?

The Company Store, has an item like this. Before you give up on beds, the new temperpedic has different levels of comfort now. Kind of like goldie locks and the three bears, One should be just perfect for you. If your doc. orders it, I believe medicare, and some insurance companies pay a portion. Sheep skin has been used in hospitals for preventing bed hurts. I hope you find something that can ease your body for a comfortable nights sleep. Pick up a little weight. You can borrow some of mine... Take care, ginnie

I have not had sergery on my back but have had some injections for back truble though sense I got my memory foam ajustable bed the pain has let up a grate deal hope this helps