Note: This is a personal essay, akin to a page from a diary of a person who wants to share his state of being with the world.
I’m writing this to inform and entertain as usual but also in some desperation. What it is, I suffer from what I call Frozen Legs Syndrome, which sounds right to me without ever hearing about anyone being in the same boat.
If you do and you know the cure, PLEASE let me know about it!
I’m 77. I’ve had it every night for about five or six years and it’s true to say that in that time I haven’t had what people call ‘a good night’s sleep,’ or what people here in London might call ‘my required eight hours.’
And it’s got worse following my second knee replacement operation on July 21st. The knee’s coming along okay but not the legs at night.
I’ve tried different beds in different rooms, including the box-room ‘office’ and the sofa downstairs, all to no avail. I can snooze during the day because it’s okay to sleep for, say, 90 minutes before ‘faffing’ on this lovable old Mac and writing stuff like this. My legs slowly come to life again, I’m almost back to normal, and getting on with life again.
And, yes, of course I’ve tried things. Last night (August 18th) in an abnormally warm English summer, I went to bed as if I were climbing Ben Nevis; two pairs of socks, the second pair thermal; two pairs of pyjamas; a t-shirt and sweat shirt with sleeves; all under a heavy onesie.
Outside I might have been cautioned by the local police if they spotted me. Inside, eventually, my feet and legs froze. Under our wonderful National Health Service I saw a consultant who said my circulation was okay as his body language said he’d really rather see his next private patient.
Thermal Fleece Leg Warmer Furry Thick High Boot Leg Knee Braces Leg Warmers Stocking Plush Warm Legging Socks Anti-slip Knee Pads Leg Sleeves Support Protector for Women Men Arthritis Pain Relief’ is on its way from Amazon Prime as we speak and I’ll be giving it a go tonight.
A somewhat desperate Plan B is to carve the night up into 90-minute slots on alarm, sleep for those periods if I can and fill, say, the best part of an hour faffing away like this or reading my latest Rex Stout novella starring genius detective Nero Wolfe and his affable sidekick Archie Goodwin. All to make things better if poss.
Plus…I’m seeing the knee surgeon at 11.20am on Thursday (August 21st) and see if he’s got any ideas on the subject. Report back in December.
DoubleSpeak 