Trouble sleeping?? - ThinnerTimes

Duckie · 04-24-2006, 02:11 PM

Has anyone been having (have you had) trouble sleeping post operatively? I had my surgery on the 31st and have been NOT been able to fall asleep without med. I tried two tylenol PMs and NOTHING, still wide awake. I have had to take two percocets (left over from surgery) in order to fall asleep and still don't sleep well. I'm up until 4a.m. or so and sleeping until noon (off and on). THankfully, I live alone and this is not a problem with family, etc. Is this just me or has anyone else had this problem?

Ryn · 04-24-2006, 03:17 PM

I couldn't sleep post-op, I think it was from itching though. I would scratch and pace like a crack head.

Duckie · 04-24-2006, 05:04 PM

nope, no itching. Just dying to get to sleep. lol

michelleJC · 04-24-2006, 06:15 PM

This has been my number 1 complaint since my surgery almost 5 months ago. I tried everything. Then my doctor thought maybe I was suffering from depression as many do post surgery so I was put on anti-depressants. Didn't do anything. I now take ambien which is one freaky drug. But I can't take it forever so not sure what we are going to do. My problem is that I can't get to sleep and when I do, I only sleep for about 3-4 hours then I am wide awake. I am a pediatric nurse and that much sleep just doesn't cut it so it has really affected my job and how many hours I can work. I don't know what has caused this and nobody seems to be able to figure it out. I have tried exercising more, eating different things, you name it. Nothing works. It is extremely frustrating to say the least and really has affected my life in a negative way. I am always tired and fatigued which just adds to the stress problem. If you find something that works, let me know. I have tried Tylenol PM which made me hyper and so did Benadryl. I have tried anti- anxiety meds. and herbals such as Valerian root. I have done warm baths and aromatherapy. Good Luck!!

Duckie · 04-24-2006, 07:02 PM

OMG.. MIchelle, we are twins! lol My name is Michelle and I'm a pediatric (ICU) nurse too. lol Small world eh? I don't go back to work until mid may but I am petrified that I'm still going to have this problem! I work 12 hour night shifts and this is seriously going to be a problem. I'm glad it's NOT JUST ME! I have no idea what the problem is either. I was already on Paxil and started on Trazadone tonight. (I'll let ya know if it works.) My MD is looking into whether or not my insurance will cover Ambien or Lunesta. I'm at my wits end!
p.s.: I used to live in Marshfield and worked in the PICU at St. Josephs. I lived there for two years. I moved back home almost 4 years ago.

ready4achange · 04-24-2006, 08:00 PM

I had my surgery in Sept. and still have trouble staying asleep. My doctor gave me a script for ambien I haven't had it filled yet.
Sandy

michelleJC · 04-24-2006, 08:04 PM

Michelle I sent you a personal message. Maybe we can chat sometime.

Laura@BellaBabies · 04-24-2006, 08:05 PM

Duckie could it be that you are just used to sleeping during the day and being up all night? Trying to sleep at night may just be a bit of a challange since you have done the oppisite for so long?

Duckie · 04-24-2006, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the PM Michelle, I responded.
Laura, no that's not it. I can sleep ANY time of day normally. lol It's one of my favorite past times.

Ready: try the ambien, it might help?

goblin · 04-25-2006, 10:10 AM

I started having sleeping troubles once I started to feel better after my complications. I have a miserable time trying to get to sleep at night...no matter how tired I should be. I feel completely awake. When I finally get to sleep, I tend to wake up too soon. My doctor prescribed sublingual ativan. It works, but then I tend to be tired the next day.

It has occurred to me that this is partly due to a change in metabolism and partly to do with the fact that I'm not as tired because I'm carrying 60 fewer pounds. In any event, it's a pain in the butt.

Lisa A.