wish I could sleep

Hi, again,

I'm here again, asking for advice-sorry to be such a bother. I have two more nights before surgery and I don't know how I'll ever sleep. Ever since I found out about my TAH BSO I've been awake. I've tried tylenol with a sleep aide, a glass of wine , and a warm glass of milk, not all at the same time mind you, but nothing seems to work. The night seems to be the most difficult time for me. I can keep busy during the day, get my mind off of things, but come midnight, my mind races and the real stuff begins. I know I will get plenty of sleep after the surgery, but this can't be good for my body. What can I do, any suggestions? I want to be strong for my recovery. I know the anxiety is overwhelming at times, thus the sleeplessness, but I would certainly welcome a night free of fear. Am I alone in this situation? I would think not. Thanks for listening once again. This is a wonderful sight to have found, thank you!

Hugs again
Lynn

Lynn, you are NOT a bother. Just a thought.....could you call your doctor's office tomorrow and ask him to call in a prescription for a sleeping pill? Just one if he can do it........that's all you'll need for tomorrow night. I don't think he should have a problem with it. Try not to worry (I know, easy for me to say). Best wishes and positive (sleepy) thoughts coming your way.

Lynne:
No, you sure are not alone with the insomnia. I have not rested well for several nights. I have tried reading but my eyes get tired, tv is boring, i hate just lying in bed. so i move to the couch and sometimes that helps. i understand your concern about your body needing rest, but sometimes you just have to work through it the best you can. we will rest after this week . best of luck to you.

Lynne,

I remember how it felt to be a LIW. I, too, was pretty okay during the day as I was feverishly trying to complete a dozen projects at work. And then night came and my mind raced.

Don't know if this will work for you, but a hot bath followed by meditation (wherein I instructed myself to put all thoughts out of my mind) got me through those last pre-op nights.

Whatever happens, don't stress too much about not being able to get to sleep--that just makes it worse and a couple nights spent tossing and turning won't do much damage to your health. Think of all that sleep you'll get post-op!

Best of luck to you.

Dear Lynn,

First I would like to say I love this site also. I am having a VH on June 15, 2001. I was fine until a few days ago. I guess it all hit. I started stressing out. My Husband helped alot, and this site has helped alot. Are you nervous about the surgery itself? I found the more I read about it the more relaxed I am. I have also found reading a good book about anything but the subject will put me to sleep. I read until my mind is at rest. I don't know if it will help you but it's worth a shot. Good luck with the sleep, and with your surgery!