6 days post op and NO sleep!

Well, this has certainly turned out to be the hardest thing I have ever tried to cope with.
Surgery on 5-23 turned into a 2 1/2 hr. ordeal. Uterus was grapefruit size, one fibroid was compacted against my rectum and one against my back, falopian tubes were filled with fluid and very large also. I was able to keep one ovary. Doc had to take my uterus out in two pieces. Recovery has been a real bummer so far. I threw up 2 or 3 times a day in the hospital, 2 different IV sites that both infused and sent all that med they were giving me right into my tissues. I told them it hurt, but they just kept shoving the stuff in. Still can't take any pain meds, just ibuprophen. I came home on Thursday and have gotten about 4 or 5 hours sleep since then.
The reason I can't sleep is because I have a sinus drainage that stings my throat and makes me cough OUCH, when I am on my back.
Last night I took a sinus pill and it was no help at all. I lie down and just when I fall asleep...Wham! a caughing attack. I even tried to sleep sitting up as much as I can...proped up with pillows. Nothing has helped.
I know it is going to get better and hopefully I will be able to lay on my side soon, the sinus drainage doesn't sting my throat when I'm on my side. BUT, for now I am MISERABLE!! My wonderful husband is also not sleeping because of this. We are full time RV people and I can't go into a different room if you know what I mean.
I wonder how long it will be before I can roll onto my side for sleep? I am really trying hard to be positive. I know my little ovary that was left is trying to give me some help, but sometimes the tears just come. I do know it will take time, but for now this is the pits!

Just thought I would get this off my chest.
Thanks,
Carol

Hello Carol,

The dranage that is causing your cough sounds like what I chronically suffer. Of course you must notify your doctor of this complication.

I am sure your doctor will perscribe something to eleviate your cough and sinus problems as they don't like to see us coughing early in recovery due to the chances of ripping internal stiches or something.

I have to take a dose of robitusin, or perscription strength cough medicine with codine, and a dose of benedryl before bed. The benedryl stops the throat itching from the drainage that makes me cough, and the robitusin helps combat the cough as well.

I have also noticed that a simple saline nose drop helps temendously to eleviate the dranage as well.

Another good thing is to sleep proped up or even in a recliner.

Dear Carol,

You poor thing, I'm sorry you're so miserable. I don't understand why you can't be taking pain meds. It this because of the incident in the hosital with the IV? I'm sorry to be dumb here, but was just concerned about you not being able to have something more for your pain. If you had something you might be able to turn on your side better. Have you tried to use a body pillow? Some princesses have been able to find a comfortable postition using one to support their tummies.
Have you tried adding some moisture to the air with a humidifier? Just thought this might help to sooth your sore throat.
I think you need to let your dr know what is happening if you haven't. It isn't good for you or your dh to not sleep. You need your rest to heal too.
It sounds like you are trying to stay positive, bless your heart. I hope this will all be better very soon. Keep us posted.

's, Rita

Thanks for the concern, ladies. I have had a sinus drainage all my life, but never thought it would give me this much troubble. The reason I couldn't take pain meds is because all of them (and I tried 3 or 4) made me throw up. I tried sleeping sitting up, moisture, etc, etc. Finally yesterday morning I said the heck with it and took a percodan with some yogurt and low and behold it stayed down and was a wonderful thing. The pain was GONE for the first time since surgery. After an hour I took a sleep aid and got 6 hours of beautiful sleep. I have been able to tolerate the percodan and a xanax (I take this for sleep) and I can lay on my side, with pillows to the front of me and pillows to the back of me (a little Buffett reference) and sleep like a baby. I must have sounded pathetic in my first letter, but now I feel so much better. My DH is sleeping too! Now I know I WILL make it after all.

It's a beautiful day...
Butterfly kisses to you all.
Carol

Carol,
I am so glad you got a good nights sleep! IT definatly makes a big difference doesn't it?

Gosh I know what you mean about suffering sinuses for a lifetime! There are days I wish I was back in the hospital because while there with the filtered air, mine didn't bother me at all. MMMM I wonder if I could just live in a bubble for the rest of my life (Laughing)