Sleepless in Massachusetts!

Hello everyone
I had LAVTHBSO on 1/23/08 for endo/cysts. Initially I did not think my ovaries were removed due to feeling "no different"
which lasted only one week. since week 2 post op, I have suffered from horrible insomnia, I am wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for natural remedies as I cant go on HRT for another 5 months?
any input would be greatly appreciated!

I have used melatonin sublingually with success. You can get one milligram tablets at health food stores and some grocery stores. I usually take one milligram; doses of 1-3 mg. are the norm. Also, I recently purchased l-tryptophan, but I haven't tried it yet. If your problem requires something stronger, ambien works well for me also.

Hope you get some relief soon. I know what you are going through.

thanks I will give some of these things a try, I cant stand this anymore.
Is insomnia temporary or lasting?

As I sit here bleary eyed this morning from another night of insomnia, I can totally relate to how you're feeling. I've tried melatonin, Ambien and acupuncture. The Ambien works moderately well but I can't take it every nite or it won't work, the melatonin worked moderately well too. The most relief I've had so far has been from acupuncture. After my first treatment I slept great for 10 days and then the insomnia came back regardless of 2 more acupuncture treatments. The treatments have helped tremendously with hot flushes though.
The insomnia has been so frustrating. I expected to sleep like a rock after major surgery, but I haven't gotten a full good nite's sleep since before my surgery. The first nite i was in the hospital I was up almost all nite. I couldn't believe it! I don't like taking sleeping pills either, but when I have to I will.
I've read that exercising regularly and cutting way back on caffeine are supposed to help a lot with the insomnia. Once the snow melts here I'll be out doing my daily walking and hppefully that will help. My mother said she went thru the insomnia as well when she hit menopause, but she also said she's hasn't slept well since then either!
I'm seeing my doc in a few weeks and I'm going to have a serious discussion him about this. It is really affecting my life.
I'm sorry I don't really have any solutions. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone!
I'm wishing you good sleep!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by bailey1007 I've read that exercising regularly and cutting way back on caffeine are supposed to help a lot with the insomnia.

I had the insomnia after my surgery, and still from time to time wake up too early in the am. Yes, exercise works well provided you get your heart rate up when you exercise, and do it for at least 30min. at least every other day. The caffeine is a factor, I switched to decaf, and don't drink much of that because it has some in it, and if you drink enough it adds up.

If the weather is bad you might want to consider joining an indoor recreation center or health club, well worth it since they have bikes, gliders, treadmills, and weights , and that helps build bone and tones you up. If you cannot do that, then heading over to your indoor Mall will work, go early in am during the week and you can fast walk there. There are also lots of great dvd's to get your body moving. You can pick up one at the library, bookstore, Target, Wal-mart, etc.

Hang in there

s

My insomnia started about a week after surgery as yours did. I tried ambien, which did not work for me. Since then, I have tried an herbal product called Knock Out. It has melatonin in it. Another thing that has worked for me is Advil PM. The sleeping aid in it is Benadryl, so you might want to try either of those. My sleeping patterns are much better now, 7 weeks post-op.
Don't give up! Something will help you !

Hi everyone
thanks so much for all of your input, I do exercise and did a lot before surgery. I have tried some benadryl with limited success, I will keep on trying

Louie64!
Believe me you are not alone in your desire to sleep. It seems to be a fairly common "side effect". I am 7 weeks+ post op and still don't sleep more than a few hours at a time and sometimes can't get to sleep.

Hang in there and let's hope it gets better.

Hi I'm hear'n ya. One week post op BSO and I'm trying everything for SLEEP. I do use St John's wort and valerian together at night. Providing you take it late enough it does give you a decent amount of sleep. St John's Wort is helpful for depression DO NOT use with anti depressants. Another thing keeping me calm is bush flower remedies.This is the hardest thing I've ever been through with out a doubt. keep smiling girls.

Had another horrible sleepless nite last nite. I was awake more than I was asleep. I feel agitated and restless like I'm speed but it's really just exhaustion. I'm starting to lose my mind. If I only knew then what I know now, I highly doubt I would've had the surgery. The pain and heavy bleeding seem like a lifetime ago only to be replaced with a new kind of misery: hot flushes and insomnia and I'm only 44!! And the frustration and anger I feel towards the medical community for not telling me the "entire" truth about a TAH is only fueled by fire of insomnia!
Sorry to rant.....I'm not tired and I should be and I'm anxious about not sleeping again tonite. AAAHHH!!