not sleeping well

I am sooo not sleeping well. Combination of pain at times, and nerves, maybe hormones, the rest of the time. It seems like I shut my eyes, and no matter how tired I am, I just can't let go, I am too scared. As of Friday, due to surgery, I can't take any ibuprofen - which is what helps my pain. Any suggestions from you ladies out there? Or is it just me?

Hi,

No, I don't that you're alone with the sleeplessness. I suffered frpm it a lot pre op (almost 2 years ago now ). What helped me was to take a nice long bath, a cup of hot tea ( or whatever helps relax you ) and soothing music. I also got approval from my dr to take a sleep aid when needed.

I think that maybe you should call your dr and discuss it with him/her. Hopefully he/she can give you some help. I know that I'm better able to face the world when I'm well rested.

Best wishes.

s

my doc's nurse called in a prescrip for darvoset. Then on the phone we also discussed if I am only taking one darvoset a day, I could take tylenol or tylenol PM before surgery. Just making sure I don't get too much tylenol per day. But we worked it out. The darvoset actually helps with the pain and to relax and sleep. But I would call the doc's, they are very familiar with all of this, and know what to do. They want a rested and comfortable patient coming in to surgery! And so do we!

I have fibromyalgia and they took my Motrin away for a week before surgery. Motrin is the only anti-inflam that helps me, so this was huge! But I spoke with my doc and he gave me darvoset and when that didn't work, he prescribed percoset. It was just enough to get me out of pain and also made me sleepy so I was able to rest up.

Call your doc...they WILL help you sweetie!

I am having a terrible time sleeping. I struggle to go to sleep and then about 3:00 a.m. I awake with nightmares or my mind is racing until about 5:00 a.m. I must work every day as I am taking all of my sick leave for the surgery but I can barely drag myself to the office. I will try hot tea tonight and any other suggestions one may have.

Diana

Just a couple non-drug suggestions for fighting insomnia: if you drink tea at bedtime, be sure it's de-caf or herbal. Also, a lot of Sisters have found that drinking a cup of Ovaltine before bed has helped them to get a better night's sleep.

Good luck tonight on your "date with the Sandman!"

Thank you for the advice, ladies. I appreciate it very much. Unfortunately, herbal tea is a no-no (at least chamomile, valerian and anything else that relaxes...) and I can't take any narcotic pain meds because as a single mom, I can't take a chance. Still waiting for a return call from the doctor. I will try warm milk tonight before bed- that was my grandfather's remedy for not sleeping. Any ideas about what to do when I wake up in the middle of the night with fear? I try to write in a journal and while that helps with anxiety, it doesn't help me sleep.

Peace

Hello again, Sarah!

Your description of waking up in the middle of the night was exactly what I began to experience in the weeks before my surgery. My doctor prescribed a low-dose anxiety medication, Xanax, for me to take "as needed." He explained to me that Xanax is only to be prescribed for short-term "situational anxiety" such as pre-op nervousness, for example. I took one every night at bedtime and it helped me to sleep through the night. It's not a "sleeping pill." It didn't make me so "out of it" that I wouldn't have been able to function in case of an emergency...which I'm sure is your concern because of being responsible for your child.

Anyway, it's just an idea for you to consider discussing with your doctor.

s to you!