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Sleep problems after surgery....

Posted , 4 users are following.

clarey1
clarey1

I'm 5 weeks post op and have developed a combination of insomnia and terrible nightmares.

I'm also very tearful and agitated.

Has anyone else experienced this?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • hayleybell
    hayleybell clarey1

    Posted

    Hello again....yes, I did but more around 7/8 weeks post op. It will pass.

    I am not in any way a medical profeesional, but my experience is;

    Your poor body has been through a huge ordeal, emotionally & physically.

    I put some of it down to masses of strong pain killers, it started for me when I stopped my morphine and could 'get my head around' (pun intended) what had just happened.

     Your body is also still ridding itself of the anaesthetic, so from all the sleep you have had, your body now needs to readjust to its normal routine, which will take a while.

    when I had my 8 month check up last month, I was reminded that the recovery is 2 years. This is not just your brain/head and neck/spine, this is your whole body. 

    I have heard that brain surgery can leave some people in a state of almost 'grief' temporarily. I would cry one minute, then feel quite agitated & then really p*ssed off. Then, I would randomly fall asleep and have terrible nightmares and sweats. It didn't last long, maybe a week or so.

    Be gentle with yourself, remember you have had a big op, let your body adjust. Avoid overdoing things, drink plenty of water, warm bubble baths and lots of tlc is in order.....

    ps how is your infection? 

    🤕

    • clarey1
      clarey1 hayleybell

      Posted

      Hi Hayleybell,

      Thank you so much for your reply!

      I just thought I was losing the plot a bit but you make complete sense. As usual!

      Infection had gone, though red and itchy again today. Aaarrrggghhh!!!

      I'll take it easy today - again! - and see how it goes!

      C x

    • hayleybell
      hayleybell clarey1

      Posted

      I am so pleased to hear the infection has gone.

      Red and itchy is good, apparently it means it is healing! 

      Take care hun x

  • htch
    htch clarey1

    Posted

    Can't offer you any advise but just wanted to wish you well and hopefully these symtpoms will pass shortly.

    I have terribly problems sleeping anyone so I can only imagine how this is when you are recovering from a mjor surgery as well

    All the best

    • clarey1
      clarey1 htch

      Posted

      Thank you.

      Hope you're keeping well.

      This sleep thing is no joke, is it?!

      C x

  • helen11122
    helen11122 clarey1

    Posted

    Hi, I had this too, but mine were about 1 to 2 wks after op, the dreams were so vivid! There is also a condition actually, it's a bit like post natal depression but it's post op depression. Things should improve all the time, I'm over 1st year since op and still have numbness on one side of head. Everyone recovers different. Hope you have a speedy recovery x
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