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Clips out!

Posted , 8 users are following.

jennifer86394
jennifer86394

Just got back from having my clips out.  It's looking good.  Feeling good apart from the sleep deprivation. I just can't get used to sleeping on my back.  I'm considering asking the doc for something to help me sleep, just for a while.  Has anyone else done this ?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • hollowlegs
    hollowlegs jennifer86394

    Posted

    Hi Im 3 weeks post op and had my clips out last thursday, scar healing nicely.  Im like you though, can not sleep on my back and feel like I haven't slept in ages.  I do take a lot of medication for other things which do make me drowsy and I do drop off quite quickly but after an hour or so I'm awake and staring at the ceiling for hours.  Then the pain kicks in, in my lower back, my knees and both hips.  I would definately ask for something to make you sleep as long as it doesn't effect any other medication you are on.  Unfortunately for me I dont think they will give me anything.  Hope you get sorted soon and get some much deserved sleep.

    Hugs x

    • jennifer86394
      jennifer86394 hollowlegs

      Posted

      Hello. I'm only on paracetamol so hopefully it won't be a problem. I'm not in much pain at all to be honest.  I generally feel ok , it's just I'm so tired .  I'm just waiting for the the doctor to ring so fingers crossed.  Xx
  • linda38528
    linda38528 jennifer86394

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer,

    Sleep deprivation - worse than when nursing because at least my husband could spell me off at times then!

    I finally tried using melatonin (I used it in the past to help adjusting to new times zones when travelling with my work).

    It helps to get to sleep and although I still needed to get up periodically - toilet and stretching, I could fall back to sleep. I used one tablet each night (sublingually) and after about a week my routine got better and I discontinued it as it is NOT for longterm use.

    As usual though check with your GP or pharmacist to ensure there is no harm for you.

    Good luck.

    Hugs,

    L

    • jennifer86394
      jennifer86394 linda38528

      Posted

      Will report back after I've spoken to the doctor.  Ohh for a good nights sleep.  X
  • Fernlady
    Fernlady jennifer86394

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer, my clips are coming out on Saturday - did it hurt? The incision area still feels quite tender & although I've had staples out before, there were only a few (in my head). Hope you're having a good day today. I feel a bit 'blah'. OK but not on if you know what I mean, I can't quite out my finger on it. It's my husband's birthday today so I'm putting a brave face on x
    • jennifer86394
      jennifer86394 Fernlady

      Posted

      Hello.  Good to see your doing ok.  The clips coming out didn't hurt, I would say it stung a bit every now and then.  There were 30 all together. My wound is looking great, just a little tender.  Once I've seen the physio next Tuesday I'm hoping I will be able to go to the pool and get myself in the water . I know what you mean about feeling a bit blah.  I'm having good days and bad days.  Some days I just have to have a little cry.  Lol. Xx
  • jennifer86394
    jennifer86394

    Posted

    Well, I just spoke to one of the doctors from my practice and she wasn't keen at all to give me something to help me sleep.  So many questions !  I understand they just can't hand these drugs out willy nilly.  Anyway she said she would give me something for a couple of nights.  Better than nothing I suppose.  😔
  • AnnieK
    AnnieK jennifer86394

    Posted

    There are many, many threads about the sleep problems that most of us have after THR. A search should find some of them for you! I couldn't sleep on my back either, so I slept sitting up, propped by lots of pillows. And I could only sleep for stretches of about 1 - 1 1/2 hours at a time, so I did that several times throughout the 24 hour day, adding up to 5 - 7 hours. The several sessions of short sleep was better than just getting one short stretch. Some people do better sleeping in a recliner. I purchased an electric one, the kind that picks you up and deposits you when done, so that I won't break the 90 degree rule, for my next surgery.

    As soon as the 6 weeks restriction was up, I went back to my side and slept so much better. The difficulty sleeping was the worst part of post-op for me.

  • Msky
    Msky jennifer86394

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer.Yeah for getting your clips out.I had to sleep on my back for weeks prior to the surgery.I have You tube on my phone so I put in sleep meditations for healing and use an ear bud .The meditations are very relaxing and help me drift off to sleep.I also started to take Magnesium to help with muscle relaxation and to prevent constipation.Im also taking Calcium with Vit D and K for bone health so I take it together and I'm finding that the Magnesium is helping to relax me.Wishing you wellsmile
    • jennifer86394
      jennifer86394 Msky

      Posted

      Thank you.  Might just give you tube a go.  😴😴
  • noplaybarbie
    noplaybarbie jennifer86394

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer.....glad you got your clips out and the incision should start feeling a little better now. Like you I am having a hard time sleeping on my back. I am now 4 weeks post op...and still having a difficult time going to sleep. I see my primary physician on the 22nd and might also consider asking about something to help me sleep. I also still keep getting what I call the "leg creepy crawlies" every night and it only happens at bedtime when I lay down. It is awful and I am sure it has to do with the nerves muscles healing. Others on this forum have had the same thing so I guess it is fairly common. My main problem right now is I am tired because it takes me so long to go to sleep at night. Hope you start feeling better soon....Barb
  • bini31328
    bini31328 jennifer86394

    Posted

    Hi  Jennifer 

    ive had sleeping tablets from my GP for short term use to enable me to sleep - i get the 'its not a long term solution' lecture each time , which is a tad irritating as ive never asked for more than two weeks supply ! But , yes they do work xx i dont thonk theres anything wrong with them if its just occasional use  xx

    • linda38528
      linda38528 bini31328

      Posted

      So great to get a personal and professionally informed opinion on items like this. Thank you for your posts Bini.

      L

  • jennifer86394
    jennifer86394

    Posted

    Morning all.  Thank for all your replies.  I didn't take the sleeping tablets last night.  I don't know why , I just feel uncomfortable taking them. I did take the tablets and put them on the bedside table with a glass of water knowing if I was desperate I could take them.  Last nights sleep wasn't so bad . Let's see what tonight brings.   As I've said before , I'm doing really well apart from the sleeping , I feel really lucky , I'm 12 days post op and I just get the occasional ache in my hip which paracetamol usually helps to dull the pain. Just off to the docs again today for blood tests.  My sodium levels dropped quite a lot while I was in hospital .  I have been taking tablets to put that right so just need to check that's all ok.  Don't really know what effect having low sodium levels means but hey ho off to the docs we go.  Hope your all feeling well today. Xx
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