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Having trouble sleeping at night....so tired all the time.

Posted , 10 users are following.

fran64059
fran64059

Hi all,  

i am almost 3 weeks post op and find that my foot stings really badly at night as well as he sometimes shooting pains. My pain killers don't seem to help, though I guess it might be worse without them. I am putting on an ice  pack which helps a bit.

do any of you taking sleeping pills to help.? I have never taken them so a bit wary but my husband is suggesting I ask the doctor. I need to be a bit more alert as we are having building works done on the back of our house, plus I am doing a uni course online, which I have deferred by a couple of weeks. I am due to go back to work next week but am a teacher so hard to sit with foot up so may have to get a others doctors certificate.

it is hard to actually make hubby realise that I am not just "vegging in bed" but "mending"......

so that is my whinge for the day.....for your eyes only who can empathise.

cheers and hope you are all coping. We all know and believe that this is all for the good and open toed sandals for the first time in so many years!

fran

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

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  • fran64059
    fran64059

    Posted

    And I have 3 children but at least they are old enough to look after themselves.
  • lovelady
    lovelady fran64059

    Posted

    I would be leary of using sleeping pills along with pain killers.  They do not mix well.  Back to work next week?  How long has it been since the surgery? 
  • lovelady
    lovelady fran64059

    Posted

    Oh sorry Fran, I see it has been 3 weeks since surgery.
  • amanda18539
    amanda18539 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi fran, 

    I am 2 weeks post op and mine goes numb and tingly, mainly when I try yo do too much. I have just been back at work for three days, just doing mornings and by midday my foot is so numb. I am doing too much but find it hard to do any less as I own and run my own business! Looking forwards to sandals though

  • phyl98196
    phyl98196 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi Fran, I was like you constantly tired and could slee sleep for England especially during the day. All I say is whilst you're sleeping your foot is repairing. I didn't take sleeping pills as I didn't want to come to rely on them I found having my foot up on a couple of pillows unde the duvet, though initially a bit odd, rally did help and it wasn't too long before I was back sleeping as before.  I think you would be best to have at least 6 weeks off work particularly as you will not be able to have your foot up for any length of time when you return. I have to say I am now 5 months post op and can now say for the first time my foot is virtually pain free and I am now able to wear shoes, well right foot anyway, without the discomfort experienced pre op.The motto for this operation is ' be patience' . Good luck :-) 
  • melanieking99
    melanieking99 fran64059

    Posted

    I'm 14 weeks post op and have had trouble sleeping since my op.  I feel tired all the time and lack energy. I've never taken sleeping tablets until just recently.  My GP gave me zopiclone and I took it for a week and my sleep was great.  Woke up more alert and didn't feel sleepy during the day.  I'm not on regular pain killers now so didn't need to worry about mixing medication.  But I've had amytrptiline in the past which is mainly for pain but it also helps with sleep so that might be an option to discuss with you GP.  Getting enough sleep in so important for our healing process and sleeping tablets are only prescribed short term (1-2 weeks). I've been anti medication of any sort but now I realise it's helpful in the short term at times like this.
  • fran64059
    fran64059

    Posted

    Thanks guys for  your comments...I just woke to a horrible day, it got better once husband had gone to work and kids to school.....hard to know if its better with them all around seemingly not helping or gone. They all have alot more to do without me.... .maybe I did too much....and they still ask me where their clothes are and I havent done the laundry for 3 weeks so can only guess. I actually walked to our local coffee shop today on my crutches and had time in the outside world on my own. I am applying for a special car sticker so when people give me a lift we can park in the handicap zone.  I had my left foot done but we have a manual car so cant drive for ages which is ....hard work organising lifts for my 14 year old twins to various committments.
  • RJB76867
    RJB76867 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi Fran. Take heart it does get better. I was extremely lucky and didn't have to take anything stronger than Paracetamol, but I know everyone is different. Getting a good night's sleep is so important and will help with everything else you are coping with at the moment, including your husband! So take them and the world will seem a lot more manageable in the morning! Get a certificate as you can't be on your feet all day and expect to be totally pain free. RJB
  • jackied68
    jackied68 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi Fran, i am nearly 4weeks post op, but apart from the first 10 days or so (which were unbearable) the pain has been manageable, although apart from hospital check ups, i have not been outside the door, i have just completely rested, i have a hubby and 2 teenage girls, but they have had to get on with it so to speak, good learning curve for them, although my 14yo youngest does resent it a bit, but its important to rest as much as possible for the bone to fuse etc. i am back to work onmonday and worry about how that will go, nut i have requested a phased return so i will not be on public transport at the busiest time, also, i wont hesitate in getting signed off again if i am unable to manage not being able to put my foot upto rest. With regards to sleeping tablets, i have taken zoplicone on and off, for a short term effect, they are worth it, but if you dont want to go down that path, you can buy over the counter sominax, which are also an effective sleep aid. Good luck.
    • nathsa
      nathsa jackied68

      Posted

      Hi - you say the first ten days was unbearable? I am on day 8 and some days arent too bad but today it really really hurts!! I had keyhole so (probably stupidly) thought it wouldn't hurt as much. 

      Am told I can weight bear on my heels and I walking kind of on the side of my feet at the back (if that makes sense) but worried by walking I am stopping it fusing as its now hurting constantly! Should I be worried or will it just ease?? All reassurance welcome!

    • fran64059
      fran64059 nathsa

      Posted

      Natha this is all normal...those first two weeks are hard, the pain wakes you at night and walking is hard work. Keep it eve latex as much as you are able for these early days.
  • Hilly123
    Hilly123 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi Fran, at 3 weeks it is early days for your recovery. I think that you should give your consultant's secretary a quick ring and say that you have some concerns.

    Your husband clealy hasn't a clue so maybe he should be on this chat too as I'd love to message him!

    Yes, you're right it is all for the good. It took me some 20years to pluck up the courage to get my ugly feet corrected and to be able to choose shoes that we like rather than those that fit and then go out of shape will be fab.

    Stay happy and get that certificate as you will do more harm than good by attempting to work. (I was off work for 8 weeks). x

  • amanda18539
    amanda18539 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi fran, I agree with hilly totally. I am 2 weeks post op and have been back at work for a couple of days, mornings only and this morning I am paying for it . My foot is so sore. I haven't been in pain like this at all. I wasn't this sore right after the op. Stay at home, keep your foot elevated and mend. Let everyone else get on with it, be selfish for once and put yourself first. Amanda
    • Hilly123
      Hilly123 amanda18539

      Posted

      Hi Fran, I guess what also helped me was that my husband was present when I was told about after care and how important it was for me to rest, rest, rest then he was aware about how serious post op care is. I have never read so many books in my life! x
  • yvette_45745
    yvette_45745 fran64059

    Posted

    Hi Fran, I'm 10 weeks post op. I didn't take any pain meds at all, just ibuprofen . I do take ambien (sleeping pill) and I have to say getting a good nights sleep was key to my recovery. I don't think it would hurt to ask your doctor.  

    It gets better, it's just a slow going processs. It won't be long before you can't remember all the hours and days you spent in the bed. Hang in there! 

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