No sleep
Posted , 16 users are following.
Hi I've posted previously about not being able to sleep as I can't sleep on my back but I think this is getting worse.
I'm 20 days post THR and lie awake most of the night. Last night I slept from 12am till 2 am I am exhausted today and feeling really down about this situation.
I cannot sleep on my back and when I do I try to turn on my side which is where I normally sleep and this wakes me up.
Ive tried more pillows, being more relaxed but nothing seems to work.
Does anyone have any other advice, I'm relatively pain free and stopped my tablets apart from blood thinners. Does this get any better? I've tried sleeping tablets but the Doctor only gave me 7 and to be honest they didn't help.
Thanks
Sue 😴 x
2 likes, 71 replies
keith13467 susyp
Posted
My husband is 4 weeks today post opp and he was having dreadfull problems with sleeping, hardly any sleep and sore back and it was getting him down but has now tried sleeping sitting up in bed with lots of pillows around him incl one in between his legs and he seem to be happy, he also has no pain now and off pain killers apart from the blood clot one he take every day, he did take Amitriptaline at night to relax him but stopped that now.
let me know how you get on,I do feel for you as I know what hubby wen't through.
do try sitting up, let me know how you get on.
All the best.
susyp keith13467
Posted
I've just had an hours sleep but I can't understand why when I am so tired I can't stay asleep at night. I know I've got another 3 weeks of this but I'm desperate to sleep on my side.
I do use pillows to prop myself up and read but the problem is I'm too tired to do anything else but lay there and fidget.
All the best
Sue x
Rocketman_SG6UK susyp
Posted
Totally normal - just give in and accept it i'm afraid.
Graham - 🚀💃
bini31328 susyp
Posted
susyp bini31328
Posted
I'm a little apprehensive to sleep on my side as I'm so paranoid about dislocation. I do have pillows everywhere though.
Thanks for your reply
Take care
Sue x
CelsB susyp
Posted
I can empathise with you here. Â Have you tried abandoning your bed and trying the sofa or the chair? Â Could you roll up a rug or find something wedge-shaped and put it under the mattress at the bed end so you are sleeping in a semi-sitting position?
Could you turn on your side with a pillow between your knees and try to sleep like that rather than turning in your sleep and waking yourself up? Â I know it's not strictly recommended (although there is advice to the contrary from some health authorities), but providing you ensure your operated leg does not cross the midline of your body it's generally okay.
It does get better but everyone seems to cope differently. Â Grab as much sleep as you can in the day. Â It doesn't matter when you sleep as long as you get some at some point. Â
Above all, try not to let it get you down - I know this is hard. Â You don't have to get up for work, you presumably have nowhere you have to be. Â Just get into the minsdet that you are going to bed to rest rather than sleep and if sleep comes it's a bonus.
You will get past this point.
Cels xxxÂ
susyp CelsB
Posted
I've moved out of my partners bed as it is unfair on him as I am up and down all night.
I tried telling myself I'm just resting and if I sleep it's a bonus it worked for a while but I'm just so restless now.
Thanks for your help I'm a little worried about sleeping in a side position yet.
Best wishes
Sue x
renee01952 susyp
Posted
So not such a good morning huh ... I am sorry to hear that - Didn't have a good night sleep either -Â
I am not sure what I can tell you in addition to what you're already doing -Â
Of course 20 days post-op is still early in recovery from this major surgery - healing is taking place and will be for some time to come -
You already mentioned that you are more relaxed about the not being able o sleep through the night, right? Â You had sleeping pills and they didn't help either -
Not much left that you can do except for letting it go - Accept that right now your
sleep at night is interrupted - it is what it is - Take naps (guiltfree) during the day and be gentle with yourself -Â
All in all, this has been and is a very overwhelming period in your life and you are coping with it the best you can ...
big warm hug
renee
Â
susyp renee01952
Posted
Sometimes I can't catch up through the day as the same pattern occurs.
I know things will get better but it makes you feel low when your constantly tired.
Sorry to hear you didn't get much sleep either.
Here's to another try tonight
All the best
Sue x
renee01952 susyp
Posted
Sue, our body has gone through big trauma - major assault has taken place, so to speak - at some , deep subconscious level, a lot of processing is taking place - something has happened while you were not conscious - almost like your brain is on high alert - all this happens without you doing anything ..Â
Sometimes listening to hypnosis CD for sleeping or relaxation can help - make sure that there is no "wake-up" at the end though -
try it -Â
you know that this is an international group right ? There will be always someone in the world awake, so come here and chatÂ
Rocketman_SG6UK susyp
Posted
I was likethat both times, with just a 4 week break in between when I could just about manage to get on my side. Â
I was always a 'turner', I used to toss and turn all night long (in my sleep) onto left, right, back and front.  Now after 12 weeks of enforced sleeping on my back, I actually prefer being on my back,  partly because my 'non-operated' side shoulder hurts from RSI with the walking stick.
It does get a bit easier, but hopefully you won't get a  second six-week period like I did. Â
SOme find being propped up in bed helps, but I found I could lay my good leg out to the side, and flex that leg as much as I wanted, also I used to bring my knees up together just to change the position a bit. Â I also used my iPod with the small in-ear headphones and some relaxing music when things got too bad.
Best wishes
Graham - 🚀💃
susyp Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
If I'd have thought it through I should if practiced fir a while before my operation it might have been easier then
I've not tried music so will give that a go as I said previously I'm too tired to read when I come to bed.
Fingers crossed for tonight. Glad it got easier for you.
Best wishes
Sue x
Nell1301 susyp
Posted
I have 6 pillows practically sitting up in fed, 1 under my legs 1 under feet. So So uncomfortable , in fact this has been worse than the THR ,if you find a good idea Lets us know lol , take care x
susyp Nell1301
Posted
I had about a week where I slept till 4am and was pleased with that and just read until about 6pm then I got up.
I'll let you know if I find the answer. Roll on 3 weeks.
Take care
Sue x
eric1003 susyp
Posted
It has gotten worse since I have come home. After two sleepless nights I finally fell asleep today from 1-6 pm. Several times each night I would pass out out only to suddenly wakeup startled. Each time I would think ok good im finally going to sleep. I would close my eyes but couldnt sleep. Before I slept today I was a walking zombie . this is dangerous especially for me. I live in apt with a roomate and my 5 yr old son. I have no help. My room is upstairs, 13 to be exact.
Like you I cant get comfortable. My leg is so swollen to just below the knee that it is hard to move it in bed. The position I finally found most comfortable is:
Tringular foam pad pillow between legs.
Operated leg slightly elevated wedged against triangle pillow & a pillon outside of my thigh. 3 pillows stacked up to elevate my upper body and head to about 40 degree elevation . I put my good foot under the triangle sometimes.
Should get interestng tomorrow when my son comes back from grandpa's. I am a 24-7 single dad.
bini31328 eric1003
Posted
eric1003 bini31328
Posted
susyp eric1003
Posted
I try to stay awake through the day but it's impossible when I get so tired.
Good luck with your son and I wish you a speedy recovery.
I'll keep you posted if I figure it out.
Take care
Sue x
annie.conway susyp
Posted