Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon.I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? Sunita, I had the same problem. I couldn't sleep for more than three hours at a stretch, and due to the nerve palsy after the second hip, had to ask for help getting into another position. I found that getting up and walking around a bit helped me be able to get back to sleep again. I'm not making fun (believe me,having been there), but I found that when I thought it couldn't get any worse and I was crying during the night from the frustration of it all, that it suddenly got better. So hopefully you have turned the corner and are now on the way to restful nights. Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon.I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? Sunita, I had the same problem. I couldn't sleep for more than three hours at a stretch, and due to the nerve palsy after the second hip, had to ask for help getting into another position. I found that getting up and walking around a bit helped me be able to get back to sleep again. I'm not making fun (believe me,having been there), but I found that when I thought it couldn't get any worse and I was crying during the night from the frustration of it all, that it suddenly got better. So hopefully you have turned the corner and are now on the way to restful nights. Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon.I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? Sunita, I had the same problem. I couldn't sleep for more than three hours at a stretch, and due to the nerve palsy after the second hip, had to ask for help getting into another position. I found that getting up and walking around a bit helped me be able to get back to sleep again. I'm not making fun (believe me,having been there), but I found that when I thought it couldn't get any worse and I was crying during the night from the frustration of it all, that it suddenly got better. So hopefully you have turned the corner and are now on the way to restful nights. Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 I took Benadryl with my pain medication, a codeine and Tylenol combination, and found that they worked very effectively for me. The Benadryl is available over-the-counter. Dennis Gross 10-1-03 On Sunday, February 1, 2004, at 07:05 PM, Sunita Romeder wrote: > Hi everyone > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the > surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried > everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, > talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and > around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to > increase the dose by fear of habituation. > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help > that problem and also how long did that last? > I would appreciate any help and comments! > Sunita > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 I took Benadryl with my pain medication, a codeine and Tylenol combination, and found that they worked very effectively for me. The Benadryl is available over-the-counter. Dennis Gross 10-1-03 On Sunday, February 1, 2004, at 07:05 PM, Sunita Romeder wrote: > Hi everyone > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the > surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried > everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, > talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and > around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to > increase the dose by fear of habituation. > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help > that problem and also how long did that last? > I would appreciate any help and comments! > Sunita > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 I took Benadryl with my pain medication, a codeine and Tylenol combination, and found that they worked very effectively for me. The Benadryl is available over-the-counter. Dennis Gross 10-1-03 On Sunday, February 1, 2004, at 07:05 PM, Sunita Romeder wrote: > Hi everyone > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the > surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried > everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, > talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and > around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to > increase the dose by fear of habituation. > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help > that problem and also how long did that last? > I would appreciate any help and comments! > Sunita > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2004 Report Share Posted February 1, 2004 Dear Sunita, I also am not a great sleeper, the aches and pains often waking me up. But then I have never been a great sleeper, even when completely well. Like Cindy, I also find getting up and walking around has helped the aches and pains. At this stage, (9 weeks post op), I find changing position helps---sleeping on tummy sans pillow, side, back---legs up and down, pillow between legs, pillow under operated leg---all sorts of variations. (These were less earlier on.) Like Dennis, I have tried various pain meds, but am wary of many of these, other than paracetamol, and agree about Sunita's fears of getting habituated to sleeping pills. They can be dangerous (I work in Mental Health). The difficulty with codeine in anything is that it can be constipating, and straining hurts my leg. The one thing that I have found works for me, (whenever I have sleep difficulties) is listening to the 'BBC World Service' on the radio in the middle of the night on my walkman. (I live in England, but CBC or any other good talk programme would be useful too) or a book tape. For me, some 'talking' helps me to concentrate on the talk, however boring, not my discomfort or any other worries. Music doesn't keep me focused enough. Inevitably, I find I have fallen asleep in the middle of a play, or commentary I have been following and missed the end. Or the book tape has gone past the point I was listening to and then I have to find it again. And other than that, one just gets used to sleeping only 2-3 hours at a stretch and then having a little break. And sometimes being awake longer. For me, sleeping 2-3 hours at a stretch is good, in fact. Accepting whatever happens, (easier said than done, I know), noticing variations and making the best of the time awake helps and then, as Cindy says, it passes and changes. It always does---sooner or later. Think of us being awake too. Sometimes I even get up and e-mail. Eleanor RE: sleep deprived! I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon.I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? Sunita, I had the same problem. I couldn't sleep for more than three hours at a stretch, and due to the nerve palsy after the second hip, had to ask for help getting into another position. I found that getting up and walking around a bit helped me be able to get back to sleep again. I'm not making fun (believe me,having been there), but I found that when I thought it couldn't get any worse and I was crying during the night from the frustration of it all, that it suddenly got better. So hopefully you have turned the corner and are now on the way to restful nights. Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 Hi Sunita, I find that I too sometimes need an afternoon nap after which I wake so refreshed that I have trouble getting to sleep later. I'm used to being up a couple of times at night anyway with my 4 1/2 year old but nothing anymore is leg pain related. If you haven't already done so, have your FP/GP check you over and see if your anemia is still an issue. Reading a good book might help at night but try shortening your afternoon nap to maybe no more than an hour. Take care and measure your progress a day at a time. We all heal at different rates so try and be patient with yourself. Easy for me to say, I know. This morning I was out shoveling snow with my stepson and forgot I was even still recovering! By the way Yahoo! has changed my name again and so... As always, Steve Vince Bilat BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > Hi everyone > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to increase the dose by fear of habituation. > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? > I would appreciate any help and comments! > Sunita > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 > Hi everyone > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to increase the dose by fear of habituation. > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? > I would appreciate any help and comments! > Sunita > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 If possible, set your rehab sessions during the time your feeling sleepy(afternoon). That way you'll avoid the sleepness and be rejuvenated in the afternoon. Or try that walk as suggested but just at the time you would take your nap. Cancel the nap:) Easier said then done,...I know I've been there too. Good Luck, Michigandar Mike Bilateral, Dr.DeSmet April 2003 > > Hi everyone > > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the > surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried > everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, > breathing, talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the > night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it > gets worse. > > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to > increase the dose by fear of habituation. > > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to > help that problem and also how long did that last? > > I would appreciate any help and comments! > > Sunita > > > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 I have been using Sleeptabs from KMart. I do not think they are addictive like prescribed sleep meds. Sleeptabs like most OTC pills are diphenhydramine HCL which I believe is an antihistamine. Puts me to sleep everytime. Wannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 Pillows and pillows. Pillows for tucking under, for placing behind you, pillows to elevate the feet (keep swelling down) pillows to make it all right. Pillows to make your bed fit you again. You've been rearranged. Cap A > Hi everyone > I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. > The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to increase the dose by fear of habituation. > I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. > I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? > I would appreciate any help and comments! > Sunita > > R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 I agree on the radio; I find the radio set low volume on an all talk or news station works w/in 1-30 minutes when I wake at 3-4 am and want to go back to sleep. eleanor moneyhill@...> wrote:Dear Sunita, I also am not a great sleeper, the aches and pains often waking me up. But then I have never been a great sleeper, even when completely well. Like Cindy, I also find getting up and walking around has helped the aches and pains. At this stage, (9 weeks post op), I find changing position helps---sleeping on tummy sans pillow, side, back---legs up and down, pillow between legs, pillow under operated leg---all sorts of variations. (These were less earlier on.) Like Dennis, I have tried various pain meds, but am wary of many of these, other than paracetamol, and agree about Sunita's fears of getting habituated to sleeping pills. They can be dangerous (I work in Mental Health). The difficulty with codeine in anything is that it can be constipating, and straining hurts my leg. The one thing that I have found works for me, (whenever I have sleep difficulties) is listening to the 'BBC World Service' on the radio in the middle of the night on my walkman. (I live in England, but CBC or any other good talk programme would be useful too) or a book tape. For me, some 'talking' helps me to concentrate on the talk, however boring, not my discomfort or any other worries. Music doesn't keep me focused enough. Inevitably, I find I have fallen asleep in the middle of a play, or commentary I have been following and missed the end. Or the book tape has gone past the point I was listening to and then I have to find it again. And other than that, one just gets used to sleeping only 2-3 hours at a stretch and then having a little break. And sometimes being awake longer. For me, sleeping 2-3 hours at a stretch is good, in fact. Accepting whatever happens, (easier said than done, I know), noticing variations and making the best of the time awake helps and then, as Cindy says, it passes and changes. It always does---sooner or later. Think of us being awake too. Sometimes I even get up and e-mail. Eleanor RE: sleep deprived! I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon.I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? Sunita, I had the same problem. I couldn't sleep for more than three hours at a stretch, and due to the nerve palsy after the second hip, had to ask for help getting into another position. I found that getting up and walking around a bit helped me be able to get back to sleep again. I'm not making fun (believe me,having been there), but I found that when I thought it couldn't get any worse and I was crying during the night from the frustration of it all, that it suddenly got better. So hopefully you have turned the corner and are now on the way to restful nights. Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 Pillows and pillows. Pillows for tucking under, for placing behind you, pillows to elevate the feet (keep swelling down) pillows to make it all right. Pillows to make your bed fit you again. You've been rearranged. Oh Cap'n, My bad for forgetting about the pillows!!! They did make the sleep better, but I still woke up every couple of hours or so, and had to ask for help rearranging all the pillows. If nothing else, I did pound them in frustration a lot during the night! Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 Hi Sunita Boy do you ever sound like me, right after surgery! Terrible sleep, complete exasperation at 2-3 in the morning, having to have a nap in the afternoon to get at least some sleep (btw I wouldn't give up those naps if I were you, it was my only relief and skipping them did not help me sleep at night). I too tried sleeping pills, and they did not help at all, go figure. It finally started to go away about a month ago, which I hate to tell you, was about 4 months after surgery. I had begun to wonder if it would ever go away. I did find some relief taking an over-the-counter muscle relaxant (Superstore generic brand) and chlortripolon (an allergy relief over-the-counter med which makes you sleepy). I still take the chlortripolon now and then. I too also found relief from listening to the CBC radio overnight service, (like the person who listened to BBC), which is all talking, and somehow allowed me to drift off. I know it is enough to make you think you'll go crazy, but it will pass. Good luck. Sharry sleep deprived! Hi everyone I have read a lot of you having problems with sleeping after the surgery. I am having major difficulties sleeping and I have tried everything I can think of: relaxation tape, music, reading, breathing, talking to myself etc and I still stay awake most of the night and around 2 or 3 am I become so frustrated that I cry and it gets worse. The sleeping pills don't even work anymore and I don't want to increase the dose by fear of habituation. I have a one to 2 hours nap in the afternoon. I wonder if any of the sleepless hippy have found some trick to help that problem and also how long did that last? I would appreciate any help and comments! Sunita R BHR De Smet 06 Jan 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2004 Report Share Posted February 2, 2004 I am aware that Benadryl (US trade name for an antihistamine, diphenhydramine hydrochloride) can make one drowsy, but I am a bit concerned about the mention of the combination of Benadryl with a product containing codeine. Please check with your doctor before you try this, the label warns that the patient should ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining Benadryl with a sedative. Good luck with the sleep management, I agree its one thing that can drive you batty in the recovery phase, but it does pass with time once you get back on a regular schedule. Taking a small dose of the pain meds that have been prescribed an hour or so before sleep time was enough for me in the first week or two, then reduced to Tylenol PM for about another week (your mileage/times may vary). - Re: sleep deprived! I took Benadryl with my pain medication, a codeine and Tylenol combination, and found that they worked very effectively for me. The Benadryl is available over-the-counter. Dennis Gross 10-1-03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Try the SAME book tape, played each night..... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Yellow Pages 118 24 7 'Whatever you want, wherever you are, 24 7' Calls cost 40p per minute from most landlines [information] -- PostMaster: This transmission is intended solely for the addressee(s) and may be confidential. If you are not the named addressee, or if the message has been addressed to you in error, you must not read, disclose, reproduce, distribute or use this transmission. Delivery of this message to any person other than the named addressee is not intended in any way to waive confidentiality. If you have received this transmission in error please contact the sender or delete the message. Thank you. Yell Limited, Queens Walk, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PT. Registered in England and Wales, registered number 4205228. Yellow Pages Sales Limited, Queens Walk, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PT. Registered in England and Wales, registered number 1403041. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 That's the same thing that's in the chlortripolon that I use.... Sharry Re: sleep deprived! I have been using Sleeptabs from KMart. I do not think they are addictive like prescribed sleep meds. Sleeptabs like most OTC pills are diphenhydramine HCL which I believe is an antihistamine. Puts me to sleep everytime. Wannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 thanks everyone for the suggestions for sleeping; I have tried several and it is slowly getting a bit better. At least I did not have to beat the pillows the two last nights from frustration. I was a bit calmer in the midst of insomnia. It is so nice to feel connected to people experiencing similar things! Sunita R BHR De Smet 6 Jan 2004 Re: sleep deprived! I have been using Sleeptabs from KMart. I do not think they are addictive like prescribed sleep meds. Sleeptabs like most OTC pills are diphenhydramine HCL which I believe is an antihistamine. Puts me to sleep everytime. Wannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 thanks everyone for the suggestions for sleeping; I have tried several and it is slowly getting a bit better. At least I did not have to beat the pillows the two last nights from frustration. I was a bit calmer in the midst of insomnia. It is so nice to feel connected to people experiencing similar things! Sunita R BHR De Smet 6 Jan 2004 Re: sleep deprived! I have been using Sleeptabs from KMart. I do not think they are addictive like prescribed sleep meds. Sleeptabs like most OTC pills are diphenhydramine HCL which I believe is an antihistamine. Puts me to sleep everytime. Wannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 , I probably should have said that the advice to take Benadryl with Tylenol and codeine came from Dr. Gross' surgical assistant which I assume must have been approved by Gross. At the very least she is a nurse. The combination was particularly effective for me and I had similar problems sleeping. Dennis Gross 10-1-03 On Tuesday, February 3, 2004, at 01:01 AM, Brewster wrote: > I am aware that Benadryl (US trade name for an antihistamine, > diphenhydramine hydrochloride) can make one drowsy, but I am a bit > concerned > about the mention of the combination of Benadryl with a product > containing > codeine. Please check with your doctor before you try this, the label > warns > that the patient should ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining > Benadryl > with a sedative. > > Good luck with the sleep management, I agree its one thing that can > drive > you batty in the recovery phase, but it does pass with time once you > get > back on a regular schedule. Taking a small dose of the pain meds that > have > been prescribed an hour or so before sleep time was enough for me in > the > first week or two, then reduced to Tylenol PM for about another week > (your > mileage/times may vary). > > - > > Re: sleep deprived! > > > I took Benadryl with my pain medication, a codeine and Tylenol > combination, and found that they worked very effectively for me. The > Benadryl is available over-the-counter. > > Dennis > > Gross 10-1-03 > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 & Dennis, As a hospital pharmacist (on the night shift no less!) I see this combination fairly often. Benadryl and Codeine both cause some central nervous system depression: drowsiness, respiratory depression, reduced physical coordination, etc. Taken together, these side effects are additive. This is not a bad thing if you are taking these medications together at bedtime, in normal recommended doses, when you want to be drowsy and will not be driving a car or operating a power saw! The major exceptions to this are if you have respiratory problems or are very elderly. Taking these meds together could cause respiratory difficulty in susceptible people. Since elderly people may metabolize medications much more slowly than the general population, they could have problems with daytime drowsiness, and lack of coordination the following day. This could contribute to falls which are particularly dangerous for elderly people. Hope this helps. RPh Re: sleep deprived! > > > > > > I took Benadryl with my pain medication, a codeine and Tylenol > > combination, and found that they worked very effectively for me. The > > Benadryl is available over-the-counter. > > > > Dennis > > > > Gross 10-1-03 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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