Trouble sleeping?

I had surgery April 25th and have been home for 8 days. I am on Ambien to sleep (as I was before surgery). However, before surgery, if I took Ambien, I would sleep a good 7-8 hours. If I got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I would go right back to sleep. Now, the weirdest thing is happening. EVERY night since I've been home, I sleep for the first 4 - 4.5 hours then wake up. Usually I can go back to sleep after a couple of hours of laying in bed (or getting up to read for awhile). Last night, I didn't get back to sleep at all and laid in bed for the next 3+ hours. Is anyone else having this problem? Does anyone know why? Jules

Hi Jules, I had surgery April 11th and I would wake up several times in the night for the first 2 weeks. I think it was because the pain meds wore off, I was never given anything to help me sleep but I had so much pain that I went home with Oxycointin (SP??) and liquid vicadin. I ran out of pain meds and developed and hard mass on the left side I called the doctor and it turns out I had an infection, he put me on antibiotics and now my pain is all gone and I am sleeping through the night !! I always used the time in the night to sip liquid because I have a hard time getting it all in, now I am sleeping through and it is even harder to get it in!! Give it a few more days I noticed I slept better when I could get comfortable on all sides!! Good Luck!! ~Jennifer

I remember now. I too would wake up after a few hours (3 or 4) during the night. I would take more pain medication and then fall back to sleep. I am one month out now and it is strange to remember how that felt. This too will pass. Julia

Hi Jules, I took take (and have taken for some time) Ambien for sleep. What I've found is that if I eat something close to bedtime, I'm not going to sleep well. This was a bad habit from before surgery where I'd get hungry late at night due to the insomnia. I force myself to take the meds with a little green tea - and they work much faster now of course, but have to put thoughts of food out of my head. Lisa

Yup. I sleep about 4-5 hours & then try & doze for the next 3-4 or so. I also often get up at the 4-5 hour mark & do 2 1/2 turns around the halls of my apt. building. I figure this gets 1 walk out of the way. Since I only took the pain meds. for 4 days after I got home I know it has nothing to do with that. As it seems there are a lot of us who had surgery around the same time who are experiencing this -- perhaps it's just a side effect. Best of luck, A _____________________________ April 11, 2005/Duodenal Switch Dr. Alfons Pomp New York City, New York

Hi Jules, I had surgery April 29th and yes I am doing the same thing. I don't take Ambien though. I take my pain meds before I go to bed hoping for a whole night sleep but instead I am up at 5am or 6am and can't get back to sleep. Must be the new found energy that I have. LOL Hopefully it will get better soon. Heather 340/313/151

Hi! I am Fran B. I had my surgery on April 27,2005. I have trouble sleeping too. I thought it was just me. I think a lot of it has something to do wtith finding a comfortable position. I slept on my sides before surgery and now I sleep on my back . I take a new pain med. Dolgic liquid but do not take sleeping pills. Like all of you I sleep a few hrs and am up early. I also have trouble falling asleep. I do not get hungry but I get real tired and weak. I have carnation instant B'fast and yogurt. Broth and water and I am allowed apple or grape juice with no sugar added but I do not think I am getting enough protien. I take the vitamins as RX but I get so tired. I will have my 1st checkup wed. May 11th and my Dr. will add soft foods then. I do walk often in the day and at night when I can. Does anyone have extreme mood swings? I think I have been invaded by aliens sometimes.(Joke) But I am seriously different in what I tolerate. Please someone respond. I feel so alone.

I have been told that some pills you take may not be absorbed as well so it wouldnt surprise me if that was the case. I'd call your doctors office and see if they have any recommendations.