I finally slept last night but ....

But I cheated by taking half a xanax. I'm a week out and not having any trouble with pain. In fact I'm only taking my pain meds every 8 hours or so when I get really sore. But I haven't been able to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time since the surgery. I don't know if it's a reaction to the anesthia, or having to sleep on my back. Now that the pain has receeded so much, I was finally able to sleep on my side again. I think that helped as well. I'm just so happy to have slept through the night, 8.5 hours and guilty for taking something, I needed to share. Anyone else find they can't sleep? Anyone find solutions? I'm going to back to work Monday, and know I'll need good nights sleep to make it through the first couple of weeks. Torrey

Hi - I'm three weeks into post-op and yes I had difficulty sleeping too. One thing that helped me was to place a pillow under the leg of the side I wanted to sleep on. This took pressure off of my stomach and I was able to sleep much better. Hope this helps.

Yes, they should address that sleeping issue. It was two weeks before I could lay in the bed in semi comfor for the entire night. Try placing pillows under your back, leg and in front of you for support when you want to sleep on your side. I think i used all the pillows in my house. I was most comfortable almost sitting up, sleeping on your back is miserable.

POST OP 1WEEK 1 DAY Girl! You're going back to work monday! are you crazy? Shouldn't you take more time. Anyway I cant sleep either. I even take my pain med plus an sleep aid my doctor gave me and I still woke up 2 hours later. I think I'm afraid of hurting or pulling my tube or something. Maybe it is because of sleeping your back. but if you find a solution other than a strong sleeping aid.

Good News! I'm sleeping through then night without meds. It's all about being able to sleep on my side. As for going to back work Monday, I originally hoped I could go in after one week. I'm really doing well and feeling strong. I'm only taking pain meds every 6 to 8 hours and bet I could go without. I've been really lucky and hadn't had any trouble tolerating the liquid diet. Heck, I even did a bit of house cleaning and trip the grocery store today. If I couldn't make it to the store, then I knew I wasn't ready to go back to work. Then there is the fact I'm contract, and every day off is a no pay day for me. Have to make the money to buy new clothes some way. Thanks everyone for your help and input. Cheers, Torrey

Pain meds tend to put you in a "twilight sleep" where you do not sleep as deeply as you normally would. It's easier to fall asleep but hard to stay asleep for more than an hour or two. It should get much better once you're off the pain meds. good luck!