Question:
recent post-op: anyone with rampant restlessness?

I am really recent post-op (4 days ago), but am being driven nuts by body restlessness. I cannot sit or lie still for more than a moment. i must get up, and walk around or simply be on my feet. This is certainly not a normal situation for me. Anyone with this affliction? Does it pass? How can I ever sleep? Help!    — midaem (posted on January 18, 2007)

January 18, 2007
Oh hon, you are going to be ok. I went through the same thing. It was like there was no comfortable spot for me. It drove me crazy. I remember being awake one night all night long and coming downstairs and posting stating my frustration. I drove my hubby crazy because I couldn't sit, I couldn't lay down, I couldn't do anything that made me happy. BUT it passed! I am 5 weeks out and happy as a clam now. It took about a week before sleep came a little easier. Then once I had a good nights sleep, I found that I was better during the day. Remember your body just had major surgery, so it's a big deal to it. Prop up lots of pillows on the bed and sink into them, I found that worked for me. Good luck, and always remember, what you are going through someone on this board has probably gone through it too. Post and you are quaranteed comforting answers. Diane
   — Diane C.

January 18, 2007
hi there- welcome to the classic case of restless leg syndrome ( rLs), chances are you would have developed this even if you didnt have the surgery ( congrats by the way) The good thing is, now they have some great medication you can take to calm things down so you can at least get some rest. Talk with your regular physician-he/she will have the answer for you, meanwhile if your surgeon gave you pain meds to take post op, take advantage of them and chances are they will allow you to rest. On a positive note, look at all the walking you are getting in that is required of this surgery. i know, i now, this isnt the way you want to exercise, and I dont blame you, but until you can resolve the restless leg, at least its being helpful. i had my first RLS 40 years ago, and only once, and not again until just after my WLS-which case i have it all the time now. Its a pain in the hinney big time, but as i mentioned above, medications are now out there to help circumvent the condition. Check it out. Good luck and congrats on your journey Cindi 3.24.04 -230 lbs and maintaining since mid 2005
   — DollyDoodles

January 18, 2007
Hi there. congrats, on your 4 days post op. I also had a hard time sleeping & relaxing, what worked for me i lived in my living room & stayed on the recliner day & night I just got up every 20 minutes. This was the best & most comfortable spot for me... I helped with the fear of sleeping... I came out of anastesia really freaking out & was afraid of falling sleeping again.....I remem,ber when i kept ,my feel elevated it helped relax me. & i slept about 15-20 minutes at a time for the first 1-2 weeks. day & night......best of luck....Barbara 5 months post op & lost 108 pounds.
   — babs810

January 18, 2007
I felt INVORIGATED TOO! It goes away after awhile. Might be a side effect of anthestia, if diabetic pre op it my be blood sugar dropping to normal, making you feel great.
   — bob-haller

January 19, 2007
I am just a little over 4 weeks post-op and I had this happen too for about the first 1 1/2 weeks.... I just felt "jerky" like I needed to move and I felt really frustrated and emotional for no reason-- still do a little, but now I sleep a lot better. Congrats to you too!! :)
   — airbear762000

January 19, 2007
I didn't have any restlessness like this fortunately. However, they had put my husband on Reglan while in the hospital to get his intestines moving again. The man never slept more than about 5 hours the whole time he was in the hospital. I thought that he was just a typical man who didn't want to be in the hospital and was ready to go home. He ended up staying an extra day because of trapped gas in his intestines, so we were in the hospital 4 days. After he had been it on 4 days including them switching from oral to IV and then back to oral medication we found out that the jitteriness was an allergic reaction to the Reglan. He couldn't sleep, sit still, watch tv, or anything. This was so totally unlike him. According to the other replies you have had it sounds like others have had this so its normal, just wanted to make sure you weren't on Reglan and might be having an allergic reaction like my husband did.
   — Becky2006

January 19, 2007
I too, felt like I needed to get up and move around. This also helps with gas. I think it was my body reacting to less weight and the excitement of knowing that my life was forever changed. Things will get better with a little time.
   — Jenn F.

January 20, 2007
I too was the same exact way, with time I could finally sleep. I was up all night and day, drove DH nuts. I am okay now and sleep pretty well though the night. I do have RLS but, I keep a bar of soap in betweeen my mattress pad and sheet and "believe it or not, it DOES work" I have read for many people that this does work! I even keep a bar of soap in an old sock by my recliner and just slip it under my knee and the RLS stop's. Hope this helps, remember you are not alone in this RLS Chrisy
   — Chrisy