Question:
Did anyone have trouble sleeping due to meds while in the hospital?

Eventhough I was on heavy pain meds while in the hospital for my gallbadder removal, I felt like I could not sleep the entire 5 days! I was delerious (sp)! I felt like I was trapped in a mental hospital and no one would help or listen to me.    — cynthiaellis (posted on November 16, 2000)

November 16, 2000
I was waking up alot in the hospital, waking up gasping for breathe. My second night, I asked them what pain meds I was taking and they said lorbid. I asked if it was narcotic and sure enough it was. I told them I was having nightmares and waking up gasping for air. They put me on liquid tylenol and all went well from there. I wouldn't have that knocked out feeling and the nightmares went away.
   — Gina K.

November 16, 2000
I had more trouble sleeping because of the bed than the meds. I have arthritis in my back and hips and the back pain that I expereinced was worse than the surgical pain. If you find that the pain medication is causing you problems, let the nurses/doctor know. I personally found the morphine unpleasant because it made me feel so foggy the I sometimes didn't know if I was awake or sleeping and dreaming. I had no problems with Lortab though.
   — Nanette T.

November 16, 2000
I had more trouble sleeping because of constant interruptions from the hospital staff. I never felt a lack of attentiveness! My pain management team was great. I had no problems with my meds, which included my epidural, the morphine pump, toradol, and lortab.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 18, 2000
Due to the morphine in the hospital and the lortab (only took for 1 day) I was given when I went home, I had bad hallucinations and could only sleep for 45 minutes at a time. At my 1 week post-op appointment, I mentioned this to my doctor. He suggested that I buy over the counter benadryl and take 2 teaspoons of this before going to bed (he doesn't believe in giving sleeping pills since this problem is uncomfortable, but temporary.) I took benadryl for 5 days and my sleeping patterns returned to normal. Of course, this was MY doctor, so talk w/ yours. He/she may have other suggestions. Good luck! 6 months post op and now 85 lbs gone forever!
   — Maxine E.