Ronald's Journal

Nancy D  I have a pre-op history of not sleeping well and this was worse post op. I am not a good napper, as that throws my sleep cycle off but after surgery, you need to nap, so sleeping was erratic. I now use a Tylenol PM at night, its jut Tylenol and Benadryl. But, I didn't use that early in recovery because I wasn't sure if it would bother the A-fib med and blood thinner I took for several months post op. Call your doctor's nurse, and see if she can get the Dr recommendation for over the counter meds or call you out a prescription.

Greg Johnson  Yes. Just starting to go away at 7 weeks. For the first 4 weeks I would lay in bed till 11 or 12. Sleep a little then always wake around 3:30. Sometimes I'd get up, sometimes lay in bed awake, sometimes make eggs and watch tv.

Robert Osmachenko  I feel your pain. Continuous sleep has evaded me for months and still does. In critical times I use ativan (lorazepam) 1 mg to catch up on sleep if it has been 3 or 4 nights of broken sleep. This seems to be a double edged sword because this drug helps but it has side effects.
Drinking and eating whole foods really help especially the supper meal. Exercise daily aerobically which really helps.
Right after surgery i used a pain med before bed which helped me to sleep.
Hope this helps?

Pat Bluemel  I was a horrible sleeper prior and worse after. Post op insomnia is common and lonely. My magic wake up time was 4 am. It does go away. I think for me on week 5 or so. Just about the time I was sleeping till 9am straight through, it was time to go back to work. Keep at it. Tylenol Pm helps.

Ericka Carlson  Ask your doctors if you can take Magnesium Taurate, not only is it good for your heart and supposed to prevent against erratic heartbeats, but it makes me sleep like a baby 70% of the time. I am also a horrible sleeper, before taking this magnesium I would wake up every morning 2-4 and watch Tv, that's happened only twice since.

Ronald Gatan  Thank you all very much. I feel like everyone in this community is a band of brothers and sisters - it has helped me get through a lot. I appreciate all of your help. Best wishes all and hope your sleep is well!

Pat Bluemel  Congrats on discharge and the repair! Use a heating pad when you can on your back. That pain is coming from the way they hinge your ribs open on the table make sure your head is propped up too if you can while sleeping. Wishing you a great recovery.

Ericka Carlson  Congratulations Ronald! I also have heard that heat helps the upper back. Thanks for the tips, I have surgery scheduled at Northwestern on 5/19 so if you think of any more please post them!

Ronald Gatan  All-

Thanks for the comments! I agree with Richard, I am both Olaf and Ron at times lol.

I appreciate the heating pad suggestion, will try it soon!

Ron

Meredith Bray  Re: back issues! My PT gave me this advice - stand and walk as if you are the President/King/Emporer/Grand Poobah or whatever. Excellent posture will help alleviate your back pain rather quickly. Additionally, when you are sitting/resting/reclining, make sure your head and neck are supported. Your head is VERY heavy (16 lbs?), and the muscles that hold your head up extend down your back a good 8" if not more. Those muscles need a break, just like the rest of your body. If you don't have a U-shaped travel pillow, I suggest rolling up a sweatshirt or fleece top to use.

One last thing - I remember in my hospital bed, the lovely nursing staff would wedge pillows under my armpits and elbows. that eased some pain also. Each day gets better, and the more you walk the better you'll feel! (Just don't over-do the activity, it'll put you out of commission for a whole day!)