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Post surgery sleep issues

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Nikann195

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi all

I had to have major surgery on my right foot Monday just gone. I’m in a plaster cast and can’t weight beer for 6 weeks - that in itself is a nightmare but what I’m finding really hard to cope with, despite having pain relief that has mild sedative properties - I can’t sleep

Has anyone else experienced this after surgery? My blood glucose levels are really good. I reduced hen right down before surgery and they are still good even though I still have no appetite.

I can cope with the appetite loss but it’s the lack of sleep that is wearing me down. You would think being bed bound for 6 weeks i would be able to sleep

Thanks for reading

Nik
 
Nikann195 said:
Has anyone else experienced this after surgery?
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Welcome to the forum. Wish I could suggest something. I had three major surgeries in a 14 month period (2 knee replacements and a burst appendix). Slept like a log, probably down to pain relief and feeling wiped out, especially after the burst appendix and peritonitis. I would suggest talking to medical staff.
 
DavidGrahamJones said:
Welcome to the forum. Wish I could suggest something. I had three major surgeries in a 14 month period (2 knee replacements and a burst appendix). Slept like a log, probably down to pain relief and feeling wiped out, especially after the burst appendix and peritonitis. I would suggest talking to medical staff.
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Hi David. I called the hospital yesterday who said it was down to the general anaesthetic. Can’t believe that really as surgery was Monday!!!

Hopefully I will catnap throughout the day - maybe if u put trashy daytime tv on that will help lol
 
Nikann195 said:
if u put trashy daytime tv on that will help lol
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I think you're right, guaranteed to send me to sleep. However, if you Google something like "TV affects sleep", there are very conflicting messages. For me it's great for nodding off.
 
ickihun said:
I'll tag @Rachox. She may have some tips.
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I had an operation on my foot in December but I haven’t had any trouble sleeping so I’m not sure I can help. Is your pain well controlled? I had Cocodamol and I’m on amitriptyline at night anyway for my arthritis so they help me sleep. I was instructed to sleep with my foot up on three pillows for at least two weeks to help reduce the swelling which can add to any pain you may have.

EDIT Just thought, try to resist cat napping in the day as you’ll be less tired at bedtime and then you’ll get into a reverse sleep cycle, sleeping in the day and wide awake at night.
 
The problem with giving up beer when you use it to get to sleep is it takes about 4 weeks for your body to adjust. The good news you'll sleep a hell of a lot better after this.
 
rmz80 said:
The problem with giving up beer when you use it to get to sleep is it takes about 4 weeks for your body to adjust. The good news you'll sleep a hell of a lot better after this.
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Think they meant 'bear weight'! :)
 
Hi, my dad (93) is recovering from a broken bone in his leg, just above the ankle. He is usually very active and has struggled with this. He has found that he is cat napping and still sleeping fairly well at night. We have found that if he listens to a talking book, or my favourite, BBC Drama on the iplayer, but on the lowest volume possible, sleep usually follows fairly soon after. Good luck with the recovery.
 
I agree catnapping can cause a bigger problem so entertain yourself well during the day and hopefully your body will do the rest. ;)
 
Hi,
Yes, I agree with those above ^^^ who suggest this may be due to the anaesthesia.
There are different anaesthetics out there, and different people have different reactions to them.
Then things get even more complicated when they are combined (as often happens).

It also takes a few days for the chemicals to leave your system, but the effects will wear off in time. Though again that varies for different people. It is a right pain, and all I can suggest is that you drink plenty of water (in the hope it helps your body flush things through, and don't do anything that requires close concentration until you have had a few good nights' sleep.

In the meantime, I also hope the pain levels are bearable, and your recovery goes well.
 
I suffer with sleep disturbance but have found a couple of tricks that can help. I sometimes use Yoga breathing techniques can aid restful sleep but lately it has been listening to drama programmes on Radio 4 or 4Extra really does have the desired effect. They are sometimes very boring and I rarely get to the end of one before I am in the land of nod. Because there is none of the blue light as with a phone/tablet etc the brain can switch off and the sonorous voices are soothing. Hope this helps, get well soon.

N.B I listen to a good old fashioned radio, no lights involved.
 
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