another sleepless night

crazylady
crazylady Member Posts: 543 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi Everyone,
It's the middle of the night and I am wide awake. I have been having trouble sleeping since I had surgery a few weeks ago and nothing that I have tried is helping.
First I'm hot, then I'm cold. I keep turning the fan on and off and taking the blanket on and off. Then my legs get itchy and I can't find a position that is comfortable. My anxiety level is through the roof which is weird because I'm cancer free right now.
I have tried getting up early and walking during the day. I have been taking ativan before bedtime. It doesn't seem to make any difference.
All suggestions are welcome!
Thank You,
Jamie

Comments

  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #2
    I use Ambien (regular) and it is very effective..
    Bud
  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #3
    My sister swears by melatonin. She takes 3 mg per night when she's having trouble. It's a natural supplement. I'm currently taking 10 mg. as a natural treatment for cancer. Now that I think of it, I've been sleeping a bit better since I started it.
    Mary
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    Ok, first, for my chemo brain....did your surgery include removal of your ovaries? If so, welcome to the world of the hot flash/night sweat.
    Actually, I had a private jacuzzi in bed many nights for the first 2 months...and then (I DID lose my ovaries) it got WAY better. I stayed very hydrated. The other miracle elixer...WATER!
    Also, (please DON'T laugh....ok, do, if you want), I started taking calcium supplements about then...have talked to others who have slept better too after starting these...hummmmm.

    BTW....YEA YEA YEA YEA YEA....naked happy dance for being 'cancer free right now'!!!!!! (Thought you could sneak that one by, huh?)

    Hugs, Kathi
  • crazylady
    crazylady Member Posts: 543 Member
    #5
    KathiM said:

    Ok, first, for my chemo brain....did your surgery include removal of your ovaries? If so, welcome to the world of the hot flash/night sweat.
    Actually, I had a private jacuzzi in bed many nights for the first 2 months...and then (I DID lose my ovaries) it got WAY better. I stayed very hydrated. The other miracle elixer...WATER!
    Also, (please DON'T laugh....ok, do, if you want), I started taking calcium supplements about then...have talked to others who have slept better too after starting these...hummmmm.

    BTW....YEA YEA YEA YEA YEA....naked happy dance for being 'cancer free right now'!!!!!! (Thought you could sneak that one by, huh?)

    Hugs, Kathi

    Hi Kathi,
    I had lung surgery so I still have my ovaries, but due to various female problems I have been put into drug induced menopause. I'm probably the only woman around who didn't go into instant menopause when I had radiation 2 and 1/2 years ago. I'll have to check out the calcium thing and drink more water.
    Thanks,
    Jamie
  • oneagleswings
    oneagleswings Member Posts: 425 Member
    #6
    Hi Jamie:
    The itchies are from the anesthetics from surgery..try aveeno baths and (of course check with your Doctor)but my husband found that 2 ativans at bedtime (1mg each) can help with those very sleepless nights
    Bev
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #7
    I am taking the FLOFOX Regime which sometimes makes my legs ache from hip to toe. What I have found that helps me sleep is having my WONDERFUL husband lightly massage and rub my legs. In 15 minutes I am asleep, according to him.

    I have not gone through menopause, but I haven't had a period in years either. My GYN is not concerned. I am still taking the birth control pill and will stop once Chemo is completed.

    I have also found that exercise does help me sleep if I perform it later in the day and not in the morning. Try taking a walk 2 hours before bed or right after dinner.

    I hope this helps. HUGES AND KISSSES
  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #8
    Hi crazy lady,

    Are you sleeping better? Someone might have mentioned that surgery alone can cause sleep disruption for a few months, something to do with the general anaesthesia. I have been a crummy sleeper for a long time and finally resorted to taking melatonin and it works really well for me. My naturopath said take one (3 mg) for a few nights, if that doesn't work, then try two for a few nights, etc... until you find what works for you. I am much more rested. Hope you get some sleep soon!
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #9
    If you have a problem staying asleep then probably one of the regular sleeping pills, like Ambien, would be best. Some people take Trazadone for sleep. It is an antidepressant but seems to be helpful for people who have trouble sleeping and is not habit-forming. It would be best to talk to your doctor about the different options. I had trouble falling asleep for the first month after surgery and took a quick acting but not long lasting pill (Xanax).

    ****

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