sleeping woes

[coloradokidd]

Good Morning, my son had Translab 15 days ago. He is doing well, even walking on the treadmill. The big problem is he can't sleep . He stays awake all day, feels tired but can't go to sleep. Is this a side effect of the surgery? He isn't really in pain, still a bit stiff from the surgery. He is 17, and when he doesn't sleep, mom doesn't sleep. He is off predisone and does not drink any caffiene. Any ideas? I am tired.THANKS

[lori67]

I'm glad your son is doing well.  I feel his pain on the sleeplessness, but I was like that before my surgery, so I can't say if there's any link.

Is your son usually active?  Maybe part of it is that he can't burn up as much energy during the day while he's recovering as he did before.  Maybe the doctor can suggest something.  I know I took tylenol PM when i got home from the hospital to help me sleep, but I wouldn't give him anything without checking if it's okay.  I wasn't on any other meds, so it wasn't a big deal.  Being off the steroids might help him get back to normal too - I know they can really mess things up for some people.  I've also found that my husband putting the History channel on tv put me right to sleep, but that might not work for everyone.   

You must be exhausted.  Can someone hold down the fort so you can take a much needed nap?  The caregiver needs rest just as much as the patient.

I hope you are enjoying some sweet dreams very soon!  You deserve it!

Lori

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

When I was awake at 3 am I should have logged on - however then I would have never got back to sleep as this forum stimulates my brain.

 I am going for my second sleep study (first one was pre-surgery) soon here ... and will pump the specialists for information once my hospital PJ party #2 is complete.

Here is a thread I started a few months back.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=5359.0


My suggestion is he also stay clear of dark chocolate and salts. (Hard at this festive time of year ) It is important to exercise regularly for circulation – not just of blood but also for the dura fluid of the brain (part of CSF system). Post surgery pockets of fluid can collect particularly as salt can slow the circulation.

Last night I had terrible water retention and had this bizarre tinnitus sensation that was much like an electrical shock. I got up and walked around  a bit- until the swelling in my hands reduced and I went back to sleep. This morning it is gone.

I am really onto this “sleep issue� thing and I will report back once I have connected more of the dots and put this together…

Sleep is vital to good health and recovery.

This is a good light hearted book that explains all that well…
http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Thieves-Stanley-Coren/dp/0684831848


I hope to get back to the group with more knowledge and experience on this topic in the early New Year… (Sleep providing LOL)

Cheers (yawn  ),

4

[Catflower]

It does take a while for all of the steroids to leave your body.  I would try to give it a few more days.  He can always try Melatonin which you can buy over the counter in the vitamin aisle. 

[keverett]

it can take a while for the Prednizone to wear off - several weeks according to my physician.  It may be some lingering effects from that.   Alcohol does that to me now, even in minute quantities.   As simple as this may sound is he spending any time getting fresh air?  It's a cheap thing to try in the evening - even if he just sits out in it.  Especially if you live in an area where it is cold - coming back into a nice warm house...

[Boppie]

It can take several weeks for the chemicals of anesthetic to leave.  I believe the steriods have a similar "sticking effect.  Sleep works best in a cool dark room, and a sound source should be soft or none. 

Many patients just can't get into good sleep until they can lay out flat and roll to one side.  There are a lot of sore muscles in the neck, plus the incision area is tender to lay on. Maybe your son can find a combination of pillows and towel rolls to make a comfortable cocoon. 

I remember feeling very concerned about the new tinnitus I was having.  I also, kept testing my new freedom from the tension of waiting for surgery.  I couldn't sleep all night, only in three and four hour spurts.  If your son lost hearing on one side, he could be grieving and this manifests itself as insomnia.  All of this is normal.

[Gennysmom]

Yes, steroids affect sleep patterns.  I don't remember how quickly they returned after I tapered off the steriods, but right now I think it's fine just to let him sleep any time he's tired and be awake any other time.  That's what I did....15 days is not very far out.

[OTO]

When I was immediately post-op and discharged from the hospital they gave me about 7 days supply of ambien in case I couldn't sleep, so sleep disruption is a post-surgery effect.  I was able to take short naps (30-40 minutes), and get a pretty good night's sleep (6 to 7 hours).

At two-week's post op I didn't notice any sleep problems, but then again I was doing a lot of walking to regain my balance, and I never did that before... so the exercise wore me out.

[OMG16]

My son was 16 when he had surgery and he had the same issues.  It took about 4 weeks after going off of the steroids for his sleep pattern to return to normal.  I was like you and didn't sleep when he was up.  His Dr recommended I take some tylenol PM so that I could sleep and be fully rested for his many appts and the high emotional impact it has on us as Mothers.  Let me know if you have other questions that I can help you with.  One Mother to Another.......16

[coloradokidd]

Thanks for all the answers. He has always been such a sleeper. I guess I should relax, and not worry yet. This whole process has given me grey hairs. yikes!!!!

[janitorx]

It took me about 3 weeks before I was able to sleep for 8-9 hours straight.  The first week home was unpleasant.  I would sleep for a few hours, wake up, and then stay up all day.  I had translab and this came with some very sharp, painful headaches that lasted for 2-3 weeks post-op. Also, I had severe tinnitus at first.  It sounded like a really bad heavy metal song was on loop in my head!  I also think the steroids mess up your sleep cycle (ahem, as well as some other things if one is female), so just hang in there for a few more weeks and he will "crash"--in a good way, of course.

[Gennysmom]

Yes, get some Tylenol PM.  My mom slept through most of me being awake, as did my other half, but I know that even tho I was 41, my mom had a VERY hard time dealing with seeing her kid injured.  My heart goes out to you, it was much easier being me and injured I think.  My mom tells everyone now, it doesn't matter how old your kid is, they're still your kid when stuff like this happens.

Happy holidays all!!!

[lori67]

Very true - your Mom is still your Mom - no matter how old you are!

And Coloradokidd - if you have a 17 year old son and no grey hair until now - you've done better than I have!

Lori