I have put this on another part of site but I am a bit unsure what I should put where to be fair
How do I know if i have genuine fatigue or am just suffering from lack of sleep or is the body’s way of healing making me need 3 hours of sleep in the afternoon. Surgery was Tuesday so I believ anaestethic should have left my body by now. I have read a leaflet given to me by BCN but none the wiser. Current sleep pattern is sleep at 11 and wake at 5 (get up rather than stress about not being able to sleep) then need a /nap/ 1 til 4 ish. I would like to get into a more regular sleep pattern if anone has any suggestions I have tried not to nap but it is totally impossible to keep my eyes open. Thank you
Sue, it’s really not that long since you had your op. I was told that it could take up to a week for the anaesthetic to leave your body , and so it proved! I’m retired so am lucky that I don’t have kids to look after, and my wonderful OH did everything. My advice would be to listen to your body. If you feel tired, then nap. Don’t forget that this is an emotional as well as physically tiring journey. Disturbed sleep patterns seem to be par for the course. I think there’s a thread somewhere about just that. I just have a hot drink and read, then sleep again. I’ve tried herbal tea, herbal sleep remedies, lavender pillow sprays , warm baths, sleep apps on the I pad. If it’s awful why not contact your GP and ask for help? I found I started to get back into my regular sleep patterns when I was able to exercise, even if it was a gentle walk. Hope you find some answers. Sending a hug. X
It is early days yet. Yes the initial effects of the anaesthetic wear off in about 24/48 hours, but it does take quite a while for it to get out of your system, and Anniej says listen to your body, you have had major surgery and your body is recovering from that.
I still get fatigue every so often, I would describe it as I am sitting there doing something, whatever, and suddenly I get this heavy feeling on my shoulders as if someone is pressing down on them, the next thing is I am asleep for about 10/15 minutes, I can do nothing about it other than give in, but once I wake I am fine again, it is just my body saying wow time to stop and take a break.
It will get better but just go with what your body is telling you for now. I find going for a walk round my garnde is really good, gets me in the fresh air for half an hour or so and I just feel much better
It took me over a week until I wasn’t that tired during the day so I just rested when needed. I just slept when I needed to but I think my mind worked overtime a lot so I woke up a lot in the night! After all, we have had major surgery and our body needs to adjust and it has a way of telling us to rest.So if you need to sleep, you should sleep! It does wear off!
I too am so used to running around for people and work so found it hard to just not do much but lie down…but you know what, I quiet enjoyed it!!
At night I have an Avon Lavender spray for my pillow, Camomile Tea or heated Hazelnut or Original soy milk an hour before bed. I stay off any caffeine tea, coffee, coke etc after 6pm as that always keeps me awake. Reflexology is also helpful and Indian Head Massage! There are Care Centres where they offer it free or discounted! Or maybe find a mobile therapist and enjoy in the comfort of your own home and relax after treatment!
My GP told me about meditation apps you can download or CDs which can help send you to sleep in the night!
It’s 20 days since my op and I’m still getting tired easily and finding myself getting breathless if I overdo things, but that is your bodies way of saying…rest!
I’m starting to get nervous again as Weds approaches as I have to see my Chemo lady, then it will be action and rest again and whatever’s in store. I feel better day by day but then it’s pants that it’s going to start all over again for months…but then I think if I’ve recovered well from my up then it will help my next stage of treatment!!!