I don't quite understand how I can sleep for 8 hours then be upfor 3 and be totally exhausted, I am on pain meds from my recent surgery, but I do my best to not take any meds. Can anyone this k of a reason for my being so to sleep all the time. tired? Its unreal, I want to sleep consatsntly, ase help me understand
Hello,
You have just had surgery, I reckon that's a good reason to sleep! Also with Fibro I am just the same, slept for 8 hours, then 3 hours later need to sleep again! Annoying, frustrating and am not able to live my life as I did before. You need to make sure your sleep is restorative and you wake up refreshed, not sure mine is, but how do you tell.
Wishing you well
Take care, Anne
You've had surgery.your body needs rest to recover.how long ago was it.I've had 2 major surgeries.it took about a month or so to feel better.just take it easy don't overdue.let us know how your doing.
There could be several reasons that you are feeling so fatigued. You just had a surgery that is not just painful, but also interferes with your regular breathing habits, and your ability to get sound sleep.
Don’t be afraid to take the pain medications that were prescribed to you. They were prescribed because the doctor thought you would NEED them. Surgeons are becoming more restrictive with the meds that they give for postop patients. For those with less painful recoveries, they will give Tylenol or ibuprofen, but for those who are expected to have severe pain after surgery they prescribe the stronger pain meds. If your doctor gave you a stronger med, PLEASE take them as directed. Don’t try to be “strong” or “tough it out”, because that is just making your recovery tougher than it needs to be. If you are prescribed one pill every six hours, and you have pain, then take one pill every six hours! It doesn’t make you an addict, or a bad patient, or even a bad person. You are simply a human, who went through a painful procedure, and is hurting through the recovery.
The next thing is your sleep. Since you just had surgery, there are any number of things that could be interfering with the QUALITY of the sleep you are getting. It may seem like you are getting a ton of rest, but you may be waking intermittently and not noticing it because the waking periods are very brief. However, these small blips of wakefulness really do affect how rested you feel. Taking the pain medications before bedtime will help. Also, practice good sleep hygiene by following the tips listed at this link: http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene. These are simple things that you can do at home to help you rest well. You also want to make sure that you are positioned well to help your sinuses drain and in a position that will be comfortable for the duration. Keep you medications and a bottle of water on your nightstand. This way, if you wake in pain, you can take something quickly and get back to sleep. For now, you should just count on taking a nap during the day. You just had surgery! Cut yourself some slack, and plan a midday nap. 
Try to limit it, as much as you’re able, as no to throw off your nighttime schedule.
Finally, you have fibro, you lucky gal! Which, as you are well aware, comes with it’s fair share of fatigue and brain fog. Personally, I think it gets worse after a big insult to the body, like a surgery. There is a bright side, and that is that this will pass. Knowing that something is finite really helps me deal with it more gracefully.
Based on my reading, I can tell that this surgery has a pretty uncomfortable recovery, and I’m sorry that you are not feeling so hot. I hope that you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.
Jackie,
I had my fourth spinal surgery on August 11 and feel better now than I have in two years. Recovery from surgery is not a sprint, but a marathon. My trick is to try and do just a little more than you did yesterday and before you know it, you are feeling more like your old self.
As to the fatigue - I loathe fatigue! I can understand pain but the fatigue episodes I have are among the worst things that have phyically happened. Like you, I have FM (a central nervous system disorder) but I also have rheumatoid arthritis (an immune system disorder) AND Chronic Fatigue syndrome. All three conditions have an element of fatigue that can knock you off your feet unable to move much for days on end.
However, there are things you can do to help yourself. What REALLY HELPED ME was being diagnosed with sleep apnea. The doctors prescribed and provided me with a CPAP machine. With sleep apnea, one stops breathing multiple times throughout the night and often snores to a level of peeling paint of the walls. Also with sleep apnea, one does not get a good night sleep. Sound familar? If your insurance company allows it, I seriously suggest that you do a sleep study.
Also, if possible, limit or elimimate caffine, nicotine and alcohol (that sucks, right?). Would you rather do shots or get a good nights sleep?????? Also, I know not sleeping at night sucks but try and avoid napping during the day. Also, try and establish a slep routine where you go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day.
Try to not overexert yourself as that can trigger fatigue. I know this is hard to do, but avoid stress (hard to do if you have family - smile).
Have you ever meditated? Even if you have not, make sure t take time to relax or exgage in activities that you enjoy. I'd also, if possible get therapy to help you with an exercise routine. A hysical therapist can help establish a routine that works towards better dealing with fatigue. Emotional counseling is also a fabulous suggestion as it helps in so many areas.
From the people I've spoken to who are successfully dealing with fatigue, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and massage therapy are the most popular and effective "treatment" options.
I wish you the very best of luck in your battle with fatigue. I know how awful fatigue is and appreciate the fact that you've reached out. We are here for you. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Marc
Hey mark,
Thank you so much for your concern. I do have sleep apnea, along with fibto, polyarthritid, uctd, ostoporosis, degenerative joint disease and so mny other dx. oim really having a hard time with this sinus surgery. I'm taking it one day at a time, hughs jackie
Do whatever you and your doctor can do to address your sleep issues an make it your number one priority. Not getting enough sleep erodes your abilities at an alarming rate. If you are not getting regular, restful sleep, all your other conditions will be aggrevated. We need to sleep. I've come to learn though my own experiences with sleep issues that getting a good, restful night of sleep is the most important "activity" you can do to begn the healing process.
I wish you the very best. Let me know if I can do anything.
Marc