Sleep Problem

[Linda]

Hello,
I just found this message board today and have been reading many interesting posts.
My husband had valve replacement surgery 5 weeks ago. He has been having a problem sleeping. It isn't because he has trouble breathing or intense pain, just more of an insomnia type problem.
I was just wondering if this is a problem any of you had?
Thanks for any information.
Linda

 

[fyrfytr]

Hi Linda,
Welcome to this Wonderful Site. I had surgery in April and I did have some problems getting to sleep also. Just talk to his Cardio
and I am sure he will give him something to help him sleep. That is what I did and it helped a lot. I only had to take the sleeping pills for about 2 weeks. I get to sleep fine now, I sleep for about 2 hours and than I am wide awake for about 2 hrs. I hope everything else is going OK for him. Again Welcome.

Dave
_________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical 27mm
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Bill Hall]

Hi Linda - Yes I did have sleeping problems after surgery. It seems to me that it lasted for about four weeks and then no problems, I was back to normal. I don't know what causes all the sleepless nights, but be sure not to sleep during the day. Also, be sure to get some walking done, maybe in the evening. Stay up late and wake up early and he will get back to normal quicker.

 

[Ross]

The sleep issue........

I think all of us are like that. I couldn't sleep no matter what when I finally got back with the program. Our bodies are so messed up when it's over that it takes a good long time to get back to a more normal routine.

I still don't sleep well a year later. I'm like Dave, I sleep fine for 2 or 3 hours then I'm up for 3 or 4. I try not to nap during the day if possible, but some days, it's not possible.

Talk to his Doc and get something to help him relax.

 

[Linda]

Hello again,
I can't seem to figure out how to post to each individual message, so this is in reply to Dave, Bill and Ross.
Thanks a lot for your quick replies. Larry sleeps like you guys do or did, a couple hours asleep and a couple hours awake. He never has a nice long unbroken sleep anymore. We wonder if it's one of the medications he is taking. The doctor has cut back on some of the pills so in time if that's the problem, maybe it will help! The doctor did prescribe Ambien and he has taken it 2 nights now, but still he SAYS he isn't sleeping too well. It seems like taking sleeping pills could be addictive too and something you wouldn't want to get into.
Oh yes, he has lost so much weight, he lost 6 pounds last week.
He now weighs a whopping l27 pounds! The doctor doesn't seem overly upset about it, but it almost hurts to look at him.
He weighed l39 before surgery 5 weeks ago!! His appetite isn't that great and I know that's normal.
Well, guess that's all for now. I'm sure I'll think of a ton more questions!!
Thanks much!
Linda

 

[Ross]

Everything he's going through is run of the mill following surgery. As soon as his taste buds get realigned, look out. He'll eat you out of house and home. Don't worry about the sleeping pill addiction. If you go to a reputable physician, they won't let it become a problem.

 

[Linda]

Thank you Ross! We can live with 'run of the mill'!!!
Linda

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Linda,
I won't worry to much about the weight just yet. I lost 27 lbs. after surgery and was hoping to lose more when I started cardiac rehab but have gained it all back. As far as the sleeping pills go I to was worried about the addiction but they did not give that many. I am like Ross, I try not to nap in the afternoon but that is easier said than done. Give Larry time and it will all start to come back. Has he started rehab yet? What type of valve surgery did he have done?
Take Care

Dave
______________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical 27mm
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Linda]

Oh that's a lot of weight to lose, but it sounds like you wanted to lose weight.......Larry didn't and doesn't! I suppose all of these things are normal enough, but when I look at him and see BONES, I worry!
Larry had a mitral valve replacement done at Mayo in Rochester.
I'm not sure about rehab, they just told him to 'walk' whicih we do at the mall. He had bypass surgery 7 years ago and he had several weeks of rehab then. Seems odd they didn't suggest he do it now.
Thanks so much to all of you guys, your words are very comforting! I'm somewhat of a 'worry wart'!
Linda

 

[hensylee]

Weight loss: normal
Sleeplessness: extra normal
Walking at the mall: I was told that is ok

I had quad bypass 3/2000 and another major surgery 3 months ago (not heart related) and both caused all of the above. So, not to worry. Time heals it all. As to weight, you are naturally worried. He was very 'small' beforehand and even one pound on him is going to show much more than us fatties. So, give it time and it all return to normal. And I bet you are more worried than he is - it's always that way, you know.

My dr says Ambien isn't addictive. I don't know, I have not taken it, but have a friend who took it for awhile and when she stopped she didn't have any withdrawal symptoms.

God bless

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Linda,

Everything you have said sounds par for the course to me.

I just slept when I could and got up when I couldn't. Yes, my sleep times were pretty random, but the NAPS sure felt GOOD !
Eventually, he will return to a more normal pattern, but it can take several weeks. At first, many patients find it easier / more comfortable to sleep in a recliner or proped up on pillows. Some report that Body Pillows are helpful.

EXERCISE, especially walking, is the best way to restore strength and stamina. By all means, get into a Cardiac Rehab program if your insurance will cover it. A Doctor's prescription is needed but that can be from a cardiologist or even a Primary Care Physician.

If insurance will not cover rehab, at least go visit a class and get copies of the recommended exercises to do at home or in a gym. Heart Rate Monitors are inexpensive now and can be found at most sporting goods stores or departments (Walmart etc).

Did your husband receive an Incentive Spirometer from the hospital? If not, he should have. Breathing exercises help to reinflate the lungs and prevent fluid retention and pneumonia.

The VR.com Mantra is
WALK, WALK, WALK,
BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE,
NAP, NAP, NAP...

NAPS are GOOD

'AL'

 

[Linda]

Thanks for the reply Hensylee, you certainly have had an opportunity to know what you are talking about! I'll remember your good advice!!
Linda

 

[Linda]

Walk, breathe and nap!! Yes, Larry did get an Incentive Spirometer when he left the hospital. I had to think about that one for awhile, but I finally figured it out. You people are all so smart!!! I'm sure you are right about the rehab, he does need to be doing something more structured that he is now. We will check into that.
Thanks for the info!
Linda

 

[Ross]

One thing about the spirometer, keep it clean and only use it until his capacity improves then throw it away. It can harbor germs and he doesn't need an infection.

 

[Linda]

Thanks Ross!! He definitely doesn't need an infection!
More good advice!!
Linda

 

[Ross]

I know you'll have to pry it away from him with a crowbar because he loves the little ball so much, but it will be necessary. Perhaps you could substitute one of those paddle and balls on the elastic for him to play with instead?

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Insomnia is certainly a common problem following this surgery. When I first got home I was often unable to get to sleep until 3AM or even later. I eventually gave up trying to keep to a schedule and by the time I went back to work, I had pretty much synchronized with the world again. Medications can also play a role here in sleep disturbances.

Spirometer: Yes, this is important! I hated mine with a passion, but my wife was a trooper, and got tough with me big time when I fell behind on my breathing exercises. I had pneumonia in the ICU, so I was starting out behind the 8-ball. The breathing exercises helped me recover quickly.

Ross: Imagine my horror this week when I found my spirometer tucked WAAAY back under the sink in the bathroom . I think I need to call the hazmat team to fish it out for me, and then I'll have a ceremonial burning of it, or run over it with my 4x4. Should I post pictures?

 

[Ross]

By all means Johnny, please do post pics!

 

[Birky]

sleep

sleep

Sleep was a problem after the surgery and lasted about 6 weeks. The hardest thing was sleeping on my back. If I turned over then the sternum woke me up. I also had night sweats which the surgeon said was normal and most of these are gone. I sleep now but still have trouble sleeping on the left side. See the surgeon next week about the wires. Our insurance, Blue Cross paid for the Rehab. I called and made sure before starting since the hospital advised me that Medicare would not pay for it since it was a valve not a bypass. I am not on Medicare but wanted to make sure. It was worth every penny and helped me tremendously. Good luck

 

[Linda]

Oh yes Ross, the paddle and ball thingy, that would be FUN!
Thanks Johnny and Marcia for your comments about sleep, rehab and such. It's so nice to know that Larry isn't alone in this insomnia situation. You would really dread night when you know you won't be getting much sleep, it just adds to all of the woes connected with recovery from this surgery. I hope as he drops some of the medicines that he will be better all the way around.
Thanks again everyone for all the help you've given us!
Linda