Hallucinations and pain

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Both have been accompanying me as I wean off my pain meds.

My oxycontin prescription has run out, which leaves me with plain ole oxycodone to relieve my pain. I've been weaning myself from those, as well, and normally take one or two a day (instead of 1-2 every four hours). The combination has led me to discover just how much pain they've been masking.

The first day off the oxycontin was the hardest, as I hadn't slept much due to hallucinations in the night; extreme hot and cold flashes; and general discomfort of sleeping completely on my back with my leg in the cpm. When I got out of bed in the morning, everything hurt. From the palms of my hand to my armpits to both hips and knees, I was aching. It's not terrible pain, but combined with a lack of sleep, they're enough to make me a little cranky.

I got little to no sleep again last night, and started to cry this morning when Mom asked me what was wrong. "I'm so tired of not being able to move," I cried, feeling absolutely defeated. So I got out of the cpm, and Mom helped me onto my stomach. It felt wonderful, though a little strange on my hip, and I finally fell asleep. After 45 minutes or so, I woke up and proceeded to inch myself over to my right side. That, too, felt strange but okay, and I slept a little more in that position.

Sleeping is definitely the hardest thing to do right now. It's neither normal nor comfortable to lie in one position all night, but even when I'm done with the cpm, I don't know how I'm going to sleep. Right now, I can't get onto my stomach or side by myself, so I'm just stuck. I'm not supposed to actively move my own leg, so repositioning is just not easy. Any suggestions?

I'm starting to feel the gloom of my limitations, and hope this phase passes soon. I feel tired, achy and beaten down. Blech.

Comments

MY PAO STORY said…
Cassie - you will be amazed at the things you will be able to do as each day passes. It takes awhile - but it comes! I slept on my back for a LONG time - then was able to sleep on my "good" side. The stomach came much later (I could feel the screws when I went on my stomach) - and just within the past weeks I have been able to comfortably sleep on my PAO side. I also spent a lot of time the first few weeks in a recliner - a little better than laying on your back in bed. I also took a pain med before bed for a long time - to help me sleep.
Beth :)
May 11, 2008
Anonymous said…
Cass
Definitely the pain medication helped me sleep at night. I wasn't in a CPM so I have no idea what that feels like but I slept for many, many weeks on my back with 3 pillows under my leg. It would have been tricky without the pain meds. Also remember that taking them and then coming off of them will make you feel very emotional. I was known for crying randomly and for little reason which is very unlike me. You will see though that like Beth said that there are improvements with each day. Look how far you have already come and it's only 2 weeks post surgery. Just be patient with yourself. It will all come right with time.
May 11, 2008
Anonymous said…
Cassie

This is the blechy period and sleep is hard to come by but it won't last it's just another phase. Weaning off of pain meds takes times but it definitely helps to take something before bedtime and lots of pillow propping helps because sleeping on your back gets old. It may also be a good time to start developing a more normal sleep schedule you may be tired at first and still require naps but it can help you begin to acclimate to a pattern that reflects you more! Take care you are doing great you are only 3 weeks out!

RK
May 12, 2008
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