Taking sleep meds in the hospital?

[Ylime 453]

I forgot to ask my surgeon this so I'll be following up with him. Just curious what everyone's experience has been.

I have horrible insomnia and because sleep deprivation is a trigger for my epileptic seizures, it has to be managed diligently. I don't take any of the regular sleep meds (like ambien or lunestra), but I do take a sedative that helps me sleep. I wondering if I'll be allowed to take that in the hospital after surgery?

I was recently in the hospital for two nights and they allowed me to take it, but it wasn't for surgery and anesthesia wasn't involved. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.

ETA: I am aware that most meds will need to be crushed up immediately following surgery and I have cleared all that with my prescribing physicians.

Edited April 19, 2018 by Ylime

[aNYCdb 310]

I don't know what will be "allowed," but since they will wake you up ever hour or so to take your blood pressure or give you something it may all be for naught.

[Ylime 453]

1 hour ago, aNYCdb said:

I don't know what will be "allowed," but since they will wake you up ever hour or so to take your blood pressure or give you something it may all be for naught.

The last time I was in the hospital and took my meds they came in regularly to take my vitals and I slept right through it!

[aNYCdb 310]

5 minutes ago, Ylime said:

The last time I was in the hospital and took my meds they came in regularly to take my vitals and I slept right through it!

I can't imagine being able to stay asleep after being propped up to have my blood pressure taken, but I suppose if you can make that work all the better for you. The only downside to sleeping is that it keeps you in the hospital longer. Discharge is usually based on your capacity to consume 4oz of liquid an hour (so that they can take you off IV fluids). They usually have you 1oz/hr hours 1-4, 2oz 5-8, 3oz 9-12, 4oz 13-16, then home. The only upside I had to being woken at 1am, 2am, 3am, and 5am is I got discharged first thing in the morning.

[Ylime 453]

1 minute ago, aNYCdb said:

I can't imagine being able to stay asleep after being propped up to have my blood pressure taken, but I suppose if you can make that work all the better for you. The only downside to sleeping is that it keeps you in the hospital longer. Discharge is usually based on your capacity to consume 4oz of liquid an hour (so that they can take you off IV fluids). They usually have you 1oz/hr hours 1-4, 2oz 5-8, 3oz 9-12, 4oz 13-16, then home. The only upside I had to being woken at 1am, 2am, 3am, and 5am is I got discharged first thing in the morning.

This is good to know as I'll have to talk to my surgeon about this. Not sleeping isn't an option for me as it will trigger my seizures.

[aNYCdb 310]

9 minutes ago, Ylime said:

This is good to know as I'll have to talk to my surgeon about this. Not sleeping isn't an option for me as it will trigger my seizures.

Definitely make sure that this all gets documented and put into whatever order are written. Perhaps this will also warrant the medical necessity of a private room?

[Ylime 453]

Definitely make sure that this all gets documented and put into whatever order are written. Perhaps this will also warrant the medical necessity of a private room?

I already know I’ll have a private room. Perks of having a program in a smaller hospital.


~Emily