Post ileostomy surgery and I cannot sleep, any tips?
I’m about 11 days post emergency subtotal colectomy, got home 2 days ago. I know it’s still early but I absolutely cannot sleep. In the hospital I actually managed to sleep because of the pain meds and while I was prescribed oxycodone, I obviously can’t rely on it and it didn’t really help me sleep anyway.
It’s not even pain necessarily, I’m just so uncomfortable no matter what position I’m in. I’m hyper aware of the stomach staples and ileostomy bag, I feel like everything is being pulled on, when I sleep on my back I can’t get uncomfortable. I’m normally a side sleeper but that isn’t an option right now. I’ve tried multiple pillows, sleeping slightly raised, it all hurts and nothing feels right. What do I do?
I’m so so so tired and weak and my body needs to heal but in order to do that I need to sleep. And I realize everything is fresh and new and I haven’t had time to adjust but that doesn’t lessen the need for sleep. I’m so miserable and feel genuinely tortured just watching the hours tick by at night. Everyone kept saying “oh I bet you can’t wait to sleep in your own bed” and “it’ll be the best night sleep ever” when in reality it’s been such a struggle to actually sleep and I almost miss my hospital bed.
Has anyone else had similar issues? Anything I can try?
Posted Aug 4, 2025, 4:25 PM UTC