I have been taking it for 3 years now, I have tried t sleep with out it and I cant, I just lay there,, Now sometimes if I take my percs with them I stay awake also,,,, weierd

Hiya, since my operation in 2003 i have had the same problem with the cold feet or should i say foot , its mainly the right foot its never warm . I do have nerve damage and most of the problem are on the right side . I asked my pain management doctor why and he said it is bad circulation, you need to rub your legs , to encourage the circulation, or a soft brush, but brush upwards towards the heart . I hope this helps.

Angie

I am 7 weeks post op and I have the same problem. I wonder if my feet were always like that though and I just couldn't feel it. Sometimes too....my right hand will be noticably colder than my left. I am going to the dr today and am going to bring that up. I assume it's from all the damage done from the pinched nerves or something.

I actually often go to sleep with a pair of down "booties" on - I bought mine from of all places Restoration Hardware, but they can be found elsewhere too. To warm of feet quickly, I will also use those charcoal air-activated pads, like "Toastie Toes" or Heat-Max; usually you can easily find them in the sporting goods depts. around hunting season, but they are more expensive.

I actually often go to sleep with a pair of down "booties" on - I bought mine from of all places Restoration Hardware, but they can be found elsewhere too. To warm of feet quickly, I will also use those charcoal air-activated pads, like "Toastie Toes" or Heat-Max; usually you can easily find them in the sporting goods depts. around hunting season, but they are more expensive.

I have had the same issues. Regarding cold feet and hands, go to your primary care physician and discuss this. Due to an insurance change, I had to see a new PCP last month and mentioned my cold extremities. She had a blood test done and it came back that I was anemic - low platelet count. For now, I am taking iron pills and after several weeks my hands and feet are warmer. I'm waiting to hear about the results of a follow-up test.

For sleep, I'm still taking Vicodin and Soma, so they help me sleep for 4-6 hours. Prior to my surgery I had sleep problems for years. What helped me a bit was taking Melatonin. I had taken it for approximately 5-7 years prior to surgery. There seem to be no studies about long-term usage, but I had no problems with it. I'm not using it now because the Vicodin and Soma seem to produce the same effect (and lessen my pain/discomfort as well).

Hello to all and I have just read everyone's answer but the question was never answered atleast i don't think so..I just had back surgery on L4 and L5 fused,on jan 6,09.. Today is Jan 12,09 and I also notice that my right foot has a tingaly sensation like if it was going to sleep and my foot is also cold. I asked my doctor and he said its normal and he said yes and it will heal with time...

marcoagu

is warm & red compared to my right, when I had my follow up the surgeon said this happens sometimes and that it has to do with the nerve being irratated -sorry, I can't remember exactly what he called it- but he said I was right, I wasn't imagining it!

I don't know if this is the same situation for you but when you feel both of my feet the right one seems cold in comparison.

As for the sleep, Lunesta has worked like a charm for 4 years for me

are always freezing. Unless I'm in the shower, you will find me with socks and booty type slippers on and my toes are still cold.

Also, if I take Percocet with my Ambien, I cannot sleep. That makes at least 3 of us in this thread!

I have been trying to get off Ambien. I went a few days without it, and then took it one night. Slept fine, but was in an "Ambien haze" until the afternoon the next day. So I've now gone 2 night again without it, but I am waking up every 2 hours. I'm hoping with the SCS, I can sleep better.

I don't mind to take Ambien (and have for 2+ years), but hate the haze I sometimes have. Also, my doctor only gives me 20 a month, so I have to find 10 days where I don't take it or I will run out. She believes it can cause "rebound insomnia".

With the SCS now, I'm trying to take less and less meds. That's the plan for the future, anyway. lol

Cheri