Where is the bandage, and what kind is it? Does it seem like it's sticky all over, or just around the edges?
When was it supposed to come off?
Sometimes if the bandage is wet it is easier to take off.

You just had major surgery and aren't sleeping, so that could be contributing to the headaches. Are you drinking the same amount of caffeine?

I hope your headaches get better

How did you sleep last night?

the bandage is on my left side of my neck. It is still big even though a lot has come off. supposedly it should have fallen off itself.it is a hodgepodge of strips. i pulled on it the other day and now it sensitve so i don't want to mess with it
and give it more time. i am drinking less coffee. if you looked at the time i posted you would see i had little sleep last night. it is such a mess
bobby

Yeah, good decision not to pull those steri-strips off on your own. They will fall of when they are ready. Gently washing the area while you're in the shower helps them along the way though.

I looked at the time, and yes, it seems like you were up all night again

If you are only taking the oxy in the morning, it's far less likely that there would be an issue with you taking a small dose of Benedryl at night. Since it's the weekend, you could call your pharmacist to ask for his opinion if you're worried.

I like your plan about calling your pdoc and asking about increasing the risperdal. I know it has helped you in the past. I think talking to him for a little bit would be good for you too, since he has such a calming manner

I will pray for more sleep for you

he is on a very tight schedule. a friend says benedryl agitates her. now i don't dare try it

You've never tried benedry before?

Benedryl was activating for my mother and sister… they would be up all night, but it's sedating to me. It even physically slowed me down slightly during a period of mania. If you've taken it before and it's been sedating, it's unlikely it would cause agitation or worsen your insomnia if you took it again.

If you've never tried it, you could still try your luck at a small dose, but I can understand why you would be hesitant.

i have never tried it. i don't want to chance it. i am so depressed

I can't say I blame you for not wanting to try the Benadryl right now.

Treating your underlying depression would probably improve your insomnia…
I know that you said your pdoc is busy, and you probably don't want to assert yourself, but these are extraordinary circumstances considering your recent stroke has worsened your depression and caused agitation, and your insomnia has become so bad since your surgery. Usually pdocs will fit in patients who need to be seen more urgently.

I'm sorry you can't sleep. It must be just making things worse

thanks. last time i saw him i felt he rushed me out of the office. It is like he didn't want to deal with the upcoming procedure. at that time he didn't even know about the surgery. he has very high cholesterol. i don't know if he can help me with this. sometimes now i just want to die.it has all been too much. i feel shell shocked. to top it off it is sinking in the effects of the stroke. i might call for a appt with the woman neurologist to see what she thinks and if she thinks physical therapy would make a difference. I have a lot of anger. I don't
know if that is my bipolar, the brain damage or a combo of both plus the sleep deprivation. it is all too much to handle. Last night i hardly slept again. now i am constipated again. the docolax stopped working..... everything irritates me.

Unfortunately one of the Oxycontin (opioids) side effect is constipation. Since I started the Oxycontin; I have needed to take Miralax to keep things moving.

Gerry

oh bobby, I just got home and caught up with your thread.
I am sorry that you are dealing with so much.
Remember you had to have the surgery to prevent any more strokes so that is good.
I think calling the psychologist is a good idea.
I wish you had more support.
Yes it is true that benadryl has the opposite effect in some people. Not the majority. most people it is very sedating like kay said. Some people take it for anxiety during the day as well.
I wish I could give you a hug.

(((((HUGS))))
bizi