Post-op Sleeping question

How long before post-ops were sleeping in their beds? I've been in a big comfy chair with an ottoman, which has been working okay and relatively comfortable, but I've also been taking the pain meds which help knock me out for 4 hours at a time. I've noticed that I am not sleeping as well as I reduce the pain meds (obviuos reasons - real sleep vs drugged sleep). Last night I toolk only half of one dose, and was up every hour or two and it took an hour to fall back asleep. I'm thinking maybe it's time to try the bed again, but I'm not toally standing up straight yet either. Guess I should try it tonight. I have my 1st post-op appt today!! YAY!! I'll post when I hear the results. mgm & IDI Bitty - born 6 days ago

I slept 2 hours in bed, 2 hours in chair, 2 hours on the couch, back to bed for the first 2 weeks. Until you can turn over comfortably, that was the only way to change position. At about 2 weeks, I got to where I could sleep in bed comfortable. I even sleep on my stomach now! It will get better. Joy

I've been sleeping in my bed from the first night. Not for more than 2-3 hours at a time at first, but now up to 5 hours....I can't sleep in a recliner, but use it during the day when I need to take pressure off of the incision or want to rest. I can sleep on my side now but not tummy.

I slept in a bed since the first night home. Not a great night sleep woke at least every hour or so. Second night slept from 9:30until 2 in bed then made it to the recliner third and fourth nights at least 6 hours in bed. Hope this helps.......

I had surgery the same day as you, I was sleeping in bed that night. On Thursday I was sleeping on my side. I don't usually sleep more than 4 hours at a time, but I attribute that to being "spoiled" at home. Rachel 6 days post op

Marla, I've been sleeping in my bed with DH since I came home from the hospital. While in the hospital I slept on my side, drainage tube side no less. Now, in my own bed I can even sleep on my tummy, or either side for that matter. I will pray that you start sleeping better without the pain meds, cause you won't need them, the pain will be gone. Love, Peace and Prayers, Betty

I am 10 days post op and STILL can't sleep in my bed I can't lay flat or even on my sides. I sleep in a nice big leather recliner thats in my room. On that I can go to my side a little bit with a pillow tucked under my stomach. And I also take my pain meds at night just to help me sleep and relieve some of the pain I get. Kelley I miss my bed!

I felt fine after my surgery so I was in bed right away. Of course, I didn't have any other choice, so that helped in my decision. I just used lots of pillows to prop me the way I needed... Dina

I bought one of those pillows that has arms, so the first night home I slept in my bed, but sitting propped up in that pillow with pillows all around me. But I have been in my bed since I came home. The last 5 days I have been sleeping on my side with my belly propped on my body pillow. The first couple of nights though I only slept in 3 to 4 hours spurts and I still will wake up at least 2 or 3 times a night and jus****ch tv until I get sleepy again!! ~Nicole Open RNY 3-9-04 -33 pounds

As you can see from all the above posts, we are all different in our recovery. I have been sleeping as usual (sides and back) since the surgery day. My doctor did tell me to take enough pain meds at night so I could sleep well. I take a dose at bedtime and then another when I wake up about 5 hours later. Then I sleep for 3 or 4 more hours. He and I are both pleased with my sleep and recovery. Others are not the same, and my dd was 3 weeks post op before she could sleep on her side. good luck to you. Louise