sleeping

For those of you that were able to sleep on your bed. How long was it before you could sleep on your side for any length of time? How many days/weeks was it before the pains from the wound were gone? Thanks Ron

Ron, I had never slept on my back before having surgery, I got used to it cause I had to while I was in the hospital. Once I was home I continued to out of habit and it was more comfortable. But gradually each night I wanted to be on my side more and more. So when I felt like it was ok I used a pillow to prop my belly and slept on my side just fine. It's the rolling and getting out of bed that can be tricky. I think it was maybe a week or so post op when I did sleep on my side without the pillow. Goodluck! Casey

Hi Ron, Good question! This is what I struggled with...sleeping comfy when I got home (not that the hospital was all that comfy...drug induced sleep can be restful!). My back was sore when I got home so it was bothersome to always have pressure on it. I propped up on many pillows and would angle myslef slightly to the side with a pillow at my back and under the opposite arm. While sleeping I'd end up creeping down...and I'd be stuck! I learned to pull on my tightly tucked sheets to get myself up...or I'd roll to the side of the bed (gravity) then I'd pull on the sheets to sit up- right. Someone suggested propping their mattress up a bit...this may have worked too. Last night though..I finally had the best sleep. I got my staples out yesterday and wow, did it make a difference! I slept on my sides all night. I think I'll go back and lay down.....oh how I wish! Kids are up.....I suppose I should feed them breakfast! You'll do fine! Remember to take it a day at a time! You're in my thoughts and prayers as you get ready! I'm 17days post -op (-20lbs)....wound is sore..and itchy! God Bless, Lauren

I agree with Lauren, After getting the blessed staples out, I slept like a baby!! You may not have staples, some do, some dont. It depends on the person.. I think you will just have to try different things and sleep the way it works for you!!! Kell

Once again Casey said all I would have said. Except I have always slept every which way. I have a little childs pillow that was my neices that I used through the last months of my pregnanucy with the twins to prop my belly and fit into creveses in hospital beds where big pillows wouldn't. Even took it into the OR when I had the C-section for them. This pillow has been with me ever since and I took it with me to EMMC, not in the OR this time though.