Question:
Anyone have any Experience using Body Pillows During the first few Weeks Post-Op?

A friend had an idea that a body pillow may help me with support while sleeping right after surgery. Sounds like a great idea, but they aren't cheap. Has anyone used one and can recommend it? Thanks.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on March 29, 2000)

March 29, 2000
Hi Denise, I am pre-op, therefore I don't know how well the pillow will work for post-op but I use one all the time now, great back support if you sleep on your side, takes the pressure off your lower back. Good Luck!
   — BECKY M.

March 29, 2000
That is totally great idea! I have been using body pillows for along time due to other health problems and night time posture. Any one would feel better for using thses long pillows!
   — char T.

March 29, 2000
I've used my body pillow for years - I loved it. Couldn't use it the first 3 weeks post op -- I could only sleep on my back, and in a recliner. Anything else was too uncomfortable. I'm just now able to sleep in bed, on my side, hugging that old body pillow. The hospital did give me an extra pillow to 'hug' over the incision - it helped every time I tried to sit, stand, laugh, cough, etc. It was great on the car ride home, too. I used it for the first week or 10 days.
   — Toni B.

March 29, 2000
I had to use a body pillow after my surgery. But I bought mine at walmart for about $10.00. It helped alot. I could hug it to help with the pain and I could lay against it for support and it helped so I could kindda lay on my stomach alittle. Try it I am sure you will find the $10.00 worth it Dawn
   — dawn D.

March 30, 2000
Hi Denise, The first week or week and half I was unable to lay down, had to sleep in the recliner, but, once I was able to lay down, the body pillows were a life saver. They came in handy for cudling. I would recommend you getting at least one for support. I do not regret having mine. Good luck!!!!!!
   — Lee Ann B.

March 30, 2000
The big body pillows are nice and all... but I could not lay down at all for about 2/3 weeks after coming home! I actually slept in our lazy boy for that amount of time and slowly started laying down, the pain that accompanies laying down after surgery and coming home, is like doing sit ups right after... impossible... I would recommend being nice to your body and trying to sleep up right or in a nice easy chair or a hosital bed... some insurance companies will cover it if your dr. will write the RX for it.
   — Jamie T.

April 2, 2000
My husband bought me a body pillow at Wal-Mart for $8.88 the night before I came home from the hospital. The first two nights home, nothing helped me get comfortable but, from then on, the pillow was a big help. I would wrap my arms and legs around it, push it into my tummy and roll a little to my left side. I am a left side sleeper due to breathing difficulties, which are mostly gone now. . .;>) I am now 4.5 months out and I still have my friendly pillow. I love it! Good Luck!
   — Carla I.