Can't sleep in the bed yet

robinem · August 1, 2006

Did anyone have problems sleeping in the bed after surgery? I had surgery last week Monday (7/24) and still can't sleep in my bed.

I'm a side sleeper, and my port is in deep in my belly (so I was told). I can't sleep on either side comfortably, and its driving me crazy.

I'm having my follow up with my dr. on Weds. and will ask her about this, but I was wondering if anyone else experienced the same thing. Lucky for me, my recliner is like sleeping on a cloud.

Thanks,

Ps... I think part of my not being able to sleep is being home all day, and taking naps. I think I'll not nap tomorrow and see how I sleep.

NJChick · August 1, 2006

I slept in my recliner for about a week, then I moved on to my bed. It wasn't easy. At about 2 weeks I was pretty comfy in the bed but had to use a pillow to support my side.

barbara465 · August 1, 2006

I slept in my recliner for a few nights and then moved to the couch. The couch was good because it had high sides which let me manuver around and then held me in place. I moved to the bed about a week later. It wasn't as comfortable, but I built a fort with pillows and then slept better. I was able to sleep on my side at that time, but needed the cushions for support. This to will pass.

Dody · August 1, 2006

I was able to sleep in my bed from the beginning, but it was much easier because I mostly sleep on my back. Now, two weeks out I can also sleep on my side. I know I couldn't have done that when I came home because of the port pain, but sleeping on my back with pillows puffed up worked out great. Good luck to you.

sleepyjean · August 1, 2006

I had the exact same problem. I sleep on my stomach, so the first three or four days after surgery were rough. I can nap for an hour or so on the couch or in my pappasan, but I can't sleep through the night like that. I tried sleeping on my back in bed, but I'd inevitable wake up when I rolled over in my sleep and got that feeling of a red hot poker jabbing me in the stomach. In the end, I took drugs. My doctor had described Lortab for the pain, but I was afraid I'd get addicted or something, so I didn't take it. When I finally got around to trying it, I discovered that it would knock me out for a good four hours. That's basically how I got through that first week.

The good news is, is does get better relatively quickly.

Yoda · August 1, 2006

I'm a big time side and tummy sleeper!!! I had no problem sleeping on y side after about a week and my tummy after two weeks....for the first week, I just tried to train myself to sleep on my back. If I rolled over, the discomfort would wake me up to remind me to go on my back!

The only problem I had with bed sleeping was getting out of it in the mornings!!! At least for the first 5 days....hubby had to help me up.