1 week out w/ ????

lsullivan68 · August 8, 2008

I am 1 week post-op and seem to be unable to sleep on my side any longer. When I do it feels like a weight is sitting on my chest. I'm worried because I just can't sleep on my back for very long, so I've been sleeping in my recliner. Is this normal? Do I just need to wait & let things heal a bit longer?

mtnman428 · August 8, 2008

Hi, I'm only a little over 2 weeks out. I think that if you wait and heal a bit longer then you should be able to sleep on your side soon. I couldn't for the first maybe 4 days, but then I could. I've read alot of posts that people say that they couldn't sleep on their side for a little while. It is most likely either your port (that is attached to your abdominal wall, so needs time to heal) or maybe it is CO2 gas pains that get worse when you lie on your side. I think that it will go away with time like mine has. Good luck.

ja4332 · August 8, 2008

Don't worry, sleeping will get better within a few weeks. I am also a side sleeper and I had the same concerns right after surgery. It took about 2 weeks for me to be able to sleep on my left side, which is the side that I prefer. I am 4 weeks post op and I sleep like a rock now.

Congrats on your surgery!!

jetti · August 8, 2008

give it time and it will get better. Im a side/stomach sleeper so for the first 1 1/2 I slept on the couch to keep myself from rolling over and causing pain. After the when I moved onto my bed I would sort of lay on my side with a pillow under my side/back to keep myself supported and stable

realmccoy · August 8, 2008

I was the same way too.........recliner is what I did for the first 4 days, then like above, I did on my back with a pillow under my port side. This helped me to be a little on my side but still have support under my port and wasn't uncomfortable. Don't fret- within a few more days you'll probably be on your side and comfortable!