I’m due for a mastectomy on 23rd and concerned about being able to sleep comfortably in my bed. I’m a side sleeper and find it extremely difficult to sleep on my back. I’m tossing between buying a wedge pillow and sleeping in a recliner. Would like to know what you lovely ladies did to sleep comfortably . Many thanks xx
Also a confirmed side-sleeper, and sorry to not have more encouraging news than “It was bloomin’ hard!”. I tried a wedge pillow but didn’t like it, so I managed with just several extra normal pillows - one on each side of me, an extra one under my upper back to prop myself up a bit, and the most useful one was probably under my knees.
You will cope, honest. You’ll be more tired and prone to sleep anyway, which helps. And it’ll be a distant memory soon enough!
Wishing you the best with it all.
You know I don’t even remember it being a problem. I only normally sleep on my side but I was actually able to sleep on my back post-op (back to sides only again now ).
I was worried about my husband rolling over to me and where I would put my arm. I had a really squidgy pillow which I put a bamboo pillowcase on (really soft and cool) and wedged it on my surgery side with my arm up beside my head, (felt protective) then when on my other side, I wedged it under my affected arm and laid it along the pillow.
I would suggest a few different shapes, sizes, squid gi ness wrapped in bamboo and see what works for you. The hospital also gave me a heart pillow to put under my armpit so my arm and side didn’t rub together. I covered mine in bamboo of course
My surgeon doesn’t use drains so may be different if you have them?
Good luck. It wasn’t as bad as I thought, no pain relief needed, home same day. Hope it’s like that for you too. Just remember, you’re getting the cancer out and gone.
big hugs
laura
Thank you all for your replies. I feel a bit reassured now that sleep might not be a major issue.
One thing I forgot to mention is that I suffer from sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. The thought of sleeping with the machine, with the drain, the pain and everything else seemed like a guaranteed loss of sleep, until I saw your replies
I will try using pillows and might get a reading wedge if I still feel I need one.
I wish you all a smooth recovery xx
Thank you all for sharing your experiences.
I got myself a soft cushion to support me during sleep and also while in the car to help with the seatbelt.
I guess I’m as prepared as I can be for the big day tomorrow! Just one last thing today, get that radioactive tracer injection. I hope it isn’t too painful ?
Good luck for tomorrow. i am sending positive vibes from near Isaac Newton’s old home which i visited today.
Seagulls
attempting to get an apple to drop on my head, but it’s not happening at premier inn yet
Radioactive injection isn’t too bad at all. A wee bit stingy but not really sore.
Wishing you all the very best of luck for tomorrow.
Thank you all for your wishes.
The radioactive injection wasn’t bad, didn’t feel anything except a tiny prick similar to a flu jab.
My surgery is in the afternoon. I’m feeling alright actually although I didn’t get much sleep last night.
Thank you all once again ?