Sleeping on your back

Public Archive
1

Not enjoying sleeping on my back…

How long after surgery did you find you could sleep on your side esp. anyone who had bilateral surgery?

I’m 4 weeks post surgery and craving a sleep curled up on my side (amongst other things).

Thanks
Misha

2

Hi Misha

Feel for you! Took me ages - had only a left mastectomy in May 2007 but still sleep on my back a lot. Must have taken a good six months before I could sleep on my side again. Try a v-pillow sleeping on your back - it helps. Was worse having my appendix out in 2001!

Take care

Dilys

3

Hiya,

As Dilys suggested a V pillow is great. I was kind of sleeping on my side a week after my right breast mastectomy by using the V pillow to slightly prop me up off the mattress. I really feel for you sleeping on your back for 4 weeks so far.
Im not one for sleeping on my back so to me the V pillow was the best invention since sliced bread!!

I hope you can get the sleeping you position you crave quite soon.

Regards

Julie

X X

4

I can’t stand sleeping on my back and found myself semi sleeping on my side 2 nights after the surgery. I did have a V pillow with me and just adjusted it so I was half way between back and side (really hard to describe).

It was bilateral but I didn’t have reconstruction so no tissue take from back or belly etc.

I would get one of those pillows and try things like putting it under your waist to lift your side up a bit until you find something that works.

I do feel for you I hate not being comfy at night.

Do you have a seromas as I had very little fluid build up and I think being able to get comfy and fluid build up are very much related.

Sleep well soon

Angie

5

Hi Misha

I know how you feel

I had a quarter of my boob removed and i just couldn’t sleep on either side for ages …

The “bad” side felt very uncomfortable but to “good side” felt worse

It all felt very heavy and “under pressure” like there might be an explosion!

This went on for several weeks and then all of a sudden I realised I had started to wake up on my side in the morning and it was far more comfy and i could do it whenever

i had my op in Nov and we are now in June and i have been sleeping on my side for at least 2 months if not 4 - sorry not to be more precise but it;s a funy thing how you get over it - you;l know what I mea when you are over it

good luck - hope it goes soon
love FB xxx

6

I’ve found it difficult to sleep anyway but a very good soul told that if you sleep on your unaffected side and put a double pillow that side also for your top arm to rest on, it is very comfortable. I’ve tried this and I have got a good nights sleep for the last week. Perhaps some of you could try this. It really supports your arm and relieves the pressure from your affected boob.
I hope this is useful.
Toffee

7

I had a mastectomy in November 2007 and it was a good two-three months before I could attempt laying on my left side. Couldn’t believe how painful it was. It drove me crackers laying on my back. Didn’t have much trouble sleeping, though.

Never thought of a pillow!

Hope you get on ok!

Lynda

8

Hi
I had mastectomy 3 yrs ago and used a pillow to ‘cushion’ area so could sleep on side - lying on back was v difficult then have had ANC recently and again using a pillow to rest arm helps me sleep on my side.
I fold a pillow in half and stand it on edge so raise arm up

Jan

9

I had my mast two weeks ago, and was sleeping on my side before I left hospital

I found sleeping in a bra with my comfie in help, but it’s not been as bad as I thought

Bec x

10

Thanks for all for your replies and helpful comments. I have invested in a V pillow and some progress at last. I can lie half way between on my back and on my side - such a relief - I was getting a bed sore on my tail bone lying on my back unable to move all night.

Wishing you all a good night’s sleep.

Best Wishes

Misha

11

just done lymphoedema training - don’t slep on bad side - see lymphoedema secion

12

Hi I had my masectomy last week and I must say my v pillow is my saviour. I either sleep propped up or on my non operated side with arm resting on the pillow. I still am waking upp at about 5.30 to take pain killers but be the side effects of being in hospital for a week as my drain kept on draining!!!

Sharon xx

13

I couldn’t sleep on my back either (only had a lumpectomy though) and found sleeping on a bean bag best. Whilst I was on my back, I felt cuddled like I do lying on my side and was propped up a bit. It was really comfy and the only way I could sleep for some weeks.

All the best
Sue xx