When CAN I sleep on my tummy again?

Haven't seen much talk on this topic...So when can I expect to be able to sleep on my tummy again? I sleep on my side now with a pillow, but I often wake up almost on my tummy. It doesn't hurt at that point but I am afraid of hurting myself (can I do any damage by sleeping on my tummy now?). Let me know ladies, I miss sleeping on my tummy!!

When I went for my 3 week check-up I asked the dr that same question. She told me If it does't hurt it is ok. I had TAH/BSO and at 3 weeks started sleeping on stomach. No problem

I had surgery around the same time as you....I slept on my back, propped up with pillows for the first week and a half until I couldn't stand it anymore (made my back hurt). Started to prop myself up with lots of pillows to sleep on my side....that worked pretty well. Then after 3 weeks, the sisters in the chat room told me to try a body pillow....I didn't have one, but I do have a big, huge feather pillow. I put that on the bed and lay my tummy on top of it....it seemed to work. I also sleep with one knee to the side (when I'm on my tummy), kind of like when I was pregnant. I still sometimes get sore from sleeping in a funny position, so I just try to do whatever feels most comfortable each night.

Hope that helps.....sweet dreams!

Karyn

Hi Minniehaha, I saw you post and wanted to chime in here. I had terrible gas in the hospital that I just couldn't get to move. (I hadn't passed any in two days.) The nurse came in and said she had just talked to my Doctor and he told her I was probably vapor locked and for me to lay on my stomach. I asked her how I was suppose to do that, (I had a 10 inch incision and about 19 staples) and she said just very carefully. I did manage and it worked. Once I got home I had to do this several times after to help with gas. Once I would get to my stomach I was usually pretty comfortable. I think I actually realized I was sleeping there at about 3 weeks also. Just woke up that way one morning. I did sleep better on my stomach. I've never been a back sleeper. Good luck and sweet dreams.

Even after your replies, I was still a little leary about trying to sleep on my stomach...but last night at 4am, I woke up ....on my tummy! It was a weird sensation and it even made me feel a little disoriented, like I didn't know where I was. Then I realized I was on my tummy. I couldn't stay there though because once I was awake it became uncomfortable.

Thanks for your posts and happy holidays to all!! :santa:

I don't sleep on my stomach because it causes me stiff necks; however, I found that this morning I was lying on my side and partially on my stomach. I think we're all about 3 or 3 1/2 weeks post-op and we're all finding it more comfortable to move around in bed now.

I'm definitely a tummy sleeper. My Doctor agrees with what someone else posted. If it doesn't hurt, your good to go. I think this last time I was able to somewhat lay on my tummy after 3 weeks comfortable.

Here's what I do, that might help you. I sleep on my side, but put two regular pillows beside me (basically from my shoulder to my knees.) While I am laying on my side, I have my knee up on the pillows, The pillows are fluffy enough that it takes pressure off my tummy, and yet because of the position it feels like I am laying on my tummy. It sounds akward ... but when you can sleep on your back for the life of ya ... it works!

BSQ