Sleeping position question

I'm 8 days post-op and going nuts only being able to sleep on my back (I had a TAH). I can lay on my side for short periods but only if I have a very complicated network of pillows supporting me. Does anyone have any guidelines on when they were able to sleep on their stomach, or when it was safe to do so?

Thanks!
Heidi

Heidi,

I think this will be different for different women. I sympathize that you can't sleep the way you'd like to...I know that must be very trying. I would have to stuff pillows under my tummy for support to sleep on my side so I wouldn't feel like my guts would fall out.

Eventually, I read posts from sisters that say something like, "WOW! I can finally sleep on my tummy again!" Be patient...before you know it, that will be YOU!

My very best to you...

I had a LAVH on 1/8 & I too was only able to sleep on my back for a while. If I slept on my side....I felt as if my stiches were going to bust...even if I had my body pillow.

The past couple of days (I'm 2 wks post-op) I have been sleeping on my stomach & it feels so good.

If you aren't sure about it....you could always call your

Best of luck.....Endo_Chic

Hi, Heidi! I think it's "safe" to sleep on your tummy any time, but not comfortable at first. For us tummy sleepers, it sure seems like forever until we were able to sleep in that position again. I started trying at 4 weeks, a few minutes at a time, until I could comfortably fall asleep that way. With TAH there's a lot of swelling inside, so the tummy is very tender! Best wishes for a good recovery!
Ruthie

Know how you feel!! I am 7 weeks post op and I still cannot sleep on my stomach. It doesn't really hurt, it is just uncomfortable. I am anxiously awaiting the night I can sleep all night long and be on my tummy!! Good Luck, Ann

I am a side/tummy sleeper. It's so frustrating not being able to be in the position that I normally consider comfortable. I am actually having trouble falling to sleep. I can't find a position that is comfortable for more than 20 minutes or so. I am 2 weeks 5 days post-op from a VH. I had less trouble with my c-sections. It's good to know I am not alone. However, I truly hope for relief soon! I am sending hugs and good thoughts to your way. Similar Sister, svaldez

Aha, I'm not the only one! Today I am 13 days postop (TAH) and ever so carefully rolled onto my tummy this morning. Ahhhh! What relief! Last night I was able to snuggle up to hubby and sleep on his chest, too. If you feel funny on your side, put one pillow between your knees and then another pillow between your arms, almost like making your own body pillow. Hang in there! Everyone is different but it gets so much better!

Jen

I am 2 weeks post. I "slept" on my sides the night of the surgery. I haven't taken the time yet to post my story, but this is part of it. I had a pca demoral pump, that wasnt working. (turns out I was backed up and barely gettin meds) Anyhow, my mother stayed with me overnight since I was in so much pain. She suggested me to roll over from back to side and I thought she was nuts. I grabbed that rail and pulled myself over with one quick motion, she'd prop a pillow behind me, then under tummy, the one to hug and omg sweet relief for about 30 mins, then we'd turn again, all night long that went on.
So the point is, right off the bat, I started moving and sleeping on my side. My dh works nights, but when he is home, I used him for my prob. Now, just within last 2 days, I found that if I set my pillows up like the other post said, one between legs, one under tummy and one to hug....once I am in that postion, I ever so gradually roll more over onto the tummy, removing the tummy pillow and moving the pillow between legs out a bit for me to pull one leg up on and the pillow I hug I keep huggin. I end up very comfortably on my stomach but not laying ON it since I have that leg propped it keeps me hovering just a bit above enough to keep pressure off.
Wow that after typing it, sounds like such an ordeal to sleep comfy, but it works for me!
(the things we learn)

Ditto Charity and Jen. They've got the drill down perfectly. Sorry, tummy sleeping in it's purest form is out only temporarily.

I'm so glad to hear there's light at the end of the tunnel !!

Thank you for the pillow suggestions - I've tried so many combo's except the one that apparently works! I'm bummed that I didn't read your posts before I went to sleep last night I think I'll try your pillow suggestion during my nap today!

Thanks again and sweet dreams!!

Heidi