sleeping position for a TAH?

Ok, so it seems so silly, but I'm actually worried about what position to sleep in after my TAH. Not that I sleep much these days anyway (this worry actually came to me at about 3am this morning), but when I do it's usually on my stomach or in the "pregnant" position. I don't have any extra pillows and I am wondering if I should get more and if yes, how many and/or what kind.
The date is coming so fast and I am TERRIFIED. I've got so many horrible thoughts racing through my mind - I'm surprised there was room for a "pillow worry"
Once again ladies...thank you for advice and never ending support...you are the best!

Well I am a large fluffy woman, the first two weeks I found it better to sleep in a recliner. The third week I was able to sleep on my back only. At the end of the fourth week I could lay on my right side for only a short time. I had blankets rolled up for support. Its only now in my 9th week that I can comfortably lay on my stomach.
Now there are plenty of women here who have posted that within a week they could lay on their stomach. Your body will let you know when you can do it.
I don't think there is a way for anyone to give you a timetable as each person heals at a different rate and might have more or less work done on them.

the first three weeks i had to sleep on my back. the first two weeks of the three i was in the hospital so i kept the bed elevated and didn't sleep flat. Once i got home, i gradually made it on my side but up until about two weeks ago i kept a pillow between my legs and that helped a lot. I found it was hard to sleep on my side becuase it caused my tummy to shift and thus used pillows to help.

Good luck to you. I will send prayers your way.

I am a stomach sleeper but changed that after my TAH. I could only sleep on my back for the first few weeks and then moved to my side. I still find it hard to sleep on my stomach after this. I am 8 months out. I did find that a full body pillow did wonders for me.
Good luck. Things will be ok.

Hi~

I'm a stomach sleeper also, however after surgery I couldn't for about 2 weeks. Then I was able to sleep on my side. I think it was about week 5-6 that I was able to go back to my stomach. You body will tell you what you can do.

Good Luck, you will do great!

Maureen

I sleep alone (thank goodness!!!) and I normally have 4 pillows on my bed..I had an abdominal tah/bso and the staples were removed before I left the hospital to go home. When I first started sleeping in my bed, I would position pillows between my knees and hold one up against my belly...lying on my side always created a pulling sensation, despite the fact I have never had any issues with the incision...I think the feeling came from the internal stitches...anyway, turning over always seemed to be a major ordeal...re-arranging the pillows and all...so I got a body pillow...it is long enough to straddle and also hold up against my belly...incidentally, I still (@7 weeks) like to hold the pillow up against my belly...and being able to use it between my knees takes pressure off my low back! By the way! Are you having abdominal or vaginal?...although internal stitches are pretty much all the same and take time to heal,

Also, would like to recommend the book "thru the land of hyster"...it gives alot of good pre-op info and since you still have a couple of weeks, you could use it to help you get ready...both mentally and physically...for instance there is a list of things you might want to consider getting in order prior to the surgery date, as well as good ideas for preparing your room at home for your homecoming and most important, your recovery time...you'll be surprised at the simple and wonderful ideas offered in the book. I do think it's wonderful that you found this website BEFORE your surgery...you will find alot of help, info and sisters who understand you...and care.

The whole sleeping issue isn't silly at all. I thought for some miraculous reason when I got home I'd be able to sleep in my bed, on my side as always. DUH.
Nope...I had my TAH on the 13th. I can only sleep on my back. I do find that using small pillows (I use the ones from our couch) slightly under each hip, and then larger ones under the knees helps A LOT. My DH, sweetie that he is, also rented a hospital bed for me, so that helps with getting up and down. I am surprised how affordable they are! We just moved over our master bed and shoved this one next to it.

If you don't have several sizes of pillows- and lots of them. I'd suggest that as a good investment.

Be well!

Hello. I had my TAH/BSO on 7th Feb and have been able to sleep on my back since. I have tried turning on my side but it is still uncomfortable and im soon on my back again. I did buy a body pillow but i have given it to my son as it is too big. If i put it in our bed theres not much room for me and my DH.
I drive an auto but do not feel ready to have a go behind the wheel just yet. I think i will see what next week brings.

Hi - I had a TAH/BSO in December. In the hospital I was sleeping on my back, and when I got home, I slept on my back and side with pillows to support me. I slept during the day in the recliner. I found that a smaller pillow helped me get comfortable. I was able to place it to help support me while I slept on the side.

I had to sleep on my back while in the hospital. I am a side sleeper, and the back pain was god awful. I totally recommend getting I think I had 6 pillows. Once I got home I tried daily to see if I could get on my side. Finally with the help of one of the pillows (and using elbows) I was able to do it. ahhh....

Take care sister.