sleeping in bed....help?

Hey everyone. I am needing some advice...I had my TAH last Friday, and am finding it difficult to get comfortable in bed. I can only lay on my back for so long, and trying to sleep on my side makes a 'pulling' sensation in my abdomen. I read a post somewhere about a bunch of pillows on the bed?? Can any one give me some advice about sleeping in the bed....if nothing else, I will have to sleep in recliner, but that position gets real old also!!
thanks again for all the help here. This is great!!
Marcia

Oh I know what you mean about the pulling sensation in the belly. I kept tucking a towel around the belly area when I layed on my side to help it stay in one spot. Normally I move around alot during my sleep and I can't wait for the day I can sleep on my belly again. I have heard a lot of ladies say they slept in the recliner for comfort and they liked like. I don't have one, but I'm sure I would like it. Right now I have about 4 - 5 pillows around me at night. I get rid of one by one as I get more comfie. Hope you find a comfortable position soon and get some good rest.

HI
The first week or so is the hardest for sleeping in your bed. I had a pillow on each side of me and of course, my tummy pillow. I could move to my side if my husband pushed a pillow against my back. It gets easier!! Promise! Good luck with your recovery.

Hi! I bought one of the foam wedge pillows orginally so I could sit up in bed. But I found it has just enough slope to help me sleep comfortably on my back (or side). I also used it between my knees when I first started sleeping on my side. I add another pillow to it during the day when I'm reading, etc. I bought it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $19.99.

Best wishes to you! I'm 2 weeks post-op today and I'm really feeling stronger each day!

Hi Marcia,
Trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in was horrible for me, too, since I normally sleep on my stomach. One thing I found somewhat helpful was to get a body pillow and put the end between my legs (laying on my side) and then kind of wrap my arms around the top. Gave me some support for my belly to lessen that 'pulling' feeling. I think I was able to start sleeping somewhat on my belly at about four weeks. Hope it gets better soon!

Hey Marcia.

Just wanted you to know that I had the same problem for awhile. I ended up sleeping downstairs in the recliner for about 2 1/2 weeks. Although I did get bored in the recliner, it was the only way I could sleep! I missed sleeping with my DH.

Finally I was able to sleep somewhat comfortably in the bed. Pillows help also, like our sisters suggested.

I am 23 days post-op and I am getting better. I promise you will to.

Hugs,

Kim

I had so many pillows around me that there was hardly enough room in the bed for DH. I'd put one between my knees and one behind my back and then I'd a couple of them to give me support. Pillows seem to help alot in my case. The more the merrier to me. Hope you can find a comfotable position as we all know how important alot of is in our healing process

Hi, pillow definitely help. With all my surgeries I have found that a pillow in front of the tummy laying on your left side to release excess gas trapped inside you and one or two pillows against your back is a good way to fall asleep. I hope you get comfy soon. Take care...Paula

Marcia ---

I had my TAH 13 days ago, but in the hospital they gave me a 'binder' (like a panti-less girdle)... but I had to ask for one. The nurses said they are usually only given to larger or obese women. I'm average size, but when the nurse brought me one and I put it on (velcro) -- it was 'ah-h-h'. I didn't feel like I was going to 'lose it'... I wore it day and night in the hospital, and same when I got home until about 4 days ago. I was able to sleep on my side, tummy.... sure, I can feel the steri-strips pull, but that added security was great. Try wearing a light weight panti girdle (not long line..) to bed. My sister who had her TAH 9 years ago, swore by them. Also, there is something similar to the binder that is sold at sports stores, for walkers... it is neoprene with velcro on the side so it is totally adjustable.

Good luck, and be comfortable!!

I had the same problem. My DH solved it when he found some cushions from an old couch up in the attic,we put one at the head board of the bed and then my pillows, this way it resembled the elevation of the bed at the castle. Then i found that i could sleep on my side if i put a pillow against my tummy and another one between my legs. Or put one pillow between my tummy and my hubby's back and lean on him. It is frustrating finding ways to get comfy,but it gets better.