Sleeping and back pain

Hi girls,

I’m sure this has been discussed at length before on this forum. I am currently day 5 post op. What are the rules with sleeping? I am currently sleeping sitting propped up in bed and it is giving me the worst back pains. When can we lie flat on our backs? I don’t actually recall my surgeon specifying anything about sleep or have anything in my written notes. Perhaps lying down is okay after all. I know I won’t be able to sleep on my side for several weeks but I’m not worried about that. I just need the back pain to stop. Any advice really appreciated. Xxx

Hi Hun supposed advice is to sleep at 45 degree angle, I tried this first night and woke up flat on my back, I’m sleeping now I’d say normal on my back just with two pillows, aslong as its not uncomfortable for u I think it’s fine my friends have all had their boobs done ages ago and said they just lay normal on there back, think they say not to lie on ur back as gives shortness of breath but Iv been fine xx

I think it’s also to do with the getting up part as when you push yourself up you will use your chest muscles it’s like mission impossible to get out of bed in a morning the first couple of days! Xx

Definitely is the hardest thing ever getting out of bed! I’ve gone from lying down flat to scooching to the side of the bed and standing up that way miss judged my matrix abilities a few times though an had my boyfriend help me haha but still only getting a few hours here and there and then I’m up again xxx

Hi girls im 6 weeks post op today and at my 2 weeks check with nurse she told me to sleep at 45 degrees angle i can move slightly down over the weeks but not totally flat until i see her at my 6 wks check. Unfortunately im not seeinh her until next Friday as i couldnt get time off work so another week of amgled sleeping. Its awful though, my second week my husband bought me a kids swimming ring so i could have that under my bum in bed as it was my bum that was hurting the most was so numb through the night i would wake up in agony. The ring helped a lot hahah. I must have looked a right state in bed every night x

Saying that all nurses are different as a girl was told same week as me if she was comfortable lying down then she could while my nurse was having none of it xx

Iv just literally been for my 6 weeks PO check up I can now lie flat and if it comfortable I can go on my side ? I av not slept right thru since my op so am looking forwRd to a Gud nights sleep lol x

That is so good that you can now sleep properly Kelly and you will be soon Dawn. I’m going to ask my nurse what she thinks tomorrow when I see her. The problem is, I prop myself up but wake up on my back so I must wriggle down in the night. Despite my back being agony I am actually sleeping well through the night with naps during the day so I cannot complain. Getting out of bed is still really tricky though. I cannot wait to be 6 post op! Xxx

@MOLLY hey , use V pillow and two three cushion under the v-pillow. I m on my day 6th po. And doing as I said. I have no back pain what so ever and I sleep 45 degree all night. I got mine ( v pillow )from john lewis very comfy . Hope this helps xxx

Thanks Riya. I have a V pillow but I’m obviously not using in right. I will experiment with extra pillows this eve. Thank you xx

V pillow multiple pillows even a neck travel pillow thing to help support my necks not helping ha think I’m just so so used to sleeping on my side I’m finding this so hard. Wake up so many times during the night ha can’t wait to sleep right through! Xxx

awww i really sympathise with you ladies……I just want to snuggle up with the duvet on my side!!!
I’m 5 days PO and am sleeping with a v pillow…normal pillow behind that…2 small pillows under my thighs…to stop myself from sliding down and a small pillow each side to rest my arms on…..a right set up.
I just thought I had to sleep almost sitting up….really uncomfortable in bed so I’ve opted for the sofa!
wishing you all some much needed decent sleep xx

Can someone please show me a picture of how they set their pillows up I’ve got a v pillow and others but I’m really struggling with the pack pain now haven’t slept the whole way through the night since my op can’t cope haha 🙁 xx

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