Best way to sleep after surgery?
I am 3rd week post op and was curious if there was a special way to sleep to help alleviate some of the acid reflux? Also it seems like there should be a way to sleep just to make things easier anyways. Similar to when you are pregnant, they tell you that laying on one side is better than the other side (can't remember which is better). I sleep propped up but last night the acid reflux hit and I thought I was going to choke to death on it. I take 2 prescription Prilosec a day but just started 2/day a couple of days ago. I'm watching what I put in my mouth that triggers the reflux and trying to stop eating/drinking a couple of hours before bed. I'm also having some leg cramps in the morning. I will wake up and feel the need to stretch but when I do it feels like the muscles start cramping up and I have to stop stretching. Oh, and recently my back had been hurting me. I have heard that after surgery your body starts readjusting muscles and I guess that's what's happening...it's not horrible, but it is quite noticeable. Any suggestions on helping these issues?
Other than those issues, I am feeling great!!! And I stepped on the scale and have officially lost 20 pounds!! Seems slow going, but it's a little over a pound a day and hopefully this rate will keep the loose skin away!!! Oh, and I think my son is excited about my surgery...he is 15years old and apparently told his whole baseball team that I had the surgery and asked them for prayers for my recovery and told them how proud he was of me. He has also been my helper while my husband is out of town on business. (I bet he will be glad that hubby is coming home today!!)
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
I never had the reflux but I would think sleeping with your head elevated would help. I hope you get relief soon. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how you are doing.
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
My back was achy a lot post op and I used a heating pad and it did wonders for me. I slept elevated and I used a body pillow to curve around me and put my legs over so they were not flat. So the pillow would be next to me and then curve under my knees. I don't know if that makes sense. But it helped me a lot. I would mostly use my heating pad for my back but sometimes I would put it on my hips, chest, or belly. It helped A LOT!!! I still use it occasionally. (It's the kind you heat up in the microwave.)
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
Staying elevated helps a lot with the reflux. Also, a shot of Braggs apple cider vinegar before bed works wonders on the reflux. Just make sure to rinse your mouth out after you take it so it doesn't sit no your teeth. Also, rubbing coconut oil with lavender & peppermint can really help the muscle cramps and aches & pains. Also make sure you are drinking enough water. Sounds like you're doing amazing! Best of luck to you!!!
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
for me was better sleeping on my back, but I know that for some people it might be difficult
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
I couldn't sleep at all for a long time, I love sleeping on my stomach... had to sleep on maternity pillows
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
You should try and sleep in a sitting position. I know this isn't very comfortable, but you probably understand that it's not good for you to sleep on your stomach for the month following your surgery. To avoid complications, you shouldn't sleep on your back either. So, the best option would be to sleep in a sitting position. Also, make sure you have a suitable mattress. Click here Bed In a Box UK to read more about the best mattresses available on the market. Take care, and I hope you'll recover soon!
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
I sure hope sleeping on my back or stomach won"t hurt me. I'm kind of locked into those two positions, The Docs and Nurses didn"t warn against it.
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
When I sleep on my back, I have nightmares. I am also afraid that I will get sleep paralysis.
Re: Best way to sleep after surgery?
SLEEP ON YOUR LEFT SIDE!!!
I've had acid reflux pre and post-op. Luckily for me, what worked before the surgery, also worked post-op whenever I have attacks. I also made sure to ask my surgeon about this, and I'm glad he said it's fine to do so. If you're tired of lying down on your back, sleep on your left side and have a pillow tucked between your knees to make it more convenient.