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Gillian2069's avatar
Gillian2069
Member
11 years ago

Sleeping posture

I had a Left Side Wide Area Excision and  Axial Clearance in December and I could only sleep on my back at first. It was too uncomfortable to turn on either side. I would wake feeling very stiff because I had held the same position all night.

On the second night I got the bright idea of slipping a pillow under my shoulder blade when I got the urge to turn over. This relieved the morning stiffness a lot.

Now, five weeks later, I still sleep with the pillow at my side. When I turn on my left, I open my right shoulder back against the pillow and doze off again.

I can't spoon my hubby, but we're coping!

Some ladies have mentioned being given pillows to take home from hospital and I guess this is what they are for. For those, like me, who haven't had this advice, I thought I would spread the word.

The pillow helps me to get a comfortable position in bed, but it doesn't cure my chemo-insomnia! So I'm writing this at 4.00am!

Add YOUR sleeping tips below, I'd love to hear all the variety of things people have found to help.

Good luck to everyone on this journey. We make all kinds of discoveries - big and small.

Gillian

4 Replies

  • Rosanna's avatar
    Rosanna
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Gillian

    I found the pillow post-surgery was very helpful.  Lucky I got 2 banana shape from hospital at that time.  the pillow also help when I put it underarm while I went out for shopping (I went out a lot right after surgery and during chemo)

    When it sits underam, it relief the pressure from the shoulder to the tissue.  So at first I thought the banana pillow was small and light, however it works wonderful.  I carry it like underaming a handbag.  I also carry it throughout the night.

    Another things about insomanial, Mmmmm, I did this way :  I thought to myself, why have to sleep in the night time.  I am sick and rest at home, I could arrange my time anyway I like.  I could work in the midnight, and sleep in the day time.  I tried to not worry myself because woke up in the midnight, that normally everyone should sleep.   Try this way, don't fiorce yourself to sleep if it awake, do something yourself, reading, watching a movie, do some clean (if allowed) or even yoga, let it be just in the day time.  And then when in daytime, you might enjoy a nap after yoga and shower, or a movie or a meal.  Just play around 24hours yourself.  I hope this could help.

    Take care (big hugg)

    Rosanna

  • Gillian2069's avatar
    Gillian2069
    Member
    11 years ago

    Yes, I had the same experience when I elected to have the port-a-cath because it's on the other side. Pillows are very adaptable to various uses!

    I love the sound of your bed - very indulgent!

     

     

  • Polly_Rose's avatar
    Polly_Rose
    Member
    11 years ago
    What a great idea Gillian, thanks for the tip. Like you I'm still wide awake as I had chemo yesterday now. I have been having neoadjuvant chemo since August last year and have just 1 more cycle to go then have my surgery by middle of February. Your tips and those of others on this site will be very handy so I will watch your post with great interest. Thanks again and good luck with the rest of your treatment. Polly rose
  • Polly_Rose's avatar
    Polly_Rose
    Member
    11 years ago
    What a great idea Gillian, thanks for the tip. Like you I'm still wide awake as I had chemo yesterday now. I have been having neoadjuvant chemo since August last year and have just 1 more cycle to go then have my surgery by middle of February. Your tips and those of others on this site will be very handy so I will watch your post with great interest. Thanks again and good luck with the rest of your treatment. Polly rose