Mastectomy

I still have my expanders in Tracy and can sleep on my side now and have done so since about 8 weeks healing. (so think 8 weeks after last expansion ) although mine aren't  fully expanded so there is some give.

I hear you Loz81!

I am 9 weeks today (Wow! that went quick!) post bi lateral mastectomy with tissue expanders and I have just had my final fill.

I could never sleep on my back before BC as my natural breasts were huge (HH!) and made breathing difficult....so at first, sleeping on my back was a novelty! That is until about a month of it......I sleep with a boomerang pillow over a regular pillow and am only now finding I can creep, very gingerly, onto my side and give my back and but a bit of relief.....I cannot sleep on my side though! The tissue expanders aren't very forgiving and I find they start to "dig" in......My guess is that we won't be able to sleep on our sides comfortably until well after implant transfer....I asked the surgeon and he indicated the same...

Early on I used a pillow under my knees too this eliviated the pressure on my butt somewhat...

So for now, unfortunately, we have to sleep on our backs! :(

Hope you can get comfy soon...

Tracy

The first week was tough, espescially with the abdo wound.  Mine was not skin sparing so I didn't have expanders before and I used the skin as well as the tissue from the abdomen.  I was off work for a full six weeks and then went back part-time, I am on my feet a fair bit at work.  It certainly wasn't a walk in the park, but was doable.  A distant memory a couple of years later.

Paula xx

You will be able to sleep on your side again. For some time though I had a pillow behind my back. A small u shaped pillow (like a mini travel pillow) that I used near my armpit and allowed my foob through the hole...it took the pressure off the foob...you have to fiddle a bit. I also hug a flat pillow....stops the arms folding in too much causing pain and the stretch caused by being on side. My husband became my back pillow expert when I rolled over. I must say when I visited my brother he had a top foam on a normal mattress and it was superb....needed much less pillows. I am now 6 months on and use only a flat hug pillow...but mainly due to my infusaport. It will get better....I so remember crying in bed as so uncomfortable. Lack of sleep wears you down. I tried a body pillow but did find the older worn out smaller ones worked better. Take care. Kath x

Hi gee the break from treatment would have been good for you. Can understand your situation with sleeping patterns. I was never a back sleeper until a few months back so is very uncomfortable too. Needing two pillows at the moment til I can find a good single one. Just recovering from a right mastectomy and so looking forward to the time I can sleep on my side comfortably. It's the little things we miss.my heels get sore at times too but I love my comfy bed so have to put up with a few negatives I guess. Hope you find a good solution from the ladies with your sleeping. All the best.x

thanks Michelle, will give this a go x

Thanks Paula. I'm have that reconstruction done in about 6 months.  Mind if I ask what your recovery was like after it?

Hi there,

i feel your pain. I had a TRAM flap reconstruction where they used tissue from my abdomen to create new breasts, I wasn't allowed to sleep on my side and found back sleeping really difficult. I gradually weaned my way onto my side by propping pillows under my back on one side and gradually getting more on my side each night. I didn't however have expanders in so that's another issue for you as they can be uncomfortable. 

if you would like to join the breast reconstruction online group, there are lots of posts about expanders and ladies who have had them on there who maybe able to give you some more advice. 

Paula :)

Hello Loz81,

I found sleeping on my back really uncomfortable at first.  The back of my head hurt and my neck was stiff a lot of the time.

I found that a new pillow helped more than actual pillow-height.  I bought a latex pillow and it was like lying on liquid - no pressure anywhere - your head feels as though it's floating.  They aren't cheap but the comfort was so worth it.  Small flat pillows under the arms help keep you stable and not rolling when asleep.

I hope you feel better soon.  Michelle xx

Hi! it will get better!  Can't say how long it took but eventually I was able to go back to sleeping on my side.  BTW don't sleep on your tummy it can upset your neck (speaking from experience here)!

I found sleeping on my back ok as I was tired and I was frightened to go on my side in case I upset the expanders.........lots of soft pillows wedged around you should allow you to turn on to your side

It sounds like you've become overtired and struggle to sleep regardless, something we've all been through!

I have hot chocolate most nights, does it help?  I think so but it is about breaking the routine and finding something that will help

Take care from Christine xx