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Post Op Sleeping Position

Posted , 8 users are following.

susie74530
susie74530

I am beginning to see the wisdom of practicing sleeping on one's back pre op.  It may mean a couple of bad nights, but at least, over time, it will become the norm, and hopefully, the body will adjust.  My problem is that my Maine Coon, may leap on top of me.  She is a "whopper" so I may have to keep her out my bedroom for the first few nights, post op!  I have read websites that say that it is possible to sleep on the unoperated side, with a bolster between the legs so that the operated leg is kept in the right position, but again, the wisdom of this is up for debate.

Ear plugs sound to be a good idea, to screen out any background noise, and my Kindle will be a good "screen" with earphones, of course!

I am, of course, pre op, so do not fully understand what is considered to be the "norm" in terms of patients' expereinces for the first few days in hospital post op.  It rather looks as though a lot of post op care and monitoring depends on the patient's  general state of health, pre op, and any extenuating medical circumstances that require extra care and vigilance.  

I am "psyching" myself up for almost anything, at this point!  I do not do well without at least seven hours' sleep per night, and it does sound as though sleep deprivation whilst trying to recover in hospital is a necessary "nuisance!"

0 likes, 53 replies

53 Replies

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  • MichaelTN1UK
    MichaelTN1UK susie74530

    Posted

    Oh, and sleeping on one's side; I fear that I will slip into the embryo position whilst asleep. Can anyone share some light on this thought?
    • rose0000
      rose0000 MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      You will be advised to sleep on your back for six weeks - initially with a soft wedge between your legs so that they do not cross.
    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK rose0000

      Posted

      That makes sense. Sometimes the solutions are simple (and obvious with hindsight). 
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK susie74530

    Posted

    Susie,

    You're probably 'over worrying' about it at this point.

    I was restricted to 'on the back' for 6 weeks, then allowed to go on either side with a pillow between the legs.  I can understand your Maine Coon being a problem, they are so large, not like our little British long-haired cat.

    In hospital I had a pillow between my legs whilst on my back .... would that help? The cat could safely sit on top of the pillow.

    As you say, the same advice never seems to be given twice.  I think try out different things, and if you need extra pillows or cushions to support you and keep that lovely Maine Coon off your leg, then use them.  Above all, just be careful not to dislocate that shiny new hip.

    Graham

    • susie74530
      susie74530 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      HI Graham:

      Tallulah is going to be a problem.  She is very bonded and extremely sensitive.  She favours my stomach, but frequently will land on my legs.  Will have to think this one through. I may have to buy a big Teddy bear, or similar, and put that over the affected areas, so that she can't get to me!

      I had to put her in a cattery for a six week trip to France, and when I brought her back from the catteriy I woke up to find her straddling my right shoulder and side.  It was almost as though she was telling, me that I wasn't going anywhere!  That was just the first night home, then she reverted back to her normal behaviour.  

    • susie74530
      susie74530 rose0000

      Posted

      Putting my cat in a cattery would be heartbreaking.  I did that once, and only once, when I went to Paris for six weeks.  I shall never forget the look she gave me, as I left, and how she reacted when I picked her up, the morning after I arrived home.

      She is quite a sensitive and intelligent animal, and I have plans for making areas of my body, not go areas.  Have already found someone to come in and feed her, but as Graham says, there are special cat bowls on the market, too.

  • Hailea
    Hailea susie74530

    Posted

    Hi susie

    i havnt had a decent nights sleep on my side for over 3 years so sleeping on my back has become the norm for me. I was never taught how to turn onto what is now my good side and was always worried of is location so I never bothered. Don't worry about your animals I just put a clean towel or blanket between me and my dogs when I was healing I deffo wouldn't shut them out there part of my life and part of my family. Keep your cats nails short and you will be fine. 👍

    • susie74530
      susie74530 Hailea

      Posted

      I couldn't agree more.  However, as she goes out, I will not be trimming her claws.  She never uses them, anyway, and she always uses a post in the garden as a scratch post.

      She already sleeps on a towel at the foot of the bed.

      I wouldn't dream of puttig her into a cattery,  Did that once, and it broke my heart...!

    • Hailea
      Hailea susie74530

      Posted

      Ahh ok no worries just put a towel over your lap if she comes for a hug and keep your hands clean after stroking her. You will be fine. I have never put any of my animals in kennels I do not trust them. If I go on holiday they all come with me. 👍
  • billiemaw
    billiemaw susie74530

    Posted

    Lack of sleep was probably the worst thing about the whole experience for me. I found it near impossible to sleep on my back, although for a few weeks beforehand I did the practise runs you are thinking of. It didn't particularly help, just disrupted nights that could have been restful.

    In hospital I had a wedge cushion strapped to my legs for the first day and also had the 'pumps' which tie your feet to the bottom of the bed and keep the circulation going. Also of course when you do doze off you are woken for medication, medical checks, cup of tea etc.... Once home I found a foot raising pillow helped a little but I don't think I slept for much more than 2 hours at a stretch for maybe 3 or 4 weeks. That was the one thing that kept me from going back to work at 4 weeks, I was just too tired and needed to nap. After the 6 weeks sign off and permission given to sleep on my side all was well again.

    Each surgeon has his own rules on the side sleeping, mine was strictly 6 weeks, they vary, as with everything, on their restrictions. Everyone here has differing experiences based on heir surgeons own recommendations.

  • sue1957Geo
    sue1957Geo susie74530

    Posted

    Susie, i did that, tried sleeping on my back honest when you have to its far more comfortable.  Just make sure you have alot of pillows the v shape or nursing pillow is brilliant.  Once its all over you will see all the worries were for nothing, but it wont stop you honest once its been done, and you can walk its a wonderful feeling, good luck hun try to relax ok, and ask on here.

    suexx

    • susie74530
      susie74530 sue1957Geo

      Posted

      Worrying is not my issue.  I am gathering information from the site, analysing and reaching an informed conclusion on what to expect.  As I have already said in my previous post, it is a question of reading between the lines when an alarming post is read and the patient is not stating that they have pre-existing conditions that require additional attention/monitoring! 
    • rose0000
      rose0000 susie74530

      Posted

      I am not sure why you think people have pre existing medical conditions, I am not sure they do in the main. Checks are important for all patients after surgery - I was extremely grateful to have them, and found them very reassuring.

      I would think sleep will not trouble you - the meds will keep you awake initially and discomfort of your legs being strapped to the compressors, but you will rest wonderfully during the day nodding off, and once home you can truly recover and enjoy time with your cat and home comforts.

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