Find the right sleeping position post op

[Syncro69]

Hi I’m 1 week post CABG and am finding bedtime a nightmare,I just can’t get comfortable without something aching or pulling somewhere,any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Gail1967]

I slept on my back but slightly to the side and found a cushion behind the shoulder opposite really helped- but overall I think it is just time. I found each week (now 10 weeks for me) it got easier. I found after a few weeks even though I could sleep on my side, in the morning my neck really ached but again this has gradually got better. As my consultant said at my review on Monday “your chest is not naturally meant to open in the way it was” so not only will the scar take time to heal but also the muscles etc all around it have to settle. Make sure you regularly take pain relief to keep you topped up- even if you don’t feel you need it as often.

[Syncro69 in reply to Gail1967]

Thanks for getting back,I think it’s easy to loose sight that it is only a week and is going to take time,thank you for the advise.

[Fortepiano]

I made a nest of about half a dozen pillows which wedged me in place on my back ( I'm naturally a front sleeper). As Gail says, take the painkillers before you go to bed, and also note when you can take them next in the night and have them ready by your bedside for if you wake up. You would be very unusual if you did get a comfortable night's sleep at a week past OHS. I'm afraid it will be a while yet, but it will get better.

All the best with your recovery.

[Syncro69 in reply to Fortepiano]

Good advice,thanks for getting back

[laylaone]

hi just over 1 year post cabg, tbh getting comfortable involves lots of pillows and lean towards the right side, leaning left tends to pull more, your also aware of every twinge, ache and pain, I also remember being aware of how loud my heartbeat was on a night ! With time you will find a position comfortable to you. Take pain relief before bed, it does help. It seems like a long road, but there is light at the end. Hope this helps.