Sleeping problems

[Callusdeeps]

Having to still sleep partially in a sitting position after AVR operation I am experiencing a lot of discomfort. Tried pressure cushion, donut ring but no relief. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions or ideas. Recliner chair would be the answer but with Tier 4 difficulty in obtaining one. Thank you

[Smudgebuttonjessie]

Hi, it is still very early days for you, sleeping more upright is better for, have you got a V shaped pillow for support?I think the sleeping is last comfort to return but i’ve been told by lots of people on here that it does so it’s something i’m looking forward to.

[Callusdeeps in reply to Smudgebuttonjessie]

Hi thanks for your reply. Yes have V pillow but can't get comfortable with it. Think I will try more pillows. Tried bed but slipped into horizontal and couldn't get up without help. So will try more pillows and see if that helps. Thanks again.

[lifelover55]

Hi. It was tough for me to sleep after my surgery as well. It took a couple of weeks for me to sleep through the night. The best position I found was sleeping in bed upright - with lots of pillows behind me and a smaller pillow wedged into the back of my neck so that my head could rest comfortably. It took awhile to find the right position and the right pillows in my home but when I did I was so relieved and could finally relax a bit. Good luck to you.

[Callusdeeps in reply to lifelover55]

Thank you for your advice. Started sitting in bed but slipped down which was painful to get up from. So will try suggestion of my pillows and see if that helps. Thanks and good luck to you.

[Smudgebuttonjessie in reply to Callusdeeps]

I have 4 pillows stacked to create a slant, then V shaped pillow on top then a pillow on the top to wrap to the sides of my head to support it as i eventually nod off, it’s the natural movement during sleep that causes my discomfort and wakes me up, i wake up in some funny positions 🤦🏼‍♀️

[080311]

Hi,

When I was in having my op I was given a rolled up towel, to hug to my chest when I was doing my breathing exercises and the coughing one, also it you needed to sneeze it was great to hug it and kept sternum safe. I ended up with a soft baby blanket rolled up, it went everywhere with me, and I slept with my arms wrapped around it. I am a side sleeper and found sleeping on my back difficult, the first time I could get on my side was shear bliss😂. Because the rolled up blanket went everywhere the family called it Mums Teddy, it still lives on my bed, a reminder of times past. It’s 4 years since my valve replaced and bypass, it takes time but you will get there. Listen to your body when it says I am tired you rest.

Best wishes Pauline

[Smudgebuttonjessie in reply to 080311]

The rolled up blanket was genius, i have lots of Sloth christmas presents as that’s what i was, i love my sloth stuff xx

[QuadroVEINia]

Hi. Recliner would be way to go if you can. Different op, I had a Quad bypass 7 weeks ago during lockdown and also needed to find comfort for sleeping position and ordered recliner for when I came home to aid me. All done online and delivered and installed no hassle... only downside you won’t be able to try before you buy ordering online. Do shop around online as sales are on and prices vary massively... (I got a Parker Knoll from the ‘evolution’ range).

Hope this helps and HNY.

[Ageingfast]

Another additional ploy is to have a cushion under your knees and/or something large and solid on which to put your feet. Both wife and cat declined that invitation so it was just a large cushion. The sleep will return and maybe a recliner chair is a bit OOT.Gosh you bring back memories...sliding down the bed then being unable to get up again. Soon you will be able to roll over then get up.

In the meantime please dont use your arms to heave yourself up. Its legs, legs and legs.

Best wishes

Colin