Sleeping upright before and after surgery

[MPort]

Hi All,I am new here, I learned 2 weeks ago that I need an op in New Year to repair/replace parts a severely underperforming mitral valve plus other weaknesses. I am 76 female and fairly fit, a good candidate apparently.

I am still processing this but also pleased to have a reason as to why I feel so breathless on exertion and for that pesky cough.

My questions:

How can I sit comfortably upright to sleep. I have a wedge support and a 3 part pillow support and I use other rolls to prop myself in place. But after a few hours my lower back is in agony and I can't sleep. Has anyone any ideas on how to get comfortable. I would be so grateful.

I am my husbands carer and hope to have convalescent care after op. Anyone got any comments on this? Anyone got a recommendation for one south of London on A22 corridor? I live near East Grinstead.

Thank you in advance,

Mairead

[Traveldreams]

Merry Christmas!

I couldn’t have managed without one of the bed rests (I paid about £30 from Amazon) used it for about 4 months after valve surgery.

I regularly changed the angle although having struggled with lower back pain my entire adult life it was my shoulders that struggled post op!

Good luck x

[MPort in reply to Traveldreams]

Appreciate your reply. Many thanks.

[bikebabe]

you may have to play around with placement of smaller pillows at base of wedge and sides . A cardiac physio may be able to advise. I found I slipped down a lot in my sleep and then wasnt supported where I needed it. The wedges tend to be one length - probably designed for a longer ? Man’s back. Women have different anatomies from hips up. And you have to get angle right so no gapping. Make sure you keep mobile ie walk regularly Within your limits.

[MPort in reply to bikebabe]

So helpful. Thank you. I have always walked and am keeping it up prior to op. I need to practice sitting upright now as I wheeze and get too congested lying down. I use the smaller pillows around base and normal pillows on top of the wedge. and another wedge beneath knees but I too slip down. And biggest problem the lower back pain. My hope is to get this sorted before end January. Hence my post. Appreciate your reply.

[Okayletsgo]

I haven't any ideas, re: sleeping upright. But I have the problem of difficult breathing when sleeping. It's become a matter of trying to find a position to breath and sleep. I too have that wheeze ( started last April of and on, now all the time, and cough congestion: especially in the morning or after activity. Do you find your heart racing when you get up from your bed, and when you lay down? Did you find a sleeping pillow to help?

[MPort in reply to Okayletsgo]

Thanks for sharing. Especially about wheezing and coughing. And yes to change of heart rate on changing positions. My wheezing and congestion is definitely a function of lying down to sleep. For example last night I sat upright til 4 and then so uncomfortable I threw all but 2 away and slept the best after that but it will take me til lunchtime to get over wheezing and congestion. I think but don't know that I should avoid this so will persist with pesky upright sleeping. Thanks again.