Pain & Sleeping on one side only

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shadylady1
shadylady1 Member Posts: 75
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema


Hi everyone!  I only sleep on my right side due to left sided lymphedema.  I have a firm mattress but I am curious if anyone else sleeps only on one side and if so, do they experience any pain on the good side they sleep on?  I feel pain on my right ribs as if it is a pressure point.  I try to sleep on my back but it is hard to fall asleep!  Thanks!  Emily

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  • DeliriumPie
    DeliriumPie Member Posts: 1,370
    edited April 2014

    hi Emily

    I try really hard to only sleep on my back or right (good) side. Unfortunately, my only true comforting rest happens when I sleep on my left side. It is too tempting and sometimes I give in. I usually regret it because most times I wake up with huge swelling in my chest wall. I feel pressure points in my hip when I am being good and sleeping on the right side. I want to try some of those pillows specially shaped to put between your legs but have not found the time to shop for any yet. Sometimes if I position my pillows just right and use a really soft one on the top, I can sleep so comfortably halfway on my back and left side and avoid swelling, but it's always taking a chance. Sometimes I think it's worth it just to get some real rest, but it's probably not. I still sleep every night with my heart shaped post mx pillow clutched between my bad arm and my side. It gives me some kind of comfort and makes the back sleeping easier. None of that was probably helpful, but just what I am experiencing. Would love to see some tips on avoiding the pressure points. 

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  • laurie2025
    laurie2025 Member Posts: 117
    edited April 2014

    My lymphedema is on the left side and I sleep on it about half the time.  I do try to lift my arm up under the pillow.  It is a bit stiff in the morning, but not too bad.  I have been using a big exercise ball, (not in bed!) and laying on my back, stretched over the ball with my arms up and out, trying to stretch and keep my range of motion in a good range.  I usually lay like that for 2-3 minutes, per my PT.  That actually hurts more than sleeping on the arm/shoulder.

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  • shadylady1
    shadylady1 Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2014

    Thank you ladies! 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2014

    Here are some suggested sleep positions from StepUp-SpeakOut:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Radiation_Induced_B...

    Ah, sleeeeeep!
    Binney

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  • Bounce
    Bounce Member Posts: 574
    edited April 2014

    Does anyone know the best position to sleep in to prevent the actual breast (rather than arm or hand) from swelling at night?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2014

    Bounce, back sleeping is helpful. Worst is sleeping on that side, which allows gravity to work against drainage. You might also consider raising the head of your bed slightly (assuming your DH doesn't mind too much!) A couple of blocks under the feet of the headboard--just a few inches. See what works for you, and do please let us know what you discover.

    Be well,
    Binney

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