Where to sleep after surgery

I slept in a recliner or on the couch cradled with pillows. I rarely slept in a bed the first month or so just because I found the recliner more comfortable as it cradled you a bit. I didn't find it that hard to get up and down myself but you do have to keep aware. It is so easy to forget and push with your arms more than you intend to. If you think you might have difficulty getting up and down maybe rent one of those lift recliners? I hope you do well with your surgery. I am just a bit over a year out and while it has been a bit of an up and down journey, I feel so much stronger now.

I am a lifelong side/tummy sleeper. I bought the wedge system and put additional pillows beside me to make sure my arms were at the same height. It was a lifesaver for me!

I think it may matter whether or not you are have a uni or bilateral mx. I had a uni and had absolutely no trouble sleeping in my bed. Seven hours post mx I was in my hotel bed celebrating that the surgery was over. The trip home in the car was a bit tricky. A pillow made by my lovely sister-in-law held against my chest helped tremendously. I had even purchased silky pj’s to make sliding in and out of bed easier. Was not necessary, but sure helped me feel a bit elegant after such an ordeal. Have options for whatever you face. So glad you are preparing in advance. May it go as silky smooth as my pj’s.

I slept in a recliner for about three weeks. I was not able to get in and out of bed (a low bed). I am a side sleeper and the recliner helped keep me from rolling to my sides (painful). If you have access to a recliner, I definitely recommend that.

simonerc, how firm is the foam in the wedge pillows? I got a wedge and liked it at first but now it seems so firm that I can't get comfortable! Sleeping has been a MAJOR issue for me.

Hi Hodgepodge!

The memory foam on the wedge system I bought is firm enough to support you but not rock hard. I actually found the foam in mine to be super comfy. Especially when awake:-). The three pieces zip together so you don’t have to worry about them sliding out of place, and you can unzip to use any of the pieces individually during the day. I also found putting pillows on each side to support my arms if they moved off to be super helpful.

The sleeping thing stinks, especially if you are a stomach or side sleeper to begin with. I liked the three wedge system as it has the knee bolster and foot support built in. Keeps you more ergonomically correct. A single back wedge would not have worked for me at all! So no, I did not find my wedge to be too firm at all. Sleeping upright and on my back stunk, but doable with the wedge system. So sorry you are struggling! Are you using a single wedge or a full wedge system?

I slept in my bed the first night and was very uncomfortable and had anxiety over my drain bulbs not being lower that the tube entrance. After that I slept in my recliner with my bulbs pinned to my nightshirt down by my hip and an extra pillow under my arm. I have slept there ever since. My last bulb was pulled on Friday but I have found the recliner so much more comfortable than the bed that my husband and I are now getting an adjustable bed frame for the bed.