post op

Hi I just got my defibrillator put in on feb 16th and I can't sleep. I am soooo use to sleeping on my stomach and because of where the placement is I can't sleep. My back is hurting and my left arm feels funny does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Maybe this is part of recovery but I don't know I really could use some help.

5 Comments

hope i can help

by Katyb777 - 2011-02-21 02:02:49

For a while you are going to be feeling weird sensations that you are not used to. WHATEVER you do do not google any of your concerns because the worst things possible pop up and its usually nothing. When i first had mine in i couldnt sleep at all and i kept thinking i was having a heart attack because my left arm felt weird. I bent my elbow and rested a pillow underneath my arm to keep it at the same level as my chest and it seemed to help. If you get really restless tylenol pm worked wonders with me, pain and sleep aid.

sleeping

by Tracey_E - 2011-02-21 07:02:49

Been there, done that! It will go away and in a few weeks you should be able to sleep however you want. Two things that helped me in the interim. One, sleep hugging a small pillow with my left arm. This took the pressure off my shoulder and kept me from rolling onto my sore side in my sleep. Lemme see if I can describe the second... this doesn't work the first week or so but once the initial soreness goes away it was ok. Lay on your back with a pillow parallel to you on your right side. Roll to your right as if you're going to sleep on your right side but keep going so you're half on your side, half on your stomach and the pillow is propping up the sore shoulder. Hope that helps!

hang in there

by jimkirschvink - 2011-02-22 01:02:47

Hang in there. It will heal, and in a few months you won't even notice it anymore.

I LOVE my memory foam pillow, it makes all of the difference in the world.


Jim Jim

right

by rvrs7081 - 2011-02-23 06:02:29

just hang in there. we have all gone through that pain. mine lasted a few months, but diminished with time. no pain now. and I now sleep on the old tummy, hugging my pillow. Just concentrate on the blessing of being given so many more days of life. sometimes your emotions might drive you nuts. up and down. happy and sad. but..you have life. enjoy it. every wonderful minute. My best to you. Stay with this club. It is full of wonderful caring helpful people. and no question is a problem.

Hi Shaleahia

by Hot Heart - 2011-02-27 11:02:37

As the others say, it's just a matter of time. All your nerves will be knitting back together, I now sleep in exactly the same position as I did in my previous life lol. I do have extra pillows now, and occasionally a jack russell under the quilt lol.

See, in a few months hopefully you will be able to joke about it. Some people love the memory foam pillows, I hated it. Experiment to see what is comfortable.

HH

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