My Surgery is Monday!

[LStephens]

My surgery is monday so I've finally had the nerves hit me. There have been a few nights recently when I was lying in bed crying because I'm freaked out about the recovery. I do have a question...
I'm not a back sleeper. After surgery can you sleep on your side?
Thanks! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers

[crepehanger]

yes......you can..

well, we have been where you are and we're here with you. According to the paperwork they sent home from the hospital with me,either side is okay, with knees and hips flexed and a pillow between your knees, being careful not to pull your knees up too close to your chest, and do not allow the top leg to fall forward as this would cause your lower back to twist. Keep your chin up and let us know how when you get home- are you going to come straight home or go to rehab first? Stay busy with people and things you enjoy and try not to worry yourself sick. Wishing you a great outcome ! Lisa

[sawnduzz12]

if i remember correctly...the first couple nights in the hospital I only slept on my side. The nurses would come in every 2-3 hours and pull the sheet and gently turn me on my other side since I couldn't really move by myself. and yeah, i think the pillow between the legs helped for comfort too. it hurts to lay on your back because the bandages that cover the incision are thick and if you lay back on it, it kind of feels like youre laying against a baseball bat, at least it did for me. pain meds are key. obviously it's painful but it's bearable. and it will make you a stronger person too definitely bring movies to watch in the hospital too...but not too many comedies...it hurt when I started laughing so hard!!! lol best of luck, ill be praying for you, let us know how it goes, you'll do great!!!!!!!

[Singer]

Good luck to you! I was not a back sleeper either but it's the most comfortable position for me now. I am also able to sleep for short periods on my side (the non-incision side) with a pillow between the knees.

[abhbarry]

Best of luck to you. We will all be sending good surgery vibes your way on Monday. One thing that helped calm my nerves the morning of surgery was to listen to uplifting songs on my ipod and just joke around with my family members. Make sure you surround yourself with things that make you comfortable (music, movies, pictures, etc.). I wouldn't worry about sleeping positions at the moment. As others have said, you will be turned onto your sides, as well as your back. We all admit that it is difficult to get comfortable at first, but it will get better (as I am discovering now).

Hang in there and best of luck.
Anya

[Janet]

Will a family member or friend be able to post status updates on this site? You will be in my thoughts on Monday. Best wishes for a good outcome and an easy recovery.

[Cakedec]

Hi Lindsey,

I was not a back sleeper either but at first you will sleep no matter how they lie you. I mostly went from one side to the other while lying down. They can help turn you at first. The weird part was that I kept sliding downwards in the bed and couldn't pull myself back up and would have to ask people to pull me back to the top of the bed!!

Deb
posterior surgery 7/24/06
T5-L5

[Doreen]

Surgery Monday

Good luck on your surgery Monday. You will be in my thoughts. I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Lenke on August 27th. I am really anxious to see how well you do. Good luck and let us know how you are as soon as possible.

[Shari]

I also want to wish you the best of luck and you will be in my thoughts and prayers as well!!!

Shari

[JoAnn5]

you'll be in my thoughts and prayers too.... Please let us hear from you as you recover! (((hugs))) JoAnn

[Houston Curves]

Best of luck Lindsey! You'll be in my prayers.

Ann

[LStephens]

Thank for everyone's feedback and support. I really appreciate it.
Dr. Lenke says I'll be in the hospital for 4-7 days and wants me to stick around St. Louis for 3-4 days after I'm released before heading to my parents house in Alabama.
My parents should be updating my information on a site called thestatus.com
My last name is Stephens and the password is agdgrl426
Thanks again for everything!

Lindsey