I'm home and having troubles

[doodie]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the kind words and well wishes while I was in the hospital. My husband relayed them to me.
I returned home Tuesday afternoon and am now officially recovering and rehabing before surgery #2 April 15th. (I think i need a calendar).
I have such a feeling of pressure and stiffness.......argh! what makes that go away? I am wearing a soft corset but i just feel like stretching. I can't seem to get comfortable either, most chairs don't work for me and as far as reclining, all i can manage is flat on my back on our temperpaedic matress. But even that does not feel great - feels like im laying on a bunch of hardware or something! seriously, it's so difficult to lay on either side - am i doing damage to myself when i lay on my side? I know this sounds so stupid but i just need to rest myself and i don't seem to be able to find relief.
might also add that while in hospital had a pnuemothorax, chest tube for 4 days of my stay. I'll fill more in later on that - what an experience! wow.
any advice would be vastly appreciated!
Thanks
Julie

[Susie*Bee]

Julie-- it's great to hear from you! Others may have much better advice for you than I do. I don't think I got "comfortable" for quite awhile myself. The only position I could tolerate in bed was flat on my back, but with pillows under my knees. It's taken me a l-o-n-g time to get to the point where I can sleep on my side. Like just recently. Even now, it doesn't last for long-- maybe an hour. I've gotten very used to sleeping on my back. Best wishes as you try to adjust to being at home and getting ready for the next surgery.

I don't think you'll do damage by lying on your side. My doctor said I could-- it just didn't feel ok at all to me. But everyone's different. Also, time makes the feeling of pressure and stiffness go away. You'll get there! The recovery time is a great teacher of patience. Rest up as best you can for now. Gentle hugs, Susie

[debbei]

Julie,

I don't think you'd hurt yourself laying on your side. For me, it wasn't comfortable to lay on my side for MONTHS. Like Susie, for at least 3 months, the only way I could be slightly comfortable was laying on my back with pillows under my knees. As far as the pressure and stiffness, it does get better, but it takes lots of time.

Are you taking your pain meds as prescribed? I wouldn't try to cut back on pain meds until after your next surgery.

I hope you can get some rest!

[debbei]

also adding about chairs--

The only chairs I could sit on when I first came home for WEEKS were hard backed chairs that I put bed pillows behind me. No sofa's because they were too soft and the leg length on the seat was too long. Reclining was just out of the question. I was disappointed because we had just bought new family room furniture with reclining seats and I thought I'd never be able to sit in them. After maybe 3 months, I can sit and recline in them just fine now. It just takes time.

Take care of yourself,

[doodie]

Thanks so much debbe and susie for replying. Today Chris bought a foam topper for our bed so hopefully my night will go better tonight - it's softer yet still supportive so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! The first night home i only woke to go to the bathroom and slept like the dead. The first time I woke up i had a visual image of a being inside of a Monte Cristo sandwhich - the covers felt so heavy and i was really disoriented Chris is ready for a better night's sleep, which I think he might be able to get because i was able to get myself up into a sitting position from reclining in bed, by myself 3 times today, which means no more nocturnal trips to the potty with me! I also am able to 'do my business' by myself too! yea! It's been a good day.
Debbe I can sympathize about power recliners - we got new stuff too and i anticipated lots of relaxation time in those cozy chairs - oh well, at least i know you're enjoying yours now - something to look forward to.
Thanks ladies

[JenniferG]

Ah Julie! Congrats on having surgery #1 over with.

My Surgeon told me in hospital that I could lie whichever way was comfortable. As it was, no way was comfortable, but it was the bed that was at fault because as soon as I came home and lay on my bed, I could lie in whatever position I wanted, with comfort. I know everyone's different but I am equally comfortable on my sides or back.

I can't sit in a chair and lean back. The feeling of the rods in my back is not pleasant but I guess I will get used to it in time. I am having no trouble walking except when I'm feeling a bit woozy, due, I think, to low blood pressure. (That's what was causig it in hospital anyway.)

All the very best for your upcoming surgery and hope you'll be home and on the mend very soon after.

[52skeedoo]

I returned home Tuesday afternoon and am now officially recovering and rehabing before surgery #2 April 15th.

I'm interested in why your doctor decided you needed two surgeries. I have heard about this happening but just wondering why your doctor thought it is best for you. What are the two surgeries? And why so far apart?

I haven't had my surgery yet but I've heard the first couple weeks are hard. Hope you are feeling better REAL soon.

Sheri
56 and haven't had surgery yet
Exact date and type of surgery to be set after bending xray appointment on April 27th

[asccbodypro]

side sleeping

Jennifer,

So glad to hear of someone being comfortable sleeping on their side. Rachel also mentioned rolling over into more comfortable positions from time to time. I sooo hope I can do that. I hate sleeping on my back. As a matter a fact, I don't think I ever have! I read a post where some one likened it to being like a turtle stuck on their back....yes, that will be I just know it! We shall soon find out. I guess that's the least to be worried about :O)

[Susie*Bee]

Jennifer,

So glad to hear of someone being comfortable sleeping on their side. Rachel also mentioned rolling over into more comfortable positions from time to time. I sooo hope I can do that. I hate sleeping on my back. As a matter a fact, I don't think I ever have! I read a post where some one likened it to being like a turtle stuck on their back....yes, that will be I just know it! We shall soon find out. I guess that's the least to be worried about :O)

Susan-- I was never a back sleeper either, but I have adapted just fine to it, post-op. I think you do what you have to do. It's really not been a problem, even though I would have thought it would be if someone had said, before my surgery, that I'd have to sleep on my back after surgery... Actually I remember trying to sleep on my back occasionally in my adult life because I read it was better for your back and then thinking how I hated it. My preferred position was on my tummy-- or curled up in a fetal position.

[naptown78]

Sleeping

After my surgery, I slept on my back exclusively for the longest time only because I was only comfortable that way. When I got on either side I felt weird for some reason, even claustrophobic. I don't know why. But as time went on, I graduated to sleeping for short periods on my sides with pillows between my legs. Now,10 months out, no pillows and I prefer side sleeping. I rarely sleep on my back now. But, boy getting my nest ready was a big big routine for the longest time!! Good Luck, you reminded me what it was like in the immediate post op period. It WILL get better.