Sleeping Position Question and Itchy!!!

By Gladtheyrgone on 25 Jan 2013

Hi! I am 9 days post surgery and all I want to do is scratch!!! Any suggestions to alleviate the itch? Also, I want to sleep on my side so badly. How long until you were given the OK not to solely sleep on your back?

Comments (9)

Ems123 1 Apr 2013

I started sleeping on my side fully after about 2 and a half weeks, after about 2 weeks when I got given the all clear to sleep how I want I tried but was still a bit painful just just kind of half slept on my side and wedged my back with pillows, I'm 4 weeks post op and haven't risked tummy sleeping yet as don't want to squish them, have this irrational fear it will make them saggy again! Haha! Also can't comment on the itching as luckily I never had that problem!

mjrzz 31 Mar 2013

I'm a side sleeper so I was sleeper. I started to sleep on my side a day after surgery. I asked the nurse if this was okay and she said yes but then when I did some research, I found that its better to sleep on your back. Well that lasted about 2 days, my back was so sore, even with pillows underneath it so I switched back to my side and it's so much more comfortable for me!

ericake2001 28 Jan 2013

I was 5+ weeks post op. I made a nest of pillows around me so I wouldn't turn over while sleeping. I'm 9 weeks p/o today and I'm still a bit uncomfortable fully on my side--especially when I first wake up and everything is 'settled' in the side sleeping position. I have to stand up slowly and hang on to the ladies just a bit while they shift forward and readjust. Kimmers' pillow idea is great and really works. Just take it slowly and your body will naturally find it's most comfy position--let pain be your guide. Happy healing to you! :)

arielllie 27 Jan 2013

I was given the okay to sleep on my side at about 4 weeks post op as long as I was in a position where my breasts weren't getting squished. I had to wait to sleep on my stomach until I was 6 weeks post op.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 26 Jan 2013

My doctor told me I could sleep on my side as soon as I felt I could. It takes time though. Prop a pillow under the side you want to lay on and gently lean into it. Go slow and you will know when you are ready. I warn you though I was not able to do this until 4 weeks post op.

Also try some Benadryl for the itch!

lucy_catgirl 27 Jan 2013

I agree, Kimmers, I was about 3 weeks when I turned to my side. It felt weird at first but you get used to it. I'm at 4 weeks now and still use the pillow. Never had problems with itching so can't help you there.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 28 Jan 2013

You are so lucky you never had the itching!!! I walked around scratching myself like a monkey for weeks...UGH

Gladtheyrgone 22 Feb 2013

Thanks all! I am now 5 weeks post-op and finally sleeping in my favorite positions. It seems like the soreness has now moved down to my rib cage. Do any of you remember that?

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 23 Feb 2013

Uh Huh! The pain seemed to move from week to week. Crazy but it will all stop soon enough.