The most common complaint we shoulder patients share is the inability to sleep. I can drop off sitting upright watching TV. Leave me alone in a doctor's waiting room long enough and my chin will be on my chest and I will practically be snoring. But, when the day is done and I am bone tired, I still cannot find the right position for my healing shoulder. I have squishy little pillows, big fat pillows, plump queens and rotund kings. There's a little neck roll and a big square Euro. I haven't tried a body pillow yet, nor a memory foam. But it could happen.
It is just so difficult to lie down, not put pressure on your shoulder but support it and figure out where to drape the attached arm. Ideally you will sleep on your back with small pillows tucked under the operated shoulder. For me, nothing works as well as the sofa. Some people find a recliner good for them. I think it would be comfortable for me but I cannot operate the lever-handle that raises and lowers the foot rest. It's a case of "right is wrong." The handle is on the lower right side of the chair, inaccessible to my right arm even now.
So I still struggle with my collection of pillows every night, secure in the knowledge I will find just the right position but not quite achieving the comfort that leads to a good night's sleep. There are lots of suggestions for a better night. Here are a few:
Use a wedge pillow or create an incline so you are not lying flat. A reclining position is ideal. Of course that rules out sleeping on your tummy.
But you should not sleep on your stomach, not even your side. You just can't support your shoulder properly if you are not on your back.
Remember to support your arm so that your elbow does not drop behind the plane of your torso.
Maintain good circulation to your shoulder and arm. Use pillows to slightly elevate your arm and hand for best blood flow and healing.
If you are bed ridden for very long be sure you do not develop bed sores. Change position frequently and cushion tender spots like heels.
Consider talking to your doctor about medication for pain or sleep, if needed. Soldier on and, if you can't sleep, a book or a tablet device is a good distraction. Start a blog!
But in all your flip-flopping around, do not use your operated arm to support your weight during the healing period. I still don't know how long that is. Maybe forever? I'll ask and let you know.
http://youtu.be/gW49ZzPFEpI
Archive timeline: 2014: May and June - preparing for surgery, July - surgery and post op problems, August - recovery and physical therapy, September...
I am at the no sleeping stage right now at six weeks. At 2 o'clock or 3 o'clock in the morning I'm wide-awake. Thank goodness my husband bought us the thermapedic mattress that raises up-and-down. I have pillows all around me. He's kind of used to it right now. I'm glad I'm not the only one that experienced The lack of sleep at night.
ReplyDeleteIf Anykns asks I always say the best thing You can do is make some semi permanent sleeping accommodation...like your mattress or a recliner in the bedroom or a couch instead of a bed in the guest room. Don't kid yourself that the sleeping on the sofa in the living room is going to be a short stint. And sleep is so important to our healing and our mood.
DeleteSo nice to know people are still reading my blog!