post op girls....

The recovery leaflet I was given when I left the hospital said to sleep on your back with your upper body propped UPRIGHT. I have been doing this and not found it too bad, obviously it makes it easier to get up than if you were totally lying down.

4 days on I'm not having any trouble with getting up at all, I did a little experiment today with lying down flat on my bed and then sitting up & can do it no problem without any pain....Do you think this means I am ok to sleep flat tonight? The hospital say to sleep upright for 2 whole weeks but this seems really really excessive & if I'm able to sit up easily from lying flat I don't see why you can't lie down earlier than this? At the same time I don't want to do anything that will cause any complications.

Just so confusing because some girlies on here have even posted saying they were sleeping on their side after only a week!!! Is there an actual medical reason to have to sleep upright or do different surgeons/hospitals say different things?

Who has also been told 2 weeks and who has been given different advice?...would be really useful to know....I'm desperate to lie flat tonight and actually sleep properly!!!!

Soo Confusing I know!!!

I was told the sleeping upright is to help with swelling and enabling the implants to find their natural resting place...as if you are lying flat on on your side they can move slightly and any fluid build up is not able to drain from your chest naturally, Whether you find it comfy or not, I did what was advised, hope this helps. xxx

Thanks Mia, so how long were you advised to sleep upright, was it also 2 weeks for you?

Confusion again... 3weeks... not sure if it is something to do with placement? but think so, mine are unders and anatomical.

I agree, stay upright for how long you have been advised because it does help regarding healing, after 2 weeks do what feels comfortable, as you have swelling more on one side i would stick to sleeping raised for now hun, you don't have to be literally sitting up but alot more raised than usual so to speak, take care xx

Mine are round unders. Hmmmmm it is annoying that there doesn't seem to be a standard time scale, eveyone is told slightly different things!! Think you are both right though, I'll just stick it out for the 2 weeks to be on the safe side. It's not actually THAT terrible & I guess It'll feel even better when I'm finally allowed to ditch all the pillows!!! So many of them at the moment I'm amazed there's any room left for me! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Yes I know.. and the sore bum adds to it I put a couple of pillows under my knees to help keep me in position...however I did find it difficult and to be honest, I could not have slept on my side as I was still in discomfort, i.e. muscles. It is strange thinking back on it now.. as they just feel part of me and like they have always been there. Take it easy still you are still healing.xx

I was also told it was to reduce swelling. When i saw my surgeon at one week post he said it was fine for me to sleep however was comfortable as long as it was not on my front. I had unders and now sleep as i always did on my side. I still get the morning boob thing tho, but I think you get this regardless lol

Sleep however you feel comfy hun x

Hi Lozzied - pleased you posted tha question cos it makes sense that it can minimise the swelling and i would not sleep on my side cos they are bound to go a bit out of place doing that too early. I think i will prop myself up a bit more tonite after reading all this. I have been sleeping on about 3 pillows on my back and not moved all night to my amazement.

Like Mrs O says sitting upright is suggested not because you may have difficulties getting up, but because it helps with getting rid of the swelling quicker, or this is how I understood it at the time.... don't be too strict if you are uncomfortable but do try and keep it up for as long as you can manage as it's good for you x