Sleeping after mastectomy

Hi first good luck. Second mine was right side which made it a bit easier as sleep on my left. I had a little heart shaped pillow which I still use a year on, just for comfort really. Don't know if you will have a drain I wedged my little bag with mine in with cushions. You are definitely right to have single bed as you need space to organise yourself. I had 3 pillows but didn't find sitting up helped with sleep. Take care hope you are able to rest. X

Hi, i found my own space really helped as I could take as much room as needed for any drains etc & not worry about disturbing my husband

A V shaped pillow will really help as you will need to sleep propped up for a while. Some extra pillows may help to make things more comfortable.

It can be tricky to sleep particularly well at first as with dressings, drains etc but if you are given pain meds that will help until things settle down.

Best wishes for Friday x

Hi DIanew you may have seen my posts (update) i had a left sided mastectomy on 3 Nov. I purchased a v shape pillow from dunelm, i had 2 drains in for a week and like you im not a great sleeper anyway that along with i usually sleep on my left didnt help. For the first week i barely slept just napped through the night not because of the pain but because of the drains (pyschologically). When you get your pillow you will naturally find a comfortable position, i used mine in the day to just to rest my arm which helped, i tend to use it at night only now, you will be suprised how quickly you become mobile again although tired ness quickly followed certainly in the first few days. X good luck for next week thoigh im sure you wont need it! X

Thanks Janemb I’ve sorted myself a heart pillow and drain bags so hopefully I’m part way there.  Good advice re the drain bag wedging, thanks - I was wondering what to do with it x

Thanks Kitty1 I’ve managed to get my hands on a cosy wedge pillow with arms which I’m trying out now on the bed and it seems very supportive in the small of my back too so I’ll get a V pillow to go around the back - hope they won’t be shy with the pain meds! x

Thanks Lorraine058 this is really helpful. I’m also a left sleeper but I sleep on my back too, unfortunately waking with my arms above my head like a toddler so i’ll be wary of that!) I’ve just bought a teddy wedge pillow with arms which seems to be really supportive in the small of my back but think I’ll get a V pillow as well. Thanks for your reassurance - I feel a little better already xx

I bought one of the pregnancy cocoon pillows and the heart shaped pillow.  

Thank you x