Sleeping after mastectomy with a drain

I also had a drain. I was dreading it to be honest. The first night I didn't sleep but I think that was because I was in hospital. I was only in one night. 

The first thing I did when I got home was to sort the bed out. I had to sleep on the opposite side to the one I was used to so moved pillows to the middle so I couldn't roll over. I also put a pillow on the floor so that bottle was wedged between that and the side of the bed as I was scared it would fall over. I slept much better than I thought I would as like you I don't sleep on my back normally. 

I got used to carrying 'my little friend' and they are tougher than you think as I dropped mine a few times.

I hope you recover quickly. 

I always sleep on my side so the back sleeping had me worried too. I piled pillows up so I was sleeping almost sitting up. When I had my drain in it hurt to roll on that side so I avoided it automatically anyway. You'd be surprised how deep the drain goes so I wouldn't worry about pulling it. That thing hurt when they removed it and they really had to pull hard and fast. I would be surprised that you could pull it accidentally. 

Try to get some sleep it really helps.

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Thank you, I'm sort of propped up, pillows making a nest thing. Hopefully I'll get some sleep! And the drain comes out quick enough!

How are you doing now 

Thank you so much. Yes, I've been told it hurts coming out!

I'm doing OK thank you. I get tired more easily but I am retired so I don't worry too much about that. Recently started hormone therapy as I don't need to have chemo etc. 

I think you will sleep, particularly if in your own bed. I only had the drain a few days so hopefully you will be the same. 

Hi I had right side mastectomy before Xmas with drain but I stayed in hospital whilst it was in but they are tough cis it’s held with suction I believe coming out I felt only the nurse cutting the stitch but nothing else although did have a big of leakage after but nothing much which a dressing did the trick hope all goes well it’s the fear of the unknown x

Thanks for that. I managed to sleep ok. But it's definitely the drain that is most sore! 

It's so true that we are all scared of the unknown.  Chatting on here definitely helps, getting other people's experiences x

Super proud of you! 

I had mine last week drain removed yesterday, I slept on my right , my op on left , opposite side to you , it was fine , I did prop up I had the drain in front of me on the bed , no issues, knowing what I know now , I don’t think you will pull out the drain, it’s a little longer than you think x hope all goes well for you x

Thank you. I have the vacuum type drain,  which stopped working. Think it's from me pulling it etc. Nurse gave me a new bottle 

Drain is not as red as it was, which can only be good x