Sleep after treatment

Hi Sacha

I slept upright during and shortly after treatment because I was pump fed so I know how difficult it is. Are you actually coughing when you wake? It might just be anxiety as you say.

I used three fat pillows but always ended up slipping off the lot. I tried one of those V shaped pillows that some people swear by by I couldn't get on with it.

I hope you find something that suits you

Three pillows here and bed propped up on books to aid lymph drainage. 11 weeks post treatment. However I’m forever waking in the night to readjust the pillows.  Between that and waking for water a good night’s sleep is a distant memory (unless I take Zopiclone which gives me about a 5 good hour stretch of proper sleep but, alas, can’t be taken too regularly).

Hi Dani

Thank you. I don't wake up coughing but my mouth is very dry. I feel like the only way I can get the right amount of oxygen is by opening my mouth really wide (or sitting upright)I wonder if its the lymphodema pressing - or it feels like my tongue is obstructing it - I am aware its still quite swollen.

Hi Markel

I'm sorry and I can relate; I know what you mean about a good nights sleep being a distant memory.  I also feel so exhausted sometimes and I know this is totally normal but I wonder if lack of getting the right amount of oxygen (as well as sleep) is contributing to this.  

I hadn’t thought of that but it’s a very good point. I just feel desperately for those who have to get up for work and/or have young children at home. It must be debilitating. 

Hi Sasha

I slept upright after surgery and used a wedge I got from John Lewis.  Not cheap by better than just pillows.  Needs soft pillows on top.  It can be adjusted to allow different angles which I found very useful as I transitioned from near vertical to horizontal.  They don't seem to do it any longer, but the same/similar is in stock in Soak and Sleep Multi-Purpose Pillow - Firm | Soak&Sleep (soakandsleep.com)

Hi Sacha. If you have any saliva at all then a couple of xylimelts might help you get through the night. Worth trying. They certainly helped me and I still use one at bedtime 

I was terrible Sasha as i hate lying on my back so hated the way they used to prop me up, they used to get angry we i managed to sleep om my side , which is my normal position. I got told of a few times , I just could not sleep sitting up, good luck in finding a comfy position ,take care.

                                                                                                                 Chris x

Hi Sasha,

Not post treatment, but sharing the pillow issue. Normally sleep on back / side with 1 pillow. Due to PEG and my sinuses either totally drying or running I'm now propped up with 4 pillows. Mouth breathing dries me normally, so avoiding that like the plague in current situation. Kind of nested with 2 pillows in a v base with 2 propped on them, found it easier to shuffle to fit than a full v pillow. Chemo days I'm wide awake, but otherwise managing to get a few hours bar 1 loo stop, more of an age thing though! 

Hope you find something that works for you!!

Ronnie 

I'm sorry to hear that its been a struggle for a few of you.  I guess its just something we have to put up with for as long as is needed. Thank you for all your feedback.  I've actually been propping myself up but still waking up early and I now thing that some it may be an anxiety thing.  I don't feel I can properly 'settle' until I've had my PET scan to see if the cancer has all been zapped.  That is in about a month so will have to see how it goes.