Sleeping Position

Hello - Just had pacemaker 2 days ago. I'm finding it difficult to find "the right position" to sleep. In just 2 days, I'm becoming an expert in Kinesiology (— n the study of the mechanics and anatomy of human muscles) as it relates to finding the right spot to get to sleep without pain. I've propped up my head with 4 pillows, and put another under my left arm, but I'm finding sleeping on back very difficult - even with sleeping pills. I know that "this too, shall pass", but wondering if anyone had suggestions as to how they got the rest they needed after surgery and about how long before they could go back to sleeping the way they use to.
Thanks
JimmyJ
Toronto

6 Comments

sleep

by owls__ - 2013-04-13 07:04:13

I had quite alot of issues with sleeping when I got my ICD. Mine was mainly because I sort of had a frozen shoulder and it felt very stiff to move the site and caused general pain in that area :( I think everyone's different depending on your type of pain but for me I used about two pillows and elevated my arm quite high with a few pillows. Put the pillows mainly under your upper arm.

For some reason I found sleeping on my couch a lot more comfortable than in my bed, I'm not really sure why I think it was because it was tougher to roll around and many people sleep faster in places other than their usual bed.

Try doing gentle roll exercises with the top of your left arm during the day as it relaxes the tension a bit, making it better to sleep with at night. Also just before I used to go to sleep, I would always massage the sore area of my arm with my right hand or my mum would do it for me using a vapour rub to sooth it and relax the area.

It will eventually go away, just keep gently exercising the sore areas without exceeding your comfort zone too much.

Hope you get better :) x

sleeping position

by KathyB - 2013-04-13 10:04:08

I too had a pm Implanted 4-9. I am a left side sleeper and this was impossible due to discomfort. I found that if I wore my sling at night with left arm on a pillow, I was able to sleep well on my back which I usually can't do. good luck to you

I think it will take time

by Snlp - 2013-04-13 11:04:27

I had my pm implanted on 4/4 and am still not able to sleep on my side as I used to do. I have found that sleeping on my back with a very thick pillow under my shoulders and head and another pillow under my knees is the most comfortable for me. I have a brace that goes around my waist and velcros my arm next to my side that I still were at night, since I tend to want to sleep with my arms above my head. I have tried to turn on my right side but still not comfortable.

Stacy

HI

by AHONEYBUNNY - 2013-04-14 05:04:15

I HAVE A COUPLE REALLY SQUISHEY PILLOWS...
WORKS GREAT FOR ME !

Who'd have thunk it ?

by JimmyJca - 2013-04-14 09:04:14

Thanks everyone for some great suggestions and the various use of pillows! We could all compose our best efforts and write a book !! (LOL)

It was a tough night last night trying to find comfort and at 3am finally took some Tylenol as I know I was moving about because the shoulder was aching. I guess when you're not a "back-sleeper" it's a bit more challenging.

I'll try this afternoon down on the couch (sofa) or even the chair with ottoman to see if that works. I know within the next week or so things will eventually get better - but it makes it a very long night when you're not sleeping.

I went to the hospital early on Sunday morning as I wasn't feeling well and thought for sure I had the bad stomach flu that's been going on - lo' and behold, I never thought that this was going to happen - but if it can give me more energy and quality of life then all the better.

My new challenge is with the Cardiologist whom I had heard of for many years, but never met. When we did have the discussion about his advice was to get the PM, I did ask for a 2013 model, in blue to match my eyes - and wondering if it glowed at night so I could use it like the teenagers with their glow sticks. He did stare at me for a bit - then said "He wasn't sure about that, but when public transit buses pass close to me, I'll get a signal telling me of the next one that will pass by". We all have to be very careful now - Big Brother will be able to track our every move! (LOL)

I think he's sending me to a Psychiatrist.

Here's wishing you all a wonderful Sunday and upcoming week... THANKS for your suggestions.

JimmyJ

POSITION

by jeanlancour - 2013-04-14 12:04:36

I was told lay on your right side put a couple of pillows infront of you, put your left arm on the pillows, You than can lean into the pillows without putting pressure on your left shoulder, worked for me. Lots of suggestions good luck. Blessings Jean

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Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.