Right Position

Hello everyone.  New member.  I had my ICD surgery 3-21-12, which was 4 weeks ago.

It is so hard for me to find a position to sleep. I tried to sleep sitting up, that did not work. Tried the angle position, that did not work.

Also it feels like my left breast is in a vice grip. Around the incision itches really bad.  Does anyone else have this problem?

Any advice will be helpful.

Thanks

4 Comments

Sleeping position

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-20 02:04:46

Have you tried sleeping on your right side with a pillow in front of you to support the upper arm. This takes a lot of pressure off the incision area while giving a comfortable sleeping position.

The itching is one of those things about healing. It sounds like you have yours under a breast where the surgery disturbs sensitive tissue and is deeper than the under the skin that I have. Maybe some of the folks who have had the same kind as yours can give you some idea of what to expect. There are some creams and jells that help itching. I use a product called Sting Stop.

frank

Sleeping

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2012-04-20 09:04:35

Hi Vee and welcome :)
Even after more than 2 years I still find the most comfortable position to sleep in is slightly on my right side. If im all the way on my right side i get too much pulling on my PM pocket. I sleep with a pillow verticle to my body slightly under my left shoulder/back and supporting my arm, that way I'm not completely on my side. I start by laying on my right side then place the pillow behind me then roll to the left until im supported. It also supports my back so I'm not twisting. I sleep with a body pillow between my knees as well. Sounds like a lot of pillows, and it is, but with my back issues it's the only way I can sleep :)

Take care,
Heidi

A date to remember

by tmuna - 2012-04-20 12:04:21

Hi Vee, We have the same implat date. I have both an ICD/PM. Frst of all I had a reaction to the adhesive on the outer bandage they used Hives talk about itch. Thank you it didn't last too long. You'll know when you can sleep the "way you used to", I slept with six pillow before I could go to my left side. And let me tell you my cardiologist told me that there is a tiny bit of pendulum motion and I can feel device moving, strange feeling,but it doesn't hurt. I take Tylenol still about maybe three times a week. The top of my shoulder and around the device it's more like a dull ache,but as I said a couple times week I can take. If you want to we can chat anytime. tmuna

Hi Vee

by cgreen - 2012-04-25 01:04:38

I was 25 when I had my PM implant. I'm a tummy sleeper, so it was very hard for me right after the surgery. It's been about 9 months since I had my PM implant and sometimes I still have a hard time sleeping. I can't lay on my left side because it puts to much pressure on my PM and hurts. Even if I roll over in the night to my left it wakes me up. I have found recently that I am OK to sleep on my stomach as long as I lay flat and bend my left leg a little so relieve a little of the pressure from my left side. Sounds weird I know, but with that and the ambien the Dr gave me, I get a good nights sleep. I hope you find what works best for you soon. I remember how uncomfortable it was not to sleep.

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