Sleeping On Side

Three weeks sice surgery had my first check up and all is well.  Question about sleeping on my side (where pacemaker was placed).  After three weeks, it is still somewhat painful if I try to sleep on the "pacemaker side".  I experience some pain and discomfort, enough so I quickly switch to my other side.  Does the discomfort go away with time; will I ever be able to resume sleeping on that side?

9 Comments

Some can, some can't

by Lurch - 2016-06-27 11:54:06

It took me a while to be comfortable sleeping on my left side; probably 6 months or so.  I am 25 months post implant now, and while I can lay on my left side, I find that I don't stay very long; still gets a little uncomfortable after a few minutes. 

difficult to say

by Cabg Patch - 2016-06-27 14:47:02

My first device after 9.5 years I still couldn't lay on that side for more than a few minutes. My new device was put in the opposite (Rt) side. I have been able to lay on either side since day one with the new device. Go figure...

Left-side

by Good Dog - 2016-06-27 14:52:05

Yeah, it took me a few months before I could comfortably lay on my left-side. It is the only way I can fall asleep now. 

So keep the faith..................

I still can't...

by Grateful Heart - 2016-06-27 15:28:11

After 7.5 years, but we are all different.  The discomfort may ease up for you eventually.

Grateful Heart

can only for brief periods

by techiej - 2016-06-27 17:48:47

It's been 6 months since mine and while I can lay on my left side I can't do so for very long without it becoming uncomfortable.

Over a year for me

by LondonAndy - 2016-06-27 20:42:45

I am now 19 months since mine was implanted, and it was a good 12 months before I could sleep comfortably on my left (ie implant) side.  Now it is no issue at all.

Better now

by Elisabet - 2016-06-28 01:05:47

It took several months but I don't notice it much anymore, one year later. It was impossible to lie on my left side at first but it did gradually improve after a few months. An extra pillow really helps. I do still sometimes wake up hurting (I tend to toss back and forth in my sleep) but only once in a while.

Be Patient-t will get better

by Pm - 2016-06-28 18:02:52

Had my pm put. In three months ago and finally, just maybe two weeks ago I was able to lie on the left side for a bit.  Not as comfortable as before, and have to try different positions for my arms, and I have to change sides before I can fall asleep, but, thank goodness, I can finally rest for a while on that side.  And I am convinced it will get easier and easier as time goes on.  So.....be patient.  It's only been a few weeks for you.  I have full faith that it will happen.  Best of luck!

Left side=pillows

by Janenotarzan - 2016-07-01 04:40:41

Hi!  In addition to my pacemaker, I use a CPAP when sleeping, have osteoarthritis, and endure disfigurement of my left shoulder, hip, and pelvis due to Paget's Disease of Bone.  I'm very physically active at work & play, so I really need to sleep fast & hard @ night.  I keep a heating pad plugged in to the outlet beside my CPAP machine, for the nights my left shoulder/collar bone crave a little extra TLC.  I also have a selection of pillows @ the head of my bed so I can make a comfy nest on my left or right side.  My life savers are 2 smallish pillows with the little bally-balls usually put in modern bean-bag chairs and a memory-foam pillow as a base for my nest.  Good luck & sweet dreams!

Jane

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