I was warned before surgery that sleep would be an issue. I knew that it would be a problem for about four months. I’ve never been a good sleeper, so this didn’t bother me…I was wrong! Here we are in week four, post surgery, and I’m beginning to value cat naps more and more – just to get through.
Why, you might well be asking. Well, I have always slept on my stomach, until the surgery. Now, sleep is about lying face up, waiting for sweet dreams to arrive. A couple of nights ago, I got brave. I slept on my stomach, with my ‘bad’ shoulder propped up on a pillow. Wow. I slept longer and deeper, until the pain began. Unfortunately, I then spent the rest of the day in pain. And the next night. The position I had put my shoulder in had obviously put pressure onto the raw bone surfaces. So, tonight I am back to lying face up, waiting for sleep to arrive.
If you are considering shoulder surgery, think about how you will be sleeping when it’s done. Pillows, cushions, bolsters, which side of the bed you sleep on and whether you can reach the bedside lamp easily are all things to remember…
I walked nearly 4 miles today so I’m aiming for 4 hrs sleep tonight. Wish me luck.
The Trouble with Tribbles 