Would appreciate your feedback! (Sleeping positions and throat issues post-op)

[ShannaP]

Hello from Germany,

So....here I sit in my hospital bed, five days post-op from a 2 level ADR. I must admit, I was hoping to have a fast recovery time like so many of you have posted here that you experienced, but my post-op recovery has been slow. Violently ill from the surgery meds, in lots of pain, blah, blah, blah -- but, I have finally crossed over to the other side and feel somewhat normal again. Now, on my questions and I hope you can help!

I am having the HARDEST time finding anything remotely relating to a comfortable sleeping position. I have tried everything short of standing on my head. Curious as to some sleeping positions you guys used post-op that helped you sleep longer than 10 minutes?

Also, I have this funky issue with my throat. It's hard to swallow on one side - if that makes sense. Thought by now this would have subsided but it's still there. Doc says it's normal....curious to hear your thoughts.

All in all, my experience mirrors most others on this board so I have little to offer, but I am happy to help out with anyone thinking of getting the surgery done and/or having it done in Germany. I had mine done in Heidelberg.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Shanna

[ajj1001]

but my post-op recovery has been slow. Violently ill from the surgery meds, in lots of pain, blah, blah, blah -- but, I have finally crossed over to the other side and feel somewhat normal again. Now, on my questions and I hope you can help!

I had an epidural for pain relief which didn't work and then had problems with bowel movements - yuk. It took me two weeks to be wel enough to be discharged. Surgery effects everyone differently. It is not a race, you'll get there in the end.

I am having the HARDEST time finding anything remotely relating to a comfortable sleeping position. I have tried everything short of standing on my head. Curious as to some sleeping positions you guys used post-op that helped you sleep longer than 10 minutes?

I sleep on my tummy so I had to compromise with a curled up fetal position or lots of pillows in front and behind and draping my knee across. Not comfy really. Is the hospital bed reasonably supportive?

Also, I have this funky issue with my throat. It's hard to swallow on one side - if that makes sense. Thought by now this would have subsided but it's still there. Doc says it's normal....curious to hear your thoughts.

I presume you were intubated so that could explain some soreness. You might also be a bit dry from the warm hospital atmosphere. If the doc thinks its ok then I'm sure it is.

Hope you feel brighter soon.

[jss]

Shanna,

Condolences on being in the hospital for FIVE days. I was ready to go home after one night, but the Spaniards made me stay for two!

I am having the HARDEST time finding anything remotely relating to a comfortable sleeping position. I have tried everything short of standing on my head. Curious as to some sleeping positions you guys used post-op that helped you sleep longer than 10 minutes?

My pre-op sleeping problems were that for two months I slept no more than two hours per night, and no more than 15 minutes at a time. The first night post-op I didn't sleep, and neither did my wife. I could not swallow anything; especially saliva. And since we swallow almost a half-gallon of saliva a day, I spent a LOT of time spitting that first night. That alleviated by the time I was discharged after two nights. For the next eight weeks I woke up a few times a night coughing uncontrollably with that darned tickle in my throat. But I still got a good night's sleep; a darn-sight better than I had pre-op. After about eight weeks, the tickle resolved and I've not had any issues sleeping.

For those two nights in the hospital, my surgeon did not allow me a pillow, and required me to lay flat on my back. I must say though, that since I had been unable to even consider that position for months prior, I was mostly happy to assume that position; even thought I couldn't sleep.

Also, I have this funky issue with my throat. It's hard to swallow on one side - if that makes sense. Thought by now this would have subsided but it's still there. Doc says it's normal....curious to hear your thoughts.

I am about 16 weeks post surgery and I still have trouble swallowing.

I didn't have that problem after my two fusions. After my double ADR at C3/4 and C6/7, swallowing has been persistently difficult. The surgeon told me that my hyoid bone was larger than he'd ever seen, and it caused him difficulty in getting to my C3/4. I believe that is the reason for my persistent swallowing problem. The hyoid bone is very high in the cervical spine and didn't have to be addressed in any of the previous surgeries.

Even with the problems, it still sounds like you're doing great in your recovery! And thank you for keeping us posted. I hope that you'll continue to keep us posted and that you continue to do well in your recovery!

Good luck!

Jeff

[Dave]

Shanna,

It was a good two weeks before I was able to sleep in bed at all. While in the hospital, 3 days, the bed was inclined at a 45 degree angle, so I slept in a semi seated position. That was the same way I slept in the recliner at home for two weeks. I guess it was at least a week before I slept for any extended length. I would sleep for two-three hours at a time, get up and take another Norco, and sleep some more. I must say I was allowed to be heavily medicated for three weeks post op.

The throat issue is normal after having a tube shoved down it and having your neck stretched almost to the breaking point. I had some residual throat pain for almost two months. I also had sharp pains in my upper back as well as my shoulders.

Hang in there, it will get better.

[Cindylou]

Shanna, first things first: welcome to the other side! Now I am not sure where you read that ADR surgery was a fast recovery, especially 5 days after surgery, my dear! Reality check....you will likely need to adjust your expectations some. I just went back and looked in your signature to see yours was cervical ADR, which yes, typically has a better turnaround recovery time, but nonetheless, give your body time to heal. I was in the hospital 10 days, ugh, for my 3 level lumbar ADR also in Germany, and had a very long recovery. Ahhh, sleeping positions......the million dollar question with no good answer. I don't think I slept at all the first 3-4 days after surgery. My pain levels were out of control, unfortunately, and the Germans didn't properly stay on top of managing it. Ultimately, back home, flat on my back with major pillows under my knees seemed to be the winner. And I also slept in my zero gravity chair for about the first week after getting home. It sounds like you have already turned a corner, so yay!! It will get better, and the swallowing thing is soooo normal, albeit not fun!

Keep us posted by and by on how you are doing and thanks for posting!