Have to sleep in one position after whipple Sugery

Posted by fel246 @fel246, Nov 27 11:29am

Hello i have had whipple surgery done 5 weeks ago , struggling to sleep as moving away from lying flat and still just give me so much pain in upper part of abdomen just under the rib cage . Have anyone experienced it and how long does it take to settle down ?

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 27 1:39pm

Hello @fel246 and welcome to the Pancreatic Cancer support group on Mayo Connect. I've had surgery of the upper digestive tract, and I understand that it is difficult to find a good sleep position.

I'm going to invite some other members in this group to share with you including @mnewland99 @gardenlady1116 and @marciak9.

As your surgery was five weeks ago, I'm assuming that all stitches have been removed. Is my understanding correct? Have you had a follow up appointment with the surgeon yet?

marienewland | @mnewland99 | Nov 28 6:59am

Hello @fel246
I had the distal pancrectomy and received pain meds while in the hospital. I didn’t have related pain when home. I had other complications like pleural effusion and trouble with abdominal drainage tube. Most of my time was spent on my back, but due to underlying sleep apnea issues i have an adjustable bed with the head of the bed raised at a 30 degree angle. I did try and take a short walk each day to break up the monotony of lying in bed. Maybe you could get this side pillows or extra pillows to put take off some of the pressure? Also, do you have any home health visitations from nurses right now? I would ask your surgeon about the pain to see if that’s typical after 5 weeks for the Whipple procedure.

fel246 | @fel246 | Nov 28 1:16pm

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @fel246 and welcome to the Pancreatic Cancer support group on Mayo Connect. I've had surgery..." + (show)

Hello yes all stitches been removed 14 days after surgery .when pressing on lower part of my ribs hurt a lot ,not sure if the incision cause damage to nerve and getting muscle spasm as the pain feel like a contraction pain like when u giving birth

fel246 | @fel246 | Nov 28 1:17pm

In reply to @mnewland99 "Hello @fel246 I had the distal pancrectomy and received pain meds while in the hospital. I..." + (show)

I shall ask the surgeon .was just wondering if is the norm after whipple surgery

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 5 8:30pm

In reply to @fel246 "I shall ask the surgeon .was just wondering if is the norm after whipple surgery" + (show)

@fel246, how are you doing? Are you sleeping better? Any update?

carrie40 | @carrie40 | Dec 6 8:38am

In reply to @fel246 "Hello yes all stitches been removed 14 days after surgery .when pressing on lower part of..." + (show)

I remember after my Whipple trying to move to sleeping on my side from my back--it took quite a while--sure wish I could remember the exact time, but at least 5 weeks. And then I remember when I could actually stay on my side--wonderful! Just keep testing--try both sides. One side is always preferable.

carfbuch | @carfbuch | Dec 7 3:01pm

I am a side sleeper and recall how difficult it was for me sleeping on my back after my Whipple (June 24th. 2024). It took me a solid month or maybe a bit more before I could start trying to sleep on my side. Initially, I used a rolled blanket on my back and also on the front of my abdomen to provide support, as well as a pillow between my lets to help support my spine. I would mention your discomfort to your surgical team just in case. In time, you'll be able to get back to sleep on your favorite position.

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