Well hello there @jsl4801,
Welcome to our support group here on Mayo Clinic Connect.
5 weeks? That's pretty fresh
Sounds like you are doing pretty well. I'm glad you are feeling better overall.
It's really true about not being able to sleep on your side. You don't think about that until you have something like this surgery!
It takes time for the sternum to heal. I used five pillows at night during the first several weeks. Two at my head, two on each side to prop my arms, and one to hug. It was like a feather pillow cocoon.
It's important to protect your sternum for the necessary time. Usually six to eight weeks. You're still in the healing phase.
Where did you have your surgery done?
When is your next post-op check up?