How can I keep myself upright while sleeping?

Posted by cjj2 @cjj2, Feb 1 9:38am

Seems like this would be a simple thing to do, but even with a wedge pillow I seem to slide down. Reflux wakes me up. I stop eating 4 hours before bedtime, but continue to drink water. I had an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy 4 years ago. For the past few months, I have had an irritated feeling in my throat & a dry cough. More recently, I have had occasional problems swallowing liquids - seems to go down the wrong way & sets off violent coughing. I’m worried about aspirating, but that’s another issue.
Any ideas for better upright sleeping?

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cjj2 | @cjj2 | Mar 27 4:22pm

In reply to @earle "If one is on Medicare, a hospital bed will be covered. There's also a good chance..." + (show)

@earle
Hi, Earle,
This is very good to know as another option.
Thanks,
Connie J.

ja2 | @ja2 | Apr 10 1:44pm

I too have an adjustable bed and find that I must be in an almost sitting up position in order to sleep. I did use a satin pillowcase and found that I slip down so changed to a cotton pillowcase and that has helped some. Additionally, I found raising the foot of the bed along with the head helps.

doglover888 | @doglover888 | Apr 11 5:31pm

In reply to @cjj2 "@doglover888 Hello! Thanks for your message. I am so glad you found something that works! My..." + (show)

Happy to hear you are going to possibly try Gaviscon. It has been a life saver for me. Anything else you want to know just ask. Ps. My surgeon gave me the good news this week. I am CURED. Just stay positive. Everything will be OK.

cjj2 | @cjj2 | Apr 11 6:58pm

In reply to @doglover888 "Happy to hear you are going to possibly try Gaviscon. It has been a life saver..." + (show)

@doglover888
Congratulations! I am very happy for you!😄

cjj2 | @cjj2 | Apr 12 10:22am

In reply to @ja2 "I too have an adjustable bed and find that I must be in an almost sitting..." + (show)

@ja2
Thanks very much!

jrcarson38 | @jrcarson38 | 2 days ago

Has anyone tried the Medcline pillows system? It's a wedge made for side sleepers but I can't tell if it's enough of an incline for safe sleeping. I've been sleeping in a recliner since my surgery but would like a contained solution that would get me back in bed with my wife.

earle | @earle | 1 day ago

In reply to @cjj2 "@ja2 Thanks very much!" + (show)

@cjj2 One word of warning. I recently had hip replacement surgery and my PT, who's known me for decades, warned me that my posture was deteriorating. My shoulders were rounding and I was starting to bend forward at the waist. A little Q&A revealed that I was sleeping too vertically, with my knees too high. It shortens the muscles in the front of your pelvis. She would have me lie on my stomach for five minutes on a hard surface. It won't feel good, because those muscles don't like being stretched...

cjj2 | @cjj2 | 1 day ago

In reply to @earle "@cjj2 One word of warning. I recently had hip replacement surgery and my PT, who's known..." + (show)

@earle Hi! Thanks for your message, and for sharing the info from your PT. I can start doing the 5 minutes on my stomach on a hard surface. I’ve been wondering all along how this change in sleep position is going to affect my joints. I know a hip replacement is in my future due to osteoarthritis but I’m putting it off for as long as I can.

earle | @earle | 6 hours ago

In reply to @cjj2 "@earle Hi! Thanks for your message, and for sharing the info from your PT. I can..." + (show)

@cjj2 It will be painful at first for your lower back, a sign you need it...

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