Are you able to sleep flat years of esophagectomy?

Posted by seanski @seanski, Mar 18 7:24am

Hello,
Just shy of three years post esophagectomy. Still battling a lot of fatigue. Lack of sleep is a big problem. Can't get used to sleeping upright.
While on vacation I was sleeping in a recliner but had a hard time making stay at an angle, it wouldn't lock. Twice in seven days I woke up with the recliner in a flat position. And guess what... I slept for a whole seven hours and actually felt pretty good both days. It didn't seem to cause any problems. So here is my question. I know some people here are able to sleep flat. Did you just experiment with it? I'm a little reluctant to try it on purpose, I really don't to end up aspirating.

Sean

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goldenshadow | @goldenshadow | Mar 18 1:05pm

Hi 14 months post surgery and doing well overall. I did sleep at about 15% angle for a couple of months. Then I tried 10% angle that was good. So I went flat and sleeping well. So we’re all different that’s what worked for me. I experimented and has worked out so far for me. I also don’t eat anything 2 hours before I go to bed. That’s helped me also no reflux or aspirations. Hope this helps you out. Best wishes! Scott

brianpj12 | @brianpj12 | Mar 19 10:56am

I’m 5 years post surgery. The best thing that I’ve found is a Avana super slant full length bed wedge (Amazon queen $189 king$219).
Allows me to sleep on my stomach or side. Very comfortable, I sleep through the night 8 hours. I also have a recliner and adjustable bed, but prefer this wedge.

naoshapiro1 | @naoshapiro1 | Mar 20 6:22am

I haven't slept on my stomach or even laid on my stomach since my esophagectomy in fact, even if I lay on my side on that wedge and two pillows, I might still get reflux so congratulations that you can do that. I'm even afraid to get a back massage because you have to lay on your stomach. If anybody gives me a back massage I have to be on it a table that's tilted up and watch out in fact usually what I do is, I just sit in the chair and bend over with my arms on a table. I'm amazed after his self object to me you can lie on your stomach on a slant naomi shapiro

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 30 4:53pm

@seanski, I hope you saw the helpful posts from @naoshapiro1 @brianpj12 and @goldenshadow.

You might also be interested in these related discussions:
- Sleeping Advice for Side-sleeper https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sleeping-advice-for-side-sleeper/
- Wedge pillows https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/wedge-pillows/
- How can I keep myself upright while sleeping? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-can-i-keep-myself-upright-while-sleeping/

Sean, have you experimented with raising the head of your bed or a wedge pillow?

seanski | @seanski | Mar 30 5:46pm

I've tried it all. I have a an adjustable bed with a soft Tempur - Pedic mattress. I sink in pretty good so I don't slide down.

geoff123 | @geoff123 | Mar 31 6:02pm

Hi, At 2 years post surgery, I’m able to sleep on a flat surface providing I don’t eat for 90 - 120 mins before going to sleep. Having said that, I’m on ppi’s and histamine antagonists in moderately high doses to manage reflux. In the early days of recovery I needed to sleep with upper torso elevated which was very difficult. I’d often wake up down the bottom of the bed in a more horizontal position. I aspirated gastric acid once only - I’m not wanting to repeat the experience. An adjustable bed is very helpful. Geoff