I can't get comfy sleeping anymore after my surgery.

[KiaSister1]

1 month post op-  I don't know if this is normal, but if anyone could give me input I would be grateful.  I have noticed lately that my pain is horrible when I wake up.  I have tried to sleep on my side, either side, that is the least painful way to sleep but I wake up with a horribly sore neck and shoulders.  It has been this way for a week or two but at first the pain would go away quickly as I got up and moved around.  I can't sleep on my back because the incision is still sore, and sleeping on my tummy requires me to turn my neck to one side and that strains it and makes it hurt.  I am thinking of sleeping in the recliner, I have one in my room.  I can nap on one for a short term, but for all night I am afraid I won't stay asleep. I really want to feel better, but feel that I am kinda stagnant because I am not sleeping well. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have tried a memory foam contoured pillow, initially that was my best friend, now it doesn't make a difference.  I have also tried my regular pillow, neither seems to help.  

At first I thought this was related to me straining my neck a few days ago.  I suddenly bent my neck, not my body just my neck, backwards to see someone behind me.  I did it quickly, kinda like a reflex.  Maybe that has made things worse I don't know.  I want to get some input before I call the doctor.  I don't want more drugs.  I was starting to think I could get rid of all my prescription pain killers all together, but this is too much.

[KiaSister1]

Yes I am able to. Right after I got home from the hospital, my niece loaned me her memory foam contoured pillow.  I wish I had one at the hospital.  Initially it helped a lot.  The neck support is very important for pain management.  

I think there must be different stages of healing because at first sleeping on my side with the contoured pillow was the best, now nothing seems to work.  I still have soreness, and I'm sorta ok sleeping, it is just when I change positions or get up that I notice the pain. I know it will pass, but dadgum, I'm impatient and ready to be done with it.  They have kicked down my dosage of pain meds.  Mostly during the day I just use OTC stuff.  

[pamk5]

Hey,

I am sorry you are having issues resting... and rest I think is so important.  I havent had surgery yet it should be soon.  Just curious are you able to sleep on your side with your neck supported?  I find myself finding a small pillow now to to fit in the curve to hold my neck straight.  Didnt know if that is a possibility or not.  I hope you find some relief.  Can you take something more mild than after surgery ... just so you can rest?  Getting lots of rest is important to the healing process.