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Valkyrie_11 · Joined: 27 Dec 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Australia

does anyone know the answer to my questions. I have had a dodgy back over the last few years and have often taken ibuprofen in one form or another but I understand we cant take that if we are on Warfarin. Panadol does nothing for it. Have you found anything you can take for muscle aches and pains since you had your op? The other thing is, I dread going to bed at night at present as I can hear the blood pounding in my head quite loudly. I have taken to listening to the radio until I am asleep as it makes me feel creepy esp if I can hear the heart valve clicking as well. I usually awake with a mild background headache too but I think that’s because I am still sleeping in a sitting position and it gives me a bit of a neck ache. i am wondering if i am going to just get used to the sound or is there any chance it will get quieter. How long are we supposed to sleep sitting up?

Quiney · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 23 Location: Fylde coast

Hi Valk

I used to had the bllod pounding loudly when I went to bed. Probably for the first couple of months.
I think that you are just very aware of your heart pulse, and are listening for any changes. (I used to get a little bit of AF when I went to bed!)
It does seem to diminish over time and doesn't bother me now - I'm about 18 week post-op.

As for sleeping in the sitting position, do you have anything under your thighs? I found that I slid down the bed and was tensing my body. I got some extra pillows and put them under my thight (Tthe hospital bed used to raise your legs) That helped, and then I slowly reduced the number of pillows behind my back/neck until I was almost horizontal (about 5 weeks post op) by which time I was able to start rolling onto my side.

Hope that helps

John

Mister Roy · Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 68 Location: North West

I just posted about the loud blood pounding thing - I'm definitely getting that as well so it's good to know it's not uncommon. It is hard to escape from so I try to just acknowledge it and get back to sleep. Failing that it's radio and/or reading.

I've never slept on my back before so this is a bit of a tricky time. But I can feel a bit of pressure/strain on my sternum if I go on my side (at operation + 10 days) so I'll stay on my back for now.
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