When Can I Lay On My Side Post Cystectomy

[RavynLynn]

I had an ovarian cystectomy done laproscopically yesterday morning (Monday 10/13) on the left ovary for a removal of two cysts and half my left ovary through my belly button. I felt absolutely horrid yesterday and was unable to get up on my own or do a thing on my own. Today I am feeling better than yesterday but still hurt, but I can get out of bed and move around on my own (with a pillow hugged to my stomach). I have been laying "lawnchair" or "recliner" style propped up on pillows. Sometimes I place a pillow beneathe my knees to have my knees raised. My shoulders and upper back is hurting something fierce and I feel like laying on my side will help, plus I am used to sleeping on my side. So I am wondering when I can start sleeping on my side? I am now alone (my mother had to fly out an hour ago) and no one will be by to check on me for 12-16 hours so I don't want to lay down the wrong way and then be stuck in that position and unable to get up (which is why I won't pay down flat on my back because yesterday I couldn't get up from that position alone).

Advice? Thanks anyone and everyone.

[krchelle]

I was laying on my side in my hospital bed the night after the surgery!  Do what is comfortable...change positions if it hurts.To get up, I rolled on my right side (opposite of surgery), then sort of eased myself up carefully.  This is much easier than sitting straight up from laying flat.

[old_before_my_time]

It seems you should be able to lay on your side. But at the same time, you do not want to strain the abdomen so you would want to be careful how you get up. Rolling onto your stomach and pushing into a child's pose to get up may help. I do not recall that being a problem after abdominal surgery (not laparoscopic).

The pain in your shoulders and upper back is from the carbon dioxide they pump into the abdomen to visualize the surgical field.