Therese's Posts

Hello Therese, I found it necessary to have my head up while sleeping for the first few weeks, to breath easily. However, rented an electric bed for a week, slept in a slightly reclined lazy- boy chair and ultimately used 2 firm pillows, one on top of the other, when in my regular bed. Did not buy a wedge. Felt most comfortable when head was about 45 degrees elevated.

I bought a 9" memory foam wedge pillow & found that with a few bed pillows - 2 behind my head, 1 on either side for my arms, 1 under my knees was very comfy. I bought a recliner but really hardly ever used it, preferring the wedge. Other thoughts - v neck tees, tanks with a shelf bra, drawstring pants- I came home about 6 lbs heavier & it took about 2 weeks to lose that. Best wishes Therese, it won't be nearly as bad as you imagine!

I too had bought a wedge pillow and two body pillows. I found that none of them worked to sleep in my bed. The most comfortable to me was sleeping in my recliner. Sleep for me was miserable for the first couple months. But be reassured it does get better with time!

Oh, yes the pillow wedge was a necessity coming home from the hospital. I used it also on the couch during the day for resting. I also purchased a 9 inch memory foam, worked great. I would also recommend v-neck t-shirts as you may have very sensitive skin around the incision area. Best wishes for your upcoming surgery. The waiting can be agonizing, soon you'll be on the recovery side.

2 weeks post surgery and I’m finding the couch better to sleep in than recliner. It’s a firm couch and I used one of the big back cushion and a pillow to sleep on. A big help is a dose of Percocet to dull the pian and knock me out. Hope this helps.

I used for a number of months as every time I tried to sleep normally I was in shoulder pain. I put three pillows on it, two at head and one lower. I also made a well for my head so it was supported. You do need to stop yourself slipping, wasn’t a problem at first but was later.

I had an angiogram yesterday and it wasn't bad at all. The hardest part for me was getting the IV in and a blood draw. My veins are really tricky. Once I was on the table, they give me a little something to take the edge off but I was awake the whole time. I didn't feel stoned or anything, and didn't feel any discomfort at all. I noticed that the Dr. was doing things to my wrist but it didn't bother me in the least. Afterward I had a plastic pressure bandage thing on for about 4 hours, then just before I went home they changed it to a heavy dressing. It had to say put for 24 hrs. and you should keep your wrist fairly still and above your heart, like on a pillow. Had some Tylenol for a bit of pain.

Congratulations on scheduling your surgery. I hear you have picked a fantastic surgeon. Please keep me posted about how you are doing and what you think of Dr. Accola. As I've mentioned before, I am a little behind you. I have my heart cath in 2 weeks and then I learn how soon I need my surgery. I am pretty sure I will be picking Dr. Accola too. I'm hearing great things about him from you and others.

Therese, You are in the best of hands with Dr. Accola and his team at Florida Hospital. Fyi, I just sent Dr. Accola an email to find out if you will get a heart pillow at the hospital. When I hear back from him or his team, I'll let you know! My thoughts and prayers are with you. February 6 will be a great day for your heart and you! Keep on tickin! Adam

Anna, I will keep you posted on my adventure! I think you will like Dr Accola too. I have been very impressed with his office staff as well as liking him. They all seem to be very professional and on top of things. Quick to call you back, get things scheduled, and very helpful. I will need a cardiologist in St Pete where I will be recuperating and they are coordinating everything. One less thing I have to worry about!