Post surgery sleeping...

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lenrev
lenrev Member Posts: 5
in Esophageal Cancer #1
I don't think I've posted here though I have read many of your posts. All have been helpful.

I was diagnosed with Stage III EC (can't remember the nomenclature), have done chemo, including an infusion pump, and 28 sessions of radiation. Things look good so far and I am scheduled for resection of the esophagus in two days.

I consider myself among the fortunate as I have a decent pension coming in, have not missed a day of my current job (necessary for insurance), and have banked nine-weeks of time before I have go into disability.

In preparation for post-op life changes I have elevated the head of our king-size bed with old camper levelers I had but my wife is having some issues with sleep. We have considered purchasing twin beds though I am resisting the separate bed thing. In considering the possibility, though, I wonder how others have dealt with this necessity and has any used insurance to purchase a bed of any kind that serves our needs?

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  • Bobs1wife
    Bobs1wife Member Posts: 150
    #2
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    Sleeping
    I think sleeping is a HUGE issue following surgery. Our experience was that BCBS would approve one twin xl hospital bed with a doctor's prescription. I don't know about Medicare, but others have said they would pay for hospital bed only. They will not cover more than a twin xl and will not cover the other half, for your other half! And they would not approve an adjustable bed that is more "furniture like". Many people find the the most comfortable place to sleep after surgery is in a recliner. There are many brands of adjustable beds available. Costco has the Sleep Science with an extra $500 off right now in the dual king. Wishing you the best for your surgery and recovery. Linda
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365
    #3
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    Bobs1wife said:

    Sleeping
    I think sleeping is a HUGE issue following surgery. Our experience was that BCBS would approve one twin xl hospital bed with a doctor's prescription. I don't know about Medicare, but others have said they would pay for hospital bed only. They will not cover more than a twin xl and will not cover the other half, for your other half! And they would not approve an adjustable bed that is more "furniture like". Many people find the the most comfortable place to sleep after surgery is in a recliner. There are many brands of adjustable beds available. Costco has the Sleep Science with an extra $500 off right now in the dual king. Wishing you the best for your surgery and recovery. Linda

    sleep
    You do have a few options, the least expensive being a wedge pillow. They are sold at home health type stores as well as bed bath and beyond. They tend to be a bit slippery, so many people add a pillow under their knees to keep them in place. You can also order them online.

    The more expensive option would be to get a king size adjustable bed, That way each of you can control your own position, while still sharing a bed. (not sure how much they are, but they are quite a lot)

    As Linda mentioned, and is what my husband did, was get a hospital bed. We were able to fit our queen size bed and the hospital bed in the same room, so we were kind of together..... sort of! And the rental was covered by our insurance. Lee found it to be very comfortable too.

    All the best for surgery, recovery and sleep solutions!
    Chantal
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #4
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    I sleep on a wedge pillow
    I sleep on a wedge pillow with a pillow on top. I have no problems unless I roll off of it during the night, then the dreaded reflux will wake me up.
    Glad to hear from you. Will have you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Sandra
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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  • lenrev
    lenrev Member Posts: 5
    #6
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    unknown said:

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    Hi Bill,
    I am having an
    Hi Bill,

    I am having an esophagectomy with replacement via laparoscopic surgery at Rush University Hospital in Chicago. I am hoping to be back to work after eight weeks as I do not have much lifting normally, and they are pretty easy to work with so far. This job provides my insurance as my police pension, though it pays better, has no health insurance provision. We hope my wife can find work, with insurance, so I can consider retirement before Medicare.

    I am comfortable enough with the king-size bed elevated and can deal with a twin XL elevated if need be so whatever we decide will be based more to her needs, than mine, at the moment. I have always been a side sleeper, rarely can fall asleep on my back, so the hospital-type bed seems more than meets my needs. I was just curious as to how much insurance tends to cooperate with the sleeping needs.
  • jgwright
    jgwright Member Posts: 242
    #7
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    unknown said:

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    Side sleeper wedges
    There are wedges specifically designed for side sleepers like me, and with memory foam. My wife found one for around $72 by surfing on the Internet.

    Oh... Here's a site Pillows, Wedges, Neck Pillows

    Check it out.

    --Jerry

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