5 days out. How on earth do you cough or get in and out of bed

prescription pain medication. Take it before bedtime. I took it for three weeks straight at night. Otherwise there was no sleeping. Used liquid tylenol during the daytime.

Then somewhere during week 4 -- I found I could turn over in my sleep without waking up with that ZING of pain. Stopped taking the Rx meds.

Surgeon told me that is why he gives everyone a huge bottle of liquid pain meds and 3 refills. No reason in heck to be in that much pain.

Have you tried log rolling out of bed? I learned that when I had my spine fused a couple years ago, and it keeps your core stable. Basically you roll on your side and swing your legs off the bed using your arms to lift your upper body up all in one motion. May help.

I have tried that but it didn't work to well.

well this morning was pretty easy to get out, but I just log rolled out on the days before. Well...day 1 and 2 my hubby helped me lol

 I also slept in a recliner for a little less than 2 weeks after. Can't remember the exact day I changed over, but when I did the timing was right. It really does get better. 

As for the coughing, holding a pillow over your tummy might help some. So sorry that you have the allergies now, what terrible timing. 

is this something to look at right away after the surgery with or without drain, or is this something that just started at day five?

For me getting in and out of bed has been an issue since day one.  I got better at it as the days went by.  You kind of figure out what works for you.   The cold/allergies just started.  Dr. said take day quill and nite quill.  Works for me.   No fever so I'm not worried.  Again not sure if it is allergies or a cold.   Otherwise no pain anymore.  Just feels a little funny and tight around my middle.

I've found the pillow against my belly helps but also if I just use my hand to put a little pressure on the primary point of pain works also.

As far as getting out of bed... I have soreness and some pulling but it doesn't feel so bad that I can't push/pull myself up. I hated trying to get out of the hospital bed but have slept in my own bed since day two. I can even lay on my left side too. Just goes to show how this is different for everyone and we just have to keep trying different things to see what works best!

Have you tried sleeping on the couch?? I feel for you! I'm also 5 days post op. Good luck to you! It really does get better each day!

I haven't tried the couch.  I think I'm going to force myself to sleep on the recliner.   I usually sleep on my side, I can almost sleep on my right side.  I figure a few more days for that.

Correction: I can sleep on my Right side, not the left!