Tips for Recovery While Sleeping at an Upright Angle

 I had a bilateral mastectomy 8 days ago with an aesthetic flat closure. I had some very painful days and wish I knew then what I know now. I had never seen any posts about this topic, so thought maybe I could help someone else avoid these problems. The intubation for surgery irritates your trachea - which is then often swollen and sore too. Sleeping upright causes your jaw and mouth to drop open (you can’t avoid it), totally drying your mouth and palate. The dried palate sometimes gets micro tears too in addition to just being irritated. The trigeminal nerve is involved here and it signals the mouth, throat, teeth and ears. A bilateral mastectomy aggravates this more as what is called “muscle guarding” occurs. The neck, shoulder and trapezius muscles tighten up as they are aware that the pectoral muscles aren’t working. In trying to protect them - they cause more pain. My mouth was extremely painful and I had toothaches,(numerous) earaches and the sore throat. To remedy this or better yet - prevent it -use a travel pillow around your neck (put the back of it in the front) and use xylimelts in your mouth at bedtime. This will keep your jaw from falling open and hopefully keep your mouth hydrated. Support (pillows) under your arms also helps to keep the neck and shoulder muscles from being pulled down by gravity causing more strain. Of course - stay hydrated during your waking hours and take note not breathe thru your mouth.