Linn, if you decide to sleep on your side, be sure your back, esp. your shoulders, are well supported by a solid body pillow, rolled up blankets, Tom's backside or whatever you can so that you don't get more muscle pain from a new position. Keep your wounded wing supported at all times, as you have done.

I think Susan has a good point about our bodies needing to move a bit as we sleep. If they cannot because of our arm or whatever, then we're going to wake up more often and more thoroughly than a quick roll over would require.

I've never, ever been a back sleeper, either, until the valve replacement. Then I slept much as you describe, kind of sitting up with a wedge pillow under my regular pillow and a good, fluffed up pillow under the outer part of each shoulder and arm. Sometimes it helped to also put a pillow under my knees and feet. Oh, and I had to wear a bra, even at night, which I hate, but it sure did help. I have been a terrible and picky sleeper!:-) Everyone who knows my sleeping habits says I was the princess in the Princess and the Pea.:-)

Be patient with yourself, darlin'. Hope this helps some.

luvyakat