sleeping in back - how long?!

Meant sleeping ON back. Sorry, bad night!

Hi Anna, sorry to hear you are having so much difficulty sleeping. I can only speak for myself as everyone's situation is different but according to the advice I was given in the hospital by my physio (and in my booklet about post op physiotherapy) I was told it was okay to sleep on my unoperated side as long as there was a good supportive pillow between my knees.  From the first day after the op I was sleeping on my side (in fact it might have even been the first night as I can't remember having to physically force myself to sleep on my back)  My operated leg was resting on a thick pillow which was right between my legs from my bum to just below my knee.  I was careful when turning over of course but found sleeping so much better.  I cannot sleep on my back either but not because of a problem like yours, just find it uncomfortable.  Now three weeks on and I am actually able to sleep on my stomach which is what I find most comfortable.  Still have the pillow between my legs just for support if I turn in the night.  I was told by a nurse that I have to sleep on my back but I must admit I ignored her and relied on what the physio said.  I hope you can find a more comfortable position to sleep, you just have to be reasonably careful when turning.  x

Surgeon told me 8 weeks. I complied. Apart from leg not crossing mid line the foot must also be kept in position. You will see many people sleep in different positions and come to no harm I was not willing to take the chance. Felt that 8 weeks was a short time in the great scheme of things and no way was I risking dislocation

You will have to be guided by medics and your personal condition

Dear Anna

Greetings...sorry you having this discomfort....

Hmmmm listen to advice sounds fine but here in Exeter they the professional advice givers were relaxed about sleeping on either side...to which I was VERY relieved.

So not easy for you when someone else is told 8 weeks. Glad I wasn't told this!

My thoughts with you

Mic

X

Hi Anna,

i am two weeks post op and still struggling to sleep on my back, but I was told by physios that I need to, at least until the operated side is healed sufficiently to lie on.....I personally would not take the risk of the operated side crossing the midline and possibly dislocating.......the thought of that frightens me enough to stay on my back ...,,,counting sheep, most of the time! I think disturbed sleep is a common thread through most of these posts....I am just grateful that I don't have to be up and about at a specific time if I am still awake in the early hours..........

i hope you manage to find the right way for you to get some rest

Barbara

Hi Annie ... i was told that I had to sleep on my back for 6 weeks or until I saw the surgeon for my follow up visit - irst night in the hospital I was out as a light and remember the V-shaped wedge they put between my legs - following night I still had this but was very uncomfortable - 

That evening I was given a regular head pillow, was shown how to position it between my legs, how to turn over and position my operated leg on top of the pillow - to be honest, my first nights at home kept me awake because I was afraid that my leg would flop over  - another thing they told me was to keep my legs stretched for at least 30 minutes to lenghten the muscles which makes sense -

So many different opinions ... they scare the hell out of us right? 

How do you feel about it your self? have you tried  already and if so how was it?maybe someone can watch while you do it ? 

be gentle with your self Annie  - warm hug 

I was told I could sleep on my unoperated side with a pillow between my legs, OR if it was more comfortable I could sleep on operated side, but to be careful of the dressing.  After about a week or so, I slept on my unoperated side with a pillow.  I think it all depends on what the hospital or physio tells you, which seems to differ from hospital to hospital!

Thanks so much for all this prompt info. I feel that I don't want to risk anything going wrong with the replacement, so I think I'll just stick it out until my physio appt. I can catnap during the day!

Thanks again!

Annie x

Hello Anna, do you have a recliner chair? I also have spinal problems and found sleeping on that more comfortable than being in bed. It was still disturbed sleep, due to the trips to the loo, but better than in bed. Otherwise try propping yourself up in a semi upright position in bed. I see my consultant tomorrow for my six week check and am hoping he will lift the restrictions. Do be careful with yourself, going through it once is enough!

Margaret

Hi Anna I would advise you to ask your consultant for advise! As we are all different! I had to sleep on my back for six weeks! Good luck regards Amanda

I think I'll have a word with my physio on 18th June and see what she says. I suffer from ME/CFS and need my sleep! On its own I think the THR would be maneagable, but add in other conditions and its soooo hard, isn't it.

Xx

PS I don't have a recliner and I don't think it would help as the only way to relieve the pain in my spine is by lying on either side alternately. So I'm snookered at the moment! I just have to tell myself that in a few weeks it will be better. I HOPE!