Hi I have just had hip replacement surgery on my right hip
Posted , 12 users are following.
I have just had hip replacement surgery to my right hip I am 6 days post op and I am having difficulty sleeping on my back. I have been advised to sleep on my back with a pillow between my legs for 6 weeks. When I lay in this position I get terrible pain in my operated leg and I am constantly seeking a comfier position raising my leg with cushions but nothing seems to work. After a while my leg becomes irritated moving around all the time. I have never had trouble sleeping in the past but do prefer my side. If i do drop off I am woken with discomfort either in my back or leg. I am exhausted and even trying to nap through the day does not compensate for the sleep deprivation. I am taking codeine and paracetamol 4 times a day and was wondering whether sleeping tablets would help.
1 like, 21 replies
ian97093 susyp
Posted
Best of luck I have been there twice now... Ian.
susyp ian97093
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Kate53CornUK susyp
Posted
Having said all this, on both my THR's, I have found that sleep is elusive for the first couple of weeks, it seems standard. I just gave up and slept on the sofa for a while.
I am never sure what kept waking me up, pain, trying to turn, lack of exercise - we have many excuses. Exhaustion also goes on for a while and at 5 weeks I still have to balance normal activities with plenty of rest.Oh, and I sleep on my side and still have nights when I wake up at 3/4am.
Suggest - taking meds just before bed and the just chilling out. It's only for a few weeks and then it will change again.
susyp Kate53CornUK
Posted
Sue
Rocketman_SG6UK susyp
Posted
You are having one of those 'lows' in the rollercoaster ride. It does get better, and even if it seems unlikely at the moment, after every 'low' there is a 'high' just around the corner.
Best wishes.
Graham - 🚀💃
MichaelTN1UK susyp
Posted
I thought you only had to put a pillow between your legs when you had permission to sleep on your sides as the pillow helps prevent the operated leg crossing the midway point.
Hope that helps.
Michael
susyp MichaelTN1UK
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Rocketman_SG6UK susyp
Posted
Some people find it easier to lay in a more upright position with pillows behind the back. I did use my recliner (raised to prevent breaking 90 degree rule when getting in and out) which had the same effect.
For more tips, see my website (address below).
Graham - 🚀💃
susyp Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Lallydye1 susyp
Posted
Sorry to hear this, it is a very common problem with us hippies.
We also get different advice re sleeping position. I was not told I had to sleep on my back and was shown in hospital how to safely sleep on my non-operated side with a pillow between my legs and have been doing that since day 4. This is not comfortable for some people though as it can pull a bit on the scar and can be painful at first. It really helped me as I think sleep is the best tonic.
hugs
Alison x
susyp Lallydye1
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Sue x
Rocketman_SG6UK susyp
Posted
Graham - 🚀💃
lyn1951 susyp
Posted
I used to give up trying to sleep, went out to the lounge room switched on the TV, sat in my chair, and usually went to sleep.
There doens't seem to be any rime or reason to the lack of sleep post THR, but it seems to be a common theme.
Good luck by dear, and dare I suggest just go with the flow, follow what your body wants, rather than what you want for a while.
lors23 susyp
Posted
I have had both hips replaced in the past 3 months l am 5 weeks post my 2nd op. Firsty don't take co-codamol with paracetamol as there is paracetamol in co-codamol. You sound like you need a stronger painkiller like tramadol to take along with your co-codamol. Or ibuprofen or nurofen along with co-codamol.. it is very hard to sleep after thr and uncomfortable. But its seems you pain is not being controlled right if you are suffering that much pain. Plus you are taking to much paracetamol than you should daily.
Call your gp and ask for a stronger painkiller like tramadol or ibuprofen if you can take nsaids. You don't need to be suffering that much pain.
I was released from hospital with co-codamol, tramadol and some oxycodone which has morphine in them. Taking they painkillers also will help you sleep a bit more but l am afraid your sleep will be erratic for a while.
I have not slept right since november but l am managing to sleep on my sides now but still wake with some pain.
Hope this helps.
Laura xx
susyp lors23
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Sue