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Hi I have just had hip replacement surgery on my right hip

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susyp
susyp

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

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  • ian97093
    ian97093 susyp

    Posted

     Sue you dont have to sleep on your back as such, what I did was to make a wedge out of pillows and push myself into that so I had my back in a tilted position like a hospital bed, you are in effect wedged up in bed, then sink down to a comfortable level when you want to sleep. it is nice to read in that position too,

    Best of luck I have been there twice now... Ian.

  • Kate53CornUK
    Kate53CornUK susyp

    Posted

    Hi Sue, I'll echo, Ian. I have OA in my spine which almost prohibits back sleeping but I did hold out for about 8 days. Arm yourself with cushions and pillow and experiment while always keeping your hips straight (no twisting).

    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
      susyp Kate53CornUK

      Posted

      I can't wait to say it was all worth it but I think the lack of sleep is making me feel really low. The nights go on forever. I'm getting some sleeping tablets but think I might just try sleeping in my upright position in my armchair for now. My sofa is too low which doesn't help Thanks

      Sue

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK susyp

      Posted

      Sue,

      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
    MichaelTN1UK susyp

    Posted

    Like Ian, I wedged myself up and it was much more comfortable. In fact, it was the only way I could sleep.

    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
      susyp MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      I was told it would stop me crossing my leg over the midline in my sleep., which at the moment would be impossible to do. Thanks for your reply.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK susyp

    Posted

    It is very difficult at first, I know, I have had two periods of sleeping on my back dince October last year due to two surgeries on the same hip joint.

    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 - 🚀💃

  • Lallydye1
    Lallydye1 susyp

    Posted

    Hi Sue

    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
      susyp Lallydye1

      Posted

      I was told to lay on my back with my legs flat which I cannot do so I use a cushion under my right leg sometimes I just raise them both but still can't sleep. If i get to sleep which is rare I wake up with both leg and backache. My operated leg becomes really stiff and sore. I've just phoned the doctors for some sleeping tablets as it is getting me down. Thanks for your response. No doubt I'll be back on here in the early hours.

      Sue x

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK susyp

      Posted

      Sue, you have reminded me that I used to put a cushion under my knees for my first 6 week stint on my back which helped with the awful 'comfort issues', but didn't need it the second time.

      Graham - 🚀💃

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 susyp

    Posted

    Sue - You are not alone with this problem.

    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
    lors23 susyp

    Posted

    Hi sue

    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
      susyp lors23

      Posted

      I had oxycodone in hospital which really helped.I can't take ibuprofen due to the tablets I take for 5 weeks to prevent dvt. I've just taken my 1st sleeping tablet zimovane and I hope it works. My legs get restless the longer I stay awake and that in itself stops me from sleeping. Fingers crossed I might get some sleep tonight as I sure need it. I'd be happy with small sleep patterns throughout the day but so far I can't get any. Thanks for your advice might take a look at my pain relief and mention it to the Doctor.

      Sue

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