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How long before I can sleep on my belly after hip replacement??

Posted , 6 users are following.

ginny35168
ginny35168

It's been one month since total hip replacement and i am a belly sleeper.  Nights have been awful sleeping on my back.  I experience extreme stiffness in my legs and  I have been told to switch it up by sleeping on my side.  I wake up every hour or so and find it very hard to stretch out the stiffness, so i get up and walk around for about 5 minutes.  it works until the next hour......anyone have any other suggestions to help stiffness?

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

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  • Barhi
    Barhi ginny35168

    Posted

    I had my op in Nov 14 and I too am a belly sleeper who could not sleep at all on my back.  To me, the reason why they tell you to sleep on your back is to make sure that your legs can't cross the mid line.  I have been sleeping on my belly since 1 week post op.  At first, I just crawled into the bed from the bottom and lay down.  I decided to ask my physio why this option isn't suggested and he said it was in case you crossed your legs during the night - well I didn't!
    • ginny35168
      ginny35168 Barhi

      Posted

      Thank you for your response.....so i'm assuming you just crawled out of bed the same way you got in???? 
    • ginny35168
      ginny35168 Barhi

      Posted

      I am going to try this tonight.....  :-)
  • AgW
    AgW ginny35168

    Posted

    If you haven't tried one already, I suggest you try a memory foam mattress topper. I am also a front sleeper and I stuck it out for 6 weeks after my first hip. After my second hip (4 months later) I stuck it for 5 weeks then carefully turned over and was OK. As has already been said, the most important thing is not to cross your legs but if you turn carefully it's easy enough to avoid this.

    AgW

    • ginny35168
      ginny35168 AgW

      Posted

      AgW, This has been my first smile about sleep in a month.  Thank you for your response.
  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK ginny35168

    Posted

    Hi Ginny

    I was told it had to be 6 weeks minimum before I could sleep on anywhere other than my back

    I have scoliosis {C shape curve in my spine} and found it very hard but they said keep trying

    It went over eventually

    Love

    Eileen  UK

    • ginny35168
      ginny35168 eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Thank you Eileen, I guess two more weeks isn't gonna be that bad to wait....I've waited this long.  How long has it been since u had your surgery?
  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h ginny35168

    Posted

    Hi there I like to go to sleep on my side but cant then have to sleep on my back with as you say I get stiff. I am not looking forward to my op as I am sooooooooo scared as I suffer from anxiety. Did you have to have injections as a blood thinner? I am almost tempted not to sleep at night and just sleep sitting up on the bed then walking around etc, as its the night time that frightens me with a DVT regards amandah
    • ginny35168
      ginny35168 amanda1827h

      Posted

      Amanda, dont have anxiety over getting anxiety.....lol.  i take valum for my anxiety.  it does calm me down.  no, i did not get injections as a blood thinner.  doctor prescribed xarelto.  then, insurance company wouldnt pay for it anymore (which you need 35 days post op), so he put me on asprin therapy.  not good to not sleep at night, your mind needs to rest even if the stiffness sets in....i learned that. I do ankle pumps before attempting to get up.... it can play mind games with you, but eventually i believe we will win.  good luck to you.
    • amanda1827h
      amanda1827h ginny35168

      Posted

      Good Morning Ginny. Thank-you for your reply.I am going to see one of the Gps this week, who I get on with & she knows what I am like. I am thankful I am going into the Nuffield, as I want people around me afterwards. Even though I will have my own room. I can take my healing crystals in with me & my Cd s etc. I have a nasty corn on my toe, which I have to show to the doc. Sorry to moan. How are you feeling? Regards Amandah
    • ginny35168
      ginny35168 amanda1827h

      Posted

      Amanda, had a better night last night.  Took some advice from other "hippies" on this sight, still Slept on my back, put a pillow under operated leg from knee down and put 2 pillows under my head.  I did  wake up every 2 hours or so, but with not as much stiffness.  was very careful to drink plenty of water during the day.  HOpefully, i will still feel the same tonight.
    • amanda1827h
      amanda1827h ginny35168

      Posted

      Hi there Ginny, I have changed my bedroom round, so I will get into my King size bed with good leg and using a scarf to raise the bad leg up into bed. I do usually like to sleep on my left but that is not happening. So I have been good and sleeping on back. Did you have to have injections? I am dreading them as I am just sooooooooo nervous. I am a carer for my Hubby. This week I am going too see the GP to chat with her as my anxiety is through the roof & I feel crap inside. Sorry to moan. I think everyone will be fed up with me. I am getting all the care we need as I cant cope & will not be able to . I dread the tummy jabs and would prefer an oral medication . Regards Amandah
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