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I have had bilateral knee replacements , help with sleeping positions

Posted , 8 users are following.

larive
larive

I had both my knees replaced 10!days ago . My biggest problem is getting comfortable to sleep . I am struggling in my back as I have a prolapsed disc in my lower back and it’s starting to to give me a bit of pain. Any advice gratefully received 

Thank you 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • brozz1e
    brozz1e larive

    Posted

    Wow, both knees? Prolapse disc? You really are going through it, I've only had my left knee replaced and that's enough for me. I have no advice for you other than my heart really does go out to you and hope you get some relief soon.

  • MAT2018
    MAT2018 larive

    Posted

    If you search knee problems (up top here it will have Home/Discussion Forums/Bones, Joints and Muscles/Knee problems...click on Knee problems) there is one called Knee support when sleeping...there are a bunch of tips for folks there about sleeping.  I slept in a recliner for almost 4 months after my knee replacement...couldn't sleep in the bed at all.  Not sure if that would help you or if you have access to a recliner but it is something you might want to think about.   I have 12 disks in my back that are herniated and often have a lot of lower back pain and the recliner has been a life saver for me.  I am 6 months post knee replacement and still find sometimes it is just easier to sleep in the recliner.  

     

  • Pennypops
    Pennypops larive

    Posted

    Hiya, gosh yes I can imagine it being difficult. I bought a foam wedge to put between my knees for when I sleep on my side ...I'm presuming you are able to sleep on your side. I found it a real help as stops one knee weight on the other , you can get from Amazon and not expensive

    • larive
      larive Pennypops

      Posted

      Thank you , i’ll Have a look at foam wedges 
  • sue64229
    sue64229 larive

    Posted

    Hi larive

    i too, had bilateral tkr’s and trying to sleep is the worse.  I guess I’m lucky and I sleep on my back normally but since the tkr’s I’ve had lower back pain.  It got to the stage that I would try anything to get some sleep.  I was told NOT to put a pillow under my knees but I did.  It took the strain off my back and surprisingly, my knees.  I was a bit concerned that the pillow would interfere with my progress but it hasn’t.  It will be 3 yrs in October, since my op and I still sleep with the pillow.  We need sleep to help with our recovery.  Listen to all the advice on this site and do what’s best for you.

    good luck.

    Sue

    • larive
      larive sue64229

      Posted

      Thank you. I haven’t been given any advise re sleeping positions but in the hospital I was advised to sleep on my back . I usually slep on my side . I have a lower back problem so I’m finding it difficult. Think i’ll Try the pillows and see if it relieves the pressure 

      Many thanks 

  • patty62273
    patty62273 larive

    Posted

    I had bilateral replacement also last year.  It is very common to just not be able to sleep due to long bone surgery. I had to sleep on the couch for three months, either on my back or on my side with a flat pillow from my knees down.  My surgeon gave me sleeping pills due to the insomnia and that really helped!  The two things they don't tell you about is...not being able to sleep and being very weepy. Wishing you the best of recovery.  Give it time.  It will take a good year or more to fully recover and get all your strength back.  But, Yes I would do it again in a heartbeat. I actually went back to work nine weeks after surgery but had to come home and ice and elevate. I teach school.

    • larive
      larive patty62273

      Posted

      Thank you . I’m glad you mentioned the weepyness . I cried for 5 days ,today is the first I haven’t . Like you I wasn’t prepared for that  either ., I thought it was because I had a spinal and stayed awake , perhaps a reaction to trauma ?? 

      So you were OK sleeping on your side ,think i’l try that tonight with pillows . 

      Not keen on sleeping pills as I don’t react  well to most meds . I had to come off the painkillers 4 days after surefery as they were making me do unwell , i’m Managing OK on paracetamol . 

  • patty62273
    patty62273 larive

    Posted

    Sleeping on my side was the only way to get any rest. The back of the couch helped prop my back up. I used a very flat regular head pillow and put it below my knees with the foot on top bent back some. You have to figure out the best way to adjust your weight off the knees.  My doc said I could sleep any position that was comfortable.

    i was weepy for about six weeks. The insomnia and weepiness improved as I healed.

    i also took Benadryl to help sleep.  Also, my scars started burning at night about week three. That lasted about two week.   I kept a daily journal so when I became discouraged I could look back at my progress.  Feel free to ask me anything. There are so many little things that are perfectly normal but you aren't told.  Happy healing!  😄  You will be completely back to normal one day.

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