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Lack of sleep and pain after hip replacement surgery

Posted , 6 users are following.

arlene_68088
arlene_68088

I am experiencing lack of sleep and hip pain especially at night after hip replacement surgery - over 4 weeks ago.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 arlene_68088

    Posted

    Hi Arlene,

    What pain meds are you on?  If on the correct level you should not be in pain, only slight discomfort at times.  Make sure that you elevate your legs and apply ice packs which will also help reduce discomfort. 

    Talk to your doctor about increasing your meds.  You need to be comfortable in order to get up and move around, which is very important.  You will also be able to sleep without much trouble as well.

    Best of lucksmile

    • kimberley38758
      kimberley38758 arlene_68088

      Posted

      Oh my goodness!  You must be miserable.  I was on Hydro-morphone (a derivative of Morphine) for the first 2 weeks.  Then every 10 days after that my pain meds were lowered.  By 10 weeks I was able to just take over the counter meds, such as Ibuprofen.  Tylenol (Acetaminophin) is nothing!

      I'd advise you to call your doctor immediately!  You can't possibly do the exercises (Physical Therapy) required or sleep with what you are taking.

      The prescription meds will help you get back on your feet.  You will also be well rested to cope with the next several weeks.

       

    • kimberley38758
      kimberley38758

      Posted

      If you are taking Tylenol, you are probably in the US like me.  Where abouts do you live.  I'm in SC.

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK arlene_68088

      Posted

      I was on Rivaroxaban for blood thinning, Diclofenac anti inflmmatory, Tramadol and Codeine(Opioid painkillers for moderate to severe pain).  Sounds like you need something a little stronger to me as Tylenol is very low on the painkiller strength table (see my website 'Medicines' page).

  • rose73925
    rose73925 arlene_68088

    Posted

    Yes, agreed - if you still have pain at night, your meds need looking at.

    I have never taken drugs, but with THR to go through, I have done exactly as instructed because you aim to forestall pain before it breaks through. In case it helps - I don't know where in the world you are or what your surgeon prescribed, here is my regime:

    6am Paracetamol X 2 500g

    8am Ibuprofen X 1 400g

    12pm Paracetamol X 2 500g

    2pm Ibuprofen X 1 400g

    6pm Paracetamol X 2 500g

    10pm Paracetamol X 2 500g & Ibuprofen X 1 400g & injected anti-clotting agent.

    If you're doing something like this already and it's not working, definitely report back to your health provider to see if it needs topping up and to make sure you're ok.

    best of luck.

    • arlene_68088
      arlene_68088 rose73925

      Posted

      Thank you for encouraging me to call my doctor. I am also on blood thinners which seem to restrict me to Tylenol according to my pharmacist. I live in Canada.
    • rose73925
      rose73925 arlene_68088

      Posted

      Hi Arlene

      I don't know anything about Tylenol but it looks as though, if you are on that only, you need something else that won't conflict with the blood thinner to top it up.

      I am on the thinner for 6 weeks. Joy! Most surgeons recommend a max of four weeks; not mine.  He also insists on stockings for the same period.  I suppose he knows what he's talking about.

      Rose

  • judith12644
    judith12644 arlene_68088

    Posted

    Hi, I hated the nights, found it uncomfortable, but I wasn't in pain particularly, and I certainly wasn't in pain during the day. I had the daily blood thinning med (forgotten it's name), paracetamol and codeine. As the others have said, talk to your doctor.

    All the best, Judith

  • renee01952
    renee01952 arlene_68088

    Posted

    hi arlene, 

    warm welcome to this wonderful hippies forum ...

    what is keeping you awake at night? what kind of pain is it?

    were you told to sleep on your back?

    how are you doing otherwise? are you able to do your exercises ?- do you have physical therapy?

    When is your follow up appointment sheduled for?

    I agree with previos posts to call your doctor and discuss pain medication - Just Tylenol seems not strong enough (Tylenol = Paracetamol) - 

    please let us know how you are getting on, okay ?  

    big warm hug'

    renee

    • arlene_68088
      arlene_68088 renee01952

      Posted

      Just back from the doctor.  She says my pain is from tight muscles in my butt!   I've made an appointment with physio and in the meantime she gave me a prescription for Tylenol 3.   Everything else is good so here's hoping!  I sleep on my right side (surgery was on left) and am pretty diligent about the exercises.

      Thanks for all the replies.  They are mush appreciated.

    • renee01952
      renee01952 arlene_68088

      Posted

      how did you sleep?

      Good to know that it is just the tight muscle in the butt - and it is a big muscle -

      I was also allowed to sleep on unoperated side but was told to lie on my back for at least 20-30 minutes a day - preferrable longer - by doing so the butt muscle will be elongated ... 

      PT will certainly help !

      please keep us posted

      angel blessings

      renee

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