1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Lateral THR

Posted , 16 users are following.

Patiotoole
Patiotoole

I'm 65 and having a lateral THR (left) on Monday 4/25. Just wondering if anyone else has had a lateral? I'm such a side sleeper - totally - so I'm wondering how that will work. Also I work from home managing my boss' website and database, uploading his radio programs, answering emails, etc. and since I'm the only one that handles it, I can't really let it fall behind. Hoping for the best!

2 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

Next
  • MichaelTN1UK
    MichaelTN1UK Patiotoole

    Posted

    I had a lateral in January. In the UK they insist on sleeping on your back for the first 6 weeks. I only managed to so by putting pillows behind me and sleeping half sitting up. 

    Regarding emails, \i suggest that you allow yourself a minimum of 2 weeks as you may well be full of heavy-duty painkillers.

    Goodluck with it. I hope it goes as well as mine did. 

  • MzB2U
    MzB2U Patiotoole

    Posted

    Not yet, but u will be able to. Give it about 6 weeks. Check with Dr though.
  • AnnieK
    AnnieK Patiotoole

    Posted

    Hi, Patio! I am 68 and had the antero-lateral approach, but don't know how that differs from the strictly lateral. I am a side sleeper, too. Your surgeon will give you a list of restrictions which may include a requirement that you sleep on your back for a certain amount of time. That is a very common rule regardless of surgical approach. I had to do it for 6 weeks, and I cannot sleep on my back, so I had to sleep sitting up. So check with your surgeon about it. He should have given you the list already so that you can prepare for restrictions.
    • Patiotoole
      Patiotoole AnnieK

      Posted

      I think mine actually is the antero-lateral approach. My surgeon actually said that I may be able to sleep on the surgical side following surgery as long as my leg doesn't cross midline.
    • AnnieK
      AnnieK Patiotoole

      Posted

      The problem with sleeping on the surgical side with the antero-lateral approach is that the surgical leg is usually very sore, stiff, possibly swollen, and with a fresh incision exactly in the spot that you would be lying on. I couldn't have slept on my surgical side if I had been allowed. And, even if you are comfortable on that side, when you are asleep, your body moves around and it is very likely that you will cross midline without knowing it or meaning to do it.

      You might want to check out "A laymans guide to Total Hip Replacement from one of our users - Rocketman54", which is the last of the Useful Resources linked in the pinned thread at the top of the thread page: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147. It covers many recovery issues based on his experience and those of other users on this site.

  • Skidget
    Skidget Patiotoole

    Posted

    Hi, Pati! What I've learned in six weeks or so on this forum is that everyone - and every surgeon - is rather unique. I had THR on R, lateral/posterior; pretty decent recovery thus far at seve weeks. I'm also a side sleeper. My surgeon asked me to wait 'til four weeks before trying either side, but I've read of all types of variations on that. I waited six weeks mostly because of the ick (scar) and/or discomfort and/or anxiety (restrictions, fear of dislocation) factors. I managed to sleep on my back only for those six weeks, but made itty bitty attempts at the non-operated side around four (e.g. 2-3 minutes). A really long, very poofy pillow will be your friend for sleeping on the non-operated side (to avoid the operated leg passing the midline). During those initial six weeks I also used pillows under the knees for a "change of pace" (or rather, a change of position) in short doses. 

    As for the computer work, as Michael mentioned...it's easy to under-estimate the effects of heavy-duty painkillers, and I only took the long-acting hyrdramorph (every 12 hours) for two weeks. I think his suggestion of waiting at least two weeks is spot on. If you MUST be computer-active before then, can someone check/proof-read your work before you load/go live? 

    • Patiotoole
      Patiotoole Skidget

      Posted

      I guess I can get my daughter to spell check some if I'm drugged. I was hoping for minimum drugs since I never even take novocaine for dental work---but I know this will be a very different sort of pain. I already do use a pillow for side sleeping but I think I'll get another long pillow as you suggest. I'll let you all know how I make out. Thank you so much for your input. This is all very helpful!
  • rose0000
    rose0000 Patiotoole

    Posted

    I had to wait until I was four months post operation to sleep on my side, it was just too tender to contemplate before. Having said that, sleeping on back really wasn't so bad, I just used lots of soft pillows and it was fine.

    First two weeks sleep is a little hit and miss, so I didn't sleep so well, after that it was much better....

    On terms of working, even from home, I would say to your boss four-six weeks....not sooner, you will be tired, in recovery and not remotely in a working place before then. 

    It is a small sacrifice for getting your life back, and being pain free, your boss needs to support this aim from the outset. 

  • Lorna020247
    Lorna020247 Patiotoole

    Posted

    Hi patio, I agree had mine 10 months ago and still only sleep for a short while on my side as still pretty tender, I am 69 so may be it taken longer as I am older. As everyone says you will be surprised how tired you will be, take care and hope you get on okay.  Will be thinking of you x

    Lorna

  • sue1957Geo
    sue1957Geo Patiotoole

    Posted

    I had a lateral, it was six weeks before I could sleep on my side, I was propped up on pillows and cushions , remote control and I pad which I used a lot around 2-3am.

    as for working, not first week for sure then see how you feel, I would leave it for at least 2 -3 weeks before you do, the lack of sleep, pain killers and learning to walk will knock you out.

    suexxx

  • Catherine456
    Catherine456 Patiotoole

    Posted

    Hi I had a R THR 5 weeks ago I'm 66. Forget about sleep the first few weeks. I sleep on my stomach and my surgeon allowed my back or side. It is difficult plus use lots of ice as well as your pain meds initially. As far as the computer you can try I did for short periods. It is hard to sit comfortably for any length of time plus your mind needs to take care of yourself first. You will be tired it is major surgery. Best of luck and we're here...
  • kapil29494
    kapil29494 Patiotoole

    Posted

    Just wanted to check wheater doctor told you or you just confirm will you able to do mild running or jogging after full recovery ?

    Regards,

    Kapik

    91-9823198878

  • annie.conway
    annie.conway Patiotoole

    Posted

    Oh dear! Can't you convince your surgeon to rather go another route? Any route makes for difficult side sleeping in the first 3 weeks or so, though.
    • Patiotoole
      Patiotoole annie.conway

      Posted

      I think it's set in stone now. He believes this route is safer by avoiding nerves and less chance of future dislocation. I guess if he's most comfortable and experienced in doing it this way, I want him to use that method as it probably has a better chance of success then.
  • steve86482
    steve86482 Patiotoole

    Posted

    I am a side sleeper. Had to sleep on my back for 6 weeks until all restrictions were lifted. 65 and a posterior approach 5 months ago. Now I forget that I had the THR
    • annie.conway
      annie.conway steve86482

      Posted

      While you're in the starting stages of healing it feels so looooong 😜🙄😂
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.