Pain from sleeping on opposite side

Posted , 7 users are following.

I’m 11 weeks post op and I still can’t sleep on my good side for very long. When I do my hip with the THR ends up being very uncomfortable and swells making it more difficult to walk. Before I was able to barely lay about 10 mins and now I can lay about an hour. The swelling I always had on the new hip isn’t as bad as it was 2 wks ago. Finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel though dealing with a pinched nerve or something. 

Has anyone had the problem of sleeping on the opposite side?

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Yes, I have had the same problem  A  bit an hour at a time.
  • Posted

    Yes - used a well stuffed couch pillow, in two pillow cases just to be sure, for months after surgery, seemed to help me.
    • Posted

      Sorry - between my knees when sleeping on my side, stops you crossing your knee past center line, which you have a tendency to do when your are sleeping or resting on opposite side.  Seems uncomfortable for a start buts works well once you are used to it.
    • Posted

      Hi Lyn should have mentioned I do use a pillow between my legs. ☹️ What I don’t understand is what is causing that pain? With my first THR in 2016 I could sleep on my non-operated side anytime without problems. 
  • Posted

    I don’t have that issue but the swelling comes and goes. 
  • Posted

    Yes, it was different after each operation.

    It was almost 2 years before I could sleep on either side for anything over a few minutes.

  • Posted

    Have you tried sleeping with a firm pillow between your knees? It is recommended as it keeps the hips aligned much better. I don't know about the swelling but I do know that the pillow between the knees helps both hips for me, the good hip and the replaced hip.  I can't sleep without it . Hope this helps Dsilk05.

    • Posted

      Thanks Margot. I did try folding a pillow in half and that did help. Seems like I may have problem with the iliotibial band on the leg with the new hip replacement as well. Already have a pinched nerve for sure. 🙄

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