Pain sleeping on replaced hip 9 months post op

Posted , 5 users are following.

I notice that after nights when I have slept on my side on my replaced hip, it causes me pain the next day. I even took a strong anti-inflammatory and I'm still in pain. Otherwise I am usually pain free and I'm 9 months post op so I feel as though I should feel pretty "normal" by this point. I am a 38 year old who had an anterior replacement in the U.S. (just for background). Has anyone else experienced this? I just assumed I could go back to sleeping on it. Thank you for your help!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    posterior approach and never a problem sleeping on it 6 weeks after surgery. Check with your Doctor

    • Posted

      Thank you Steve. I did reach out to my doctor. He doesn't seem to think it's an issue, but they did suggest that I avoid doing it for now.

  • Posted

    Have you used a pillow between your knees /thighs to take the pressure off, it stops leg on top rolling into the recovery position

    • Posted

      I have done that before, but back when I was still in the early stages after the operation. I think it might help though, but I assumed it was just the added pressure of me laying directly on my new hip. I spoke with my surgeon's office and they said if this is the only thing causing me discomfort (which it is), that I should just avoid doing it. But I am still curious to know if there are any other side sleepers out there who find it hard to lay on the operated hip. And will it be like this forever? Thanks!

    • Posted

      I have problems lying on my operated hip, but luckily I am quite happy sleeping on my back.

    • Posted

      I am still trying to learn to be a back sleeper. Surprisingly it wasn't that bad after surgery, but I was also on pain meds. I also sleep on my stomach and I have found that to be just fine - it doesn't bother my hip at all.

  • Posted

    It was a long time before I could sleep on my operated hip. Perhaps because my scar is right on my side, so it was uncomfortable. Sorry, I can't remember when it improved, but it did, and now it's fine. Good luck, Judith

    • Posted

      I made sure I was sleeping on my stomach or back last night and my hip is much better! It's obvious that unfortunately I just need to stop trying to sleep on that side (my favorite side). 😦 Oh well, life is still so much better and pain free after the replacement! No regrets here.

    • Posted

      I'm sure in time you will be able to sleep anyway you like, they reckon that it can take upwards of 2 years to completely heal, it's taken 18 months for my finger to heal after a mallet break with a torn tendon so imagine the difference with major hip surgery

    • Posted

      I had my right hip replaced, and it's definitely my favourite side for sleeping! Good that you slept on your back and your hip is feeling better today. It just takes time, hopefully you'll be comfortable on your operated side soon. ...

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