Posted , 14 users are following.
I had a hip replacement 3 weeks ago and since then every night I struggle sleeping. This probably has a lot to do with being told to sleep on my back . I haven't seen the surgeon since leaving the hospital to ask their advice, and my appointment is not for another two weeks! Any suggestions?
0 likes, 34 replies
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jeff63676 carol61035
Posted
Sleep on your side, if that is preferred, but prop your leg up with a pillow.
carol61035 jeff63676
Posted
Thank you, Geff
kathleenOtt carol61035
Posted
I slept on my opposite side with a knee pillow between my legs, I was not told to sleep only on my back.
carol61035 kathleenOtt
Posted
Thank you, Kathleen
diannesk carol61035
Posted
I didn't like sleeping on my back either so slept on a recliner for weeks after surgery. I didn't raise the foot section but used a hassock (with pillows on it) instead.
Once I was feeling good about sleeping on the bed, I would fall asleep on my back, but preferred side (opposite of THR one) and used a pillow between my knees.
carol61035 diannesk
Posted
Diannesk I think I may need to stay downstairs on the recliner from now on because last night was the worst night ever! I moved from bedroom to bedroom trying to fall asleep. 1 lay on my side with a pillow between my legs but it felt uncomfortable!
I was suppose to go out with my brother this morning for a ride in the car and a little walk, but I feel too defeated and worn out.
I have had very little sleep in 3 weeks and it is now having a negative effect! Even a sleeping tablet didn't work?
diannesk carol61035
Posted
If the recliner works for you, then sleep in it as long as you need to.
You had major surgery and it will might take time before you feel totally rested. I let myself take naps during the day and that helped a lot.
Even at 3 weeks post surgery, I did take Tylenol (500 mg) occasionally so avoided anything else other than my prescribed meds.
Try to get outside to get some fresh air, too. Short walks a few times a day are good idea, too.
carol61035 diannesk
Posted
Thank you, Diannesk, another bad night but determined to keep positive X
MrsHoppy carol61035
Posted
i think it depends who who and where did your surgery as advice from professions seems to differ greatly. I had a THR which which was done with the posterior approach and robotically assisted during surgery. i have physio since week 2. sleeping has been horrendous also as biggest stipulation as i was given was to sleep on my back for 6 weeks. as i am not in pain from the hip ive not taken pain killers after first week post op so not even having a 'drugged' sleep. it was really getting to me until my teenager solved the problem....white noise... headphones in with the radio playing very very quietly. tv also worked but that keeps my husband awake so radio is less instrusive. have slept better for past couple of nights for doing this, woke up 1 last night. sleep tight tonight 💤
carol61035 MrsHoppy
Posted
Thanks for your advice Mrs Hoppy I will putting some music on tonight. I am already dreading tonight!
hippy28 carol61035
Posted
i think i must be a rarity as i had my THR 2 years ago and was told to sleep on my back.
i actually got so used to it that i now prefer it and it feels strange if i sleep on my side!!
carol61035 hippy28
Posted
I wish I could get use to sleeping on my back because it's very good for my hair. I get out of bed with my hair looking presentable which means I don't have to wash it every day!
Wish I had found this forum earlier as it is such a blessing to speak to such encouraging people X
yvonne02773 carol61035
Posted
i had problems as well as I hated sleeping on my back, and couldn't cope with the pillow between my legs on the side. i found it much easier when I put one pillow under my knees, and another higher one under my feet. Don't know whether it was recommended, but worked for me! Good luck.
carol61035 yvonne02773
Posted
Thank you, Yvonne X
carol61035
Posted
I feel so much better because of all the encouragement from this group! So grateful X
monkeypearl carol61035
Posted
Hiya Carol...
I had my RTHR last October and like most folks couldn't do sleeping on side, even with pillows etc, so first day back home from hospital, my wife putt some pillows and a rolled up blanket behind me in bed. I found i could sleep laying slightly upright very well, i also used headphones with very low level sounds, this again worked out very well. I was getting some good 7 / 8 hours every night..
All the best with your recovery, hope you have a very sound sleep tonight..
Stay Safe & Stay Happy..😊
Pete..
carol61035 monkeypearl
Posted
Thanks Pete at least I have fight back in me so whichever way I will NOT crack up!!!! X