Sleeping after hip replacement

Really sleepy last night and went to bed early-ish. Still in bed this morning, but not sleeping - just resting.

Had to laugh when I read about your supermarket trips Judi: you'll have to control that spending haha!

I'll let you know later how I feel, but the weather is supposed to be good here this a'noon so I'll probably attempt another walk.

Today Tesco! Thought I had really overdone things as I was walking (slowly) for about 40 minutes, and tried to use a trolley. Had to go back to the crutch. My knee is sore, but I appear to have got away with it!. My discomfort is from soft tissue, but to think 2 weeks ago I was taking 8 strong cocodamol a day, and now the most I take is 2. Yesterday I didn't have any.

Jud that's really good with the analgesia, keep it up but take care x

Judi and marg, you guys are doing so well. Just take care. I still take 2 painkillers at night judi. Not sure if I need them or if it's a comfort thing, but if it is I forgive myself haha. Joining gym today as got to back to work soon, and will be on my feet for 12 hour shift. What this time off has shown me is that I'll happily retire when the time comes! Carry on the good work.

Had a hip replacement and my leg extended 10 days ago with interrupted sleep every night, waking up every 1 or 2 hours. Last night I tried the pillows under the knees after reading it on here and slept for 4 hours straight! Feeling much better today - so thanks for this.

I have a ceramic and titanium total hip replacement, my second operation as I have had problems with my hip since a baby and was operated on at 6 years old. So far it's feeling much better as my arthritus was very bad. I'm walking with crutches and progress is slow but steady I think. Getting used to a longer leg is very odd, but have been told it will get better. So wonderful to find this forum and read about what everyone else is going through. I know I'm not alone!

Well yesterday I went to local bird sanctuary (in car) & walked about 20 mins with 1 crutch. Knew I couldn't have gone any longer! Met friends & neighbours there (gorgeous day) & it was good to speak with them.

Re pain relief, still take 2 Paracetamol x 4 times daily, but during last night had to have codeine as well as hip was bothering me & couldn't go back to sleep. Feel good this morning though, but as rain is pelting down I'll probably just walk around house and do exercises with chair.

Delina, good luck with the gym. I retired 9 yrs ago, but most of my exercise is normally via carrying out household duties and shopping!!

Judi, well done with Tesco. Hope you're feeling ok today

Hi Liz, only saw your post after I had posted my latest missive.

Yes, pillows under knees are marvellous and certainly help with sleeping on your back!

This is a wonderful forum, and good to know you're not alone!

Good luck with your progress, just take things easy & you'll get there.

Hi Marg. Thanks for the reply. Sounds as if you are doing really well on one crutch and walking for 20 mins! I am not quite there yet! I find I have good days where I am making progress and then plateau days where I feel a bit down, tired and achy. Part of the healing process I presume.

I am doing my exercises religiously and have started walking more. Today I'm aiming to get the the end of my street and back. All with two crutches though!

Good for you Liz. Let us know how you get on.

Hi, ive been following the forum. I am now 7 weeks after operation. I thought it was a case of great I can sleep on my side, but find my hip is a bit sore so ive been practising it for maybe 20 minutes. This week I have ditched the one crutch and now walking with a cane as they call it and walking a good 40 minutes. I am very tall and find I am having more probs with my back and posture. I am not ready to walk without an aid. I still have some swelling at the side of my hip. It is very true that everyone heals at different times. I am so hoping it wont be long until I can walk freely without limping. I have found that I actually like lying on my back...never would I have thought that!!! my swelling of ankle and calf comes and goes but Im told that can go on for a while. The only thing is I seem to have got this thing that I should be walking freely at 7 weeks and have made myself depressed and feel that Im not doing well. Someone actually said they had heard of 80 year olds walking without aids at 4 weeks. My physio just laughed and said Anne, don't believe those stories - she had never known this and most 80 year olds don't walk too much anyway, its these kind of things that make people think oh god Im 58 and still using a stick!!!! Do not do too much, I think that's what I did then it sets you back. Its good to talk on forums. I found a really good website where the preson wrote a list of what to expect. It was great. And it says round about 10 weeks walking unaided.....I thought that's more like it. Someone on a forum actually said the physio told them to walk unaided even although she is in agony.

Hi anne I'm 10 weeks post op and still use pillow when lying on my new hip side. I lie pillow long ways and rest my leg on it with the top of pillow at the point of my hip. Takes pressure off leg and hip and I find a big difference.

Did okay at gym. Its Curves, women only, with defined circuit. Only do 30 min. 30 seconds on each piece of equipment 3 times a week so can't overdo it. Also supervised. Feel good.

I still limp a bit at times. Does anyone have a bit of groin discomfort? Not actually pain just annoying.

Hi anne I'm 10 weeks post op and still use pillow when lying on my new hip side. I lie pillow long ways and rest my leg on it with the top of pillow at the point of my hip. Takes pressure off leg and hip and I find a big difference.

Did okay at gym. Its Curves, women only, with defined circuit. Only do 30 min. 30 seconds on each piece of equipment 3 times a week so can't overdo it. Also supervised. Feel good.

I still limp a bit at times. Does anyone have a bit of groin discomfort? Not actually pain just annoying.

Ps anne I think your physio is right. I nurse elderly people often with hip surgery and it takes a lot of rehab, also however fit not generally as active.

Delina, when did you stop using an aid then? Im so frustrated that I still need the stick.