Sleeping after hip replacement

delina01269 · 2014-01-21T18:48+00:00

Don't be frustrated anne, I was 7/8 weeks before I finally gave up my crutch. Everyone's different. Trust your instincts. It's only 2 days ago that I began to feel I could begin to get back to something resembling normality. A week ago I never even thought about the gym. You need to take your own time. Before I found this forum I thought it was just me. Ot is a godsend.

judi48042 · 2014-01-21T19:52+00:00

I think the brilliant thing about this forum is that we all realise how normal we are. I think surgeons imply we should be independent at 6 weeks. Ain't going to happen! Now if I think about it, take baby steps, then I can walk solo indoors. Sometimes when I don't think about it, I find myself stranded when I've left my crutch in the bathroom. But my muscles aren't strong enough after 4 weeks.

I did ok after yesterday's jaunt, in fact when I woke my hip felt really comfortable. Then I made the mistake of trying to lie on my stomach. Boy did my hip hate that! But having had an anterior approach I need to stretch the front of the hip. Otherwise the scar will shorten.

Went into the village by car and did a bit of walking, but felt I'd overdone it yesterday. I've had 2 painkillers today. Yes Delina, I have groin discomfort at times, often first thing or if I walk too far. I often use the gel icepack . Though my worst ache lately has been down the front of my thigh.

judi48042 · 2014-01-21T21:46+00:00

Liz you are doing really well. Do a diary, this will show you week to week how you are improving. The difference in your leg lengths will be strange at first, and your muscles will protest but it will get easier.

anne36760 · 2014-01-22T09:46+00:00

Thanks Delina, Judi, don't try and lie on your tummy, because some advice tells you not to do it, I too have pain down the front of my thigh and my ankle is sore as well. Tomorrow I have the see a physio and that was me pusing it forward. I would like to hear what kind of follow up anyone else had. My original one was after 8 weeks and only to see a nurse from the ward!!! I am going to write down a list of questions and will get back to the forum to say how I got on.

delina01269 · 2014-01-22T15:53+00:00

District nurse took my dressing off 14 days post op, saw nurse at my 8 week appt. And will see consultant a year after my op. Otherwise nothing.

judi48042 · 2014-01-22T16:22+00:00

I am due to be seen by the joint specialist nurse at seven weeks, then six months, after that I'm not sure.

rachel57914 · 2014-01-22T16:24+00:00

I've had clips taken out by practice nurse at 10 days, have started physio and has appointment 6 weeks with consultant.

delina01269 · 2014-01-22T16:25+00:00

I think that's the norm if there are no complications

delina01269 · 2014-01-24T09:21+00:00

I'm going to get an Ice pack judi, cos the groin discomfort and irritation round wound are all that really bother me now ( apart from stiffness and having to limp when I've been sitting too long haha)

Marcho · 2014-01-25T11:23+00:00

I had the same problem. My average sleep was 2-4 hours a day. My back just couldn't handle more. What I found surprising is that I was taking many strong painkillers. At once I didn't take them because generally my leg didn't hurt so I thought I don't need them. Oh, was I mistaken? Without painkillers my leg hurt like crazy, much more than my back. After an hour I was happy to take the painkillers again. It just proved me that the painkillers do work as with them I was ok. So why the painkiller didn't help my back ache??? I find it strange.

After a time I managed to get a bit more sleep by sleeping in sitting position. Not the best rest to your body but when you cannot get enough sleep every trick worth a try.

judi48042 · 2014-01-25T16:21+00:00

Well last night I woke up lying on my ad side for the first time. So obviously I'm improving.

susan29674 · 2014-01-26T15:32+00:00

Hi...I've found all this really interesting...I'm 55and 8weeks post op following planned replacement ...I have had a plastic/metal type cemented fitting....I was not told of any other options. Done on NHS....started physio 3 wks ago ...just got rid of stick and managing about a mile a day walks. Now sleeping much better...much same probs sleeping as all of you. Spine does settle down eventually but each week different aches as body recovering...so all good. Can't believe how tiring it all still is....off work due to manual work caring for 3moths...with phased return planned...so I was a bit shocked at length of rehab being so young.....

delina01269 · 2014-01-26T19:53+00:00

I have uncemented hip, but surgeon did explain that she would do it if she got a good fit, otherwise she would cement it. Be careful if you are a carer, I was advised to take a bit longer than the 3 months. Anyway folks, 11 weeks tomorrow and can sleep all night on my new hip. Woohoo! And actually really sleeping.

judi48042 · 2014-01-26T22:43+00:00

Brilliant Celina!

judi48042 · 2014-01-26T22:44+00:00

Sorry on predictive text

Sleeping after hip replacement

rachel57914

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