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Sleeping on back problems

Posted , 14 users are following.

Soobee
Soobee

As you all know, we're told to sleep on our back for 6 weeks, exception being it's apparently OK after a week or two to sleep on the damaged side with a pillow between ones legs. I've always been a right side sleeper.

Well, I tried the side one and it is too painful still. I am 3 weeks out from a left THR. If I sleep on my back I sometimes try it with a pillow under my knees as suggested by the physio. This doesn't help, in fact it makes the back pain worse sometimes.

I wake up stiff and aching from back and pelvis and barely able to move. It eases as I get up and move around.

Anyone any advice at all please about alleviating this? I have another three weeks to go before I can right side sleep and even then need to be careful!

 

1 like, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • vanessa24815
    vanessa24815 Soobee

    Posted

    I was told no sleeping on the operated side, I can sleep for short periods on the good side with a pillow to support, I did this at 3 weeks (DHS op not a THR so not sure if this makes a diff), lack of sleep is the worst. But I’ve been told it gets better, I’m now nearly 5 weeks after the op. 
  • melody39324
    melody39324 Soobee

    Posted

    I found the best thing was to make a sort of ‘nest’ using every pillow and cushion in the house. Put some so your back is propped up slightly, others to raise your legs and feet, and then some each side to keep you from rolling over. Even doing thIs you will probably wake up several times, so jus get up and walk around, have a cup of tea, whatever, and don’t worry about it, Then go back to bed and try for another few hours.

    After six weeks you can sleep on your good side. I’m about 13 weeks now and can finally sleep for a while on my operated side.

  • Soobee
    Soobee

    Posted

    Thanks to all for the advice. i don't understand some of the acronyms, you all sound very well informed! I only know mine was total and meant to be enhanced recover. DH measured my scar and it's 4 inches which suggests a less intrusive surgery.

    Early this morning I was able to doze for a short while on my good side, keeping a pillow between my legs as advised. Not bad for 3 1/2 weeks out.

  • Soobee
    Soobee

    Posted

    Update:

    Saw consultant Tuesday and he said i can sleep on either side and make sure to put a pillow between my legs.

  • Guest
    Guest Soobee

    Posted

    Did he say how long you need to keep the pillow in situ? 
  • 173
    173 Soobee

    Posted

    i am the same my back is killing me every morning having to sleep on my back every nigh I AM 5 weeks over op hope this is not forever

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