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Sleeping on your back

Posted , 15 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I am reading all this with interest. My question is: how do you stay on your back during the first 6 weeks ? I usually sleep on my side, hate being on my back. Do you get something to stop you turning over or is it that you just don't sleep at all? Hope  this isn't a stupid question.confused

0 likes, 21 replies

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  • ann19982
    ann19982 Guest

    Posted

    I sandwiched myself in with pillows but you are right sleep is the biggest issue.  To begin wtih you need to pee a lot as the fluid retention dissapates when you are lying down.  I am 6 weeks today and still sleeping on back or rather not sleeping much.  i have another 2 weeks of my recovery to go.  You can sleep on the operated side but probably like me too painful.  Some peopke sleep with a pillow between legs and then sleep on non operated side.  I decided it was too risky as the last thing I needed was a dislocation and then prolong the recovery.  Hope this helps

    Ann

    • susan57233
      susan57233 ann19982

      Posted

      I'm week 7 now and finally can sleep on my side. Like so many of us side sleepers trying to sleep on your back is frustrating. So my only recourse was the recliner. I hate back sleeping.
  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h Guest

    Posted

    Hi I slept with a pillow under my ankles! Even now I can't stay on my side for too long as my good hip also has arthritis! So might be bionic soon! Its the lack of sleep as well! Being a carer I feel guilty for napping in the afternoon! We are all at different levels! I am just over 7 weeks! Off for hydrotherapy next week! Regards Amanda
  • mark26805
    mark26805 Guest

    Posted

    I have read that many can't sleep in bed at all, so maybe now is the time to buy a la-z-boy style chair for sleeping in. I've always wanted one of those!!!!
  • mic71403
    mic71403 Guest

    Posted

    Hello gillcat!

    My real dilemma is that my hospital has been very laid back (sic) about this, so I never tried to sleep on my back:always sides,  others very less so! they said the risk of dislocation by doing so or indeed doing breast stroke was minimal!

    hope you get advice and do wot u need to do

    Mic

    x

  • olive45318
    olive45318 Guest

    Posted

    I am 2 weeks in and back sleeping is a huge issue for me. There are analgesics for night use which have a sedative in, that  are very effective. I checked with the consultant and he didn't know why they are not more widely used. You would take them late evening in the place of normal painkillers and they are available over the counter in chemist shops. Another trick is to use music with headphones, obviously relaxing music...

    this has been one of the hardest times of my life and I am weary from listening to platitudes from well wishers. My heart goes out to you all out there. 

  • joe79346
    joe79346 Guest

    Posted

    Hi gillcat. Not a daft question at all . I was really worried about this too as I have always slept on my front . I'm only a week out of hospital and have had no bother. I think your body just does what it supposed to . Also it's quite hard to move anyway. Don't worry about it . Hope all goes well 😆😆😆
  • ruth11497
    ruth11497 Guest

    Posted

    Hi there, I had my two hips done at once so sleeping on my back was really hard and gives me back ache it has got easier but still not ideal. I have my six week check next week am hoping to be aloud to roll over to my front. You will manage fine I.m sure, your body does tell you.. All the best with yours, Ruth
  • ginger47520
    ginger47520 Guest

    Posted

    Maybe you can practice sleeping on your back now before your surgery.best of luck to you
  • gillEE
    gillEE Guest

    Posted

    I wrapped myslef up in my duvet, felt womblike, nice and cosy and stopped me turning over in my sleep.  Worked a treat, plus later on I used the extra bit s duvet to stick between knees as support when I did turn and the wrapping up of duvet stopped leg inadvertantly dropping over too far
    • Guest
      Guest gillEE

      Posted

      wow some really good answers on here lol got some thinking to do haven't I.? I think every night I'll try ans sleep on my back but by the time I'm in bed I have a senior moment and forget (I am 66 after all) smile
    • ann19982
      ann19982 Guest

      Posted

      Me too 66. Would just love a whole nights sleep. Once I have my check up think I will see GP for some help. Been too worried that knock out pills might mean ending up on side. Hey I have come through 6 weeks today and another 2 will soon pass. Good luck with your organisation pre op

      Ann

    • Guest
      Guest ann19982

      Posted

      you aare all doing so well, just hope I can do the same..... I already take knock out drops for not sleeping (orimorph) is good at  least I am getting 4 or 5 hours sleep now. Congrats on your 6 weeks another 2 will fly by.
    • Lama22
      Lama22 Guest

      Posted

      I really didn't have any problem sleeping on my back, though realise I'm in the minority. Pre op always slept in my side, so should have been hard but wasn't at all

      Got a memory foam mattress and a soft pillow under knees. A couple of painkillers and slept all night.

      Hope it's as easy for you.

      Barbara x

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