SLEEPING POSITION

Posted , 14 users are following.

Did anyone start to sleep on their side earlier than the 6 week mark? I'm nearly 4 weeks post op and progressing well and would love to try sleeping on my side but scared to do it.

Thank you

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    I tried but it kinda hurts.  I’m also 4-5 weeks post op.  I forgot what the doc told me already. Sorry couldn’t help you.
  • Posted

    I did. Right at 6 weeks!! With a pillow between my legs. FEELS SO GOOD! Only on my non-op side. My op-side is still to sore even at 9 weeks post-op.
    • Posted

      I meant to say I was a few days before my 6 week appointment when my doc said OK.
  • Posted

    hi im at the same stage nearly 4 weeks post op thr and i an now sleeping on both sides !! what a relief off my back still dont get much sleep but more comfortable on sides . op side feels tiny bit tender but no issues when you feel ready and comfortable try it you not going to do any damage its when youe op side feels comfy best wishes
  • Posted

    Ooh yes I did - at 4 weeks - I'm a confirmed side sleeper, so 'sleeping' (I use the term very loosely) on my back was a nightmare.  

    My surgeon told me that I could sleep on my operated side as soon as it was comfortable to do so, so I starting trying to do so from about 2 weeks post-op.  Initially, the operating site was too tender for me to sleep on, but gradually the site became less sensitive and I could manage it.  What a joy it was too.

    The reason for sleeping on your operated side is that your own body weight will prevent you from throwing your hip about whilst your asleep and potentially dislocating your new hip.

    Good luck.

  • Posted

    I’m 4.5 weeks post op and would love too....I’m amazed how I’ve got used to sleeping on my back! I bought myself a neck pillow which helps. I did ask my surgeon and he said he’d prefer me not to turn over just yet....so it’s the magic six weeks I guess 😬

  • Posted

    I am afraid I was a coward and did not want to damage it therefore, stayed on my back until nearly week 8 when I started sleeping on un-operated side hooray. Been testing the operated side this week (week 10) and there is no discomfort at all so it must be ready to be sept on.
  • Posted

    Yes, I started sleeping on my side very early on with a pillow between my knees, on my non operated side of course but I was then able to sleep. The nurse who came to change my dressing used to put me in that position with the pillow so I asked her if I could sleep like that, she said yes so I did. I never had any problems. I still sleep with the pillows between my knees though, I don’t know if I need to but I do.
  • Posted

    I started around wk 4 .. I would roll on one side with a pillow between legs per doc .. when it hurt tried other side .. in beginning maybe 5 min but I tried .. it worked for me ..
  • Posted

    Hi! My PT showed me how to sleep with a pillow (very firm bamboo) between my legs, operated on top. This was at 2 weeks! I was petrified (she laughed), but she showed me how to move very slow, and hold the firm pillow between my legs. Sleeping on my side was like HEAVEN! Moving to my back when I woke up was easier. Just move slow, your PT will guide you. Now, 5 weeks post op, it's a piece of cake! And, my back doesn't hurt! Just remember, every day gets better. You will get better!

  • Posted

    Last Wednesday I was 2 weeks post operation and saw my physiotherapist for the first time and she said I could now sleep on my operated side ..reason why operated side was that hip had my body weight on a very little chance of moving...that night I couldn't wait!! Was a little tender but I fell asleep much quicker and it was bliss to have a choice of back or side

    • Posted

      Hi Pennypops I'm 6 weeks post op now so sleeping on both sides with my consultants blessing. As you say it's so much better. Seemed forever coming but was worth the wait!!

  • Posted

    i'm at week 1.  No problem.  Rather comfortable actually.  enjoy it.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.