1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

What strategies or stretching exercises can I use to relieve nighttime pain

Posted , 5 users are following.

cathy21850
cathy21850

hi all:

I am 3.5 months post op, trying to stay active during the day, walking, my exercises, chores but by the time night roles around, I am in a lot of discomfort. My right side, non operated side waist and rib area seem to compress when I sit down. In bed, my leg hurt and operated leg including foot gets numb. Still sleeping on my back as sides hurt. Any suggestions on how to get comfortable, stretches or exercises to do in the evening?

Thanks,

Cathy

 

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure cathy21850

    Posted

    Try taking it easy for a few days. Sometimes when we start to see progress we expect to much and get over anxious to feel better and our expectations are a bit high.

    If you still have pain meds take them as a one time break thru to feel better and relax for a day or two. 

    Within time you will get you strength back it takes time. It's seems like at first it's always something. This will change as you heel, remember baby steps at first.

    After 3 THR I still sleep with many small pillows propping me up to find a comfort zone. Purchased a sleep by numbers bed rises and lower top and bottom. Helps some. It's difficult sometimes to get comfortable especially if I over do it. 

    Anti inflammatories help and clean foods are very important. Sugars and fatty foods seems to a cause swelling. Taking supplements too!

    Soon you will be movin on to a better place as for now heeling takes time. Patience I have none of as that is important too!

     If you can get in for a message it does wonders for a great way to relax the whole body and mind. 

    Ask your dr for therapy or Water therapy is another great way to build muscle and the tendons. It takes time and energy & fuel for heeling. Try to eat at least 2300 calories per day also my dr said heeling the body requires the same calories for energy supply and heeling. Protien shakes always makes me feel better.

    There is also a site u can google with exercises you can do. Leg lifts, stretches  and so on. It's better to see the exercises on you tube than try to explain them.

     Wishing  you a great & complete recovery. Give it at least another few months. My may not be yours,normal is always in the eye of the beholder.. My norm is just becoming a reality that I am just coming to terms with as the reality after 3 years since the last THR gives me so much hope & I can do so much more than I ever though I could. 

    Some time soon you will find your place as heeling brings you freedom and peace back in your life too!

    K talking & posting its always helpful to talk with so many helpful hippies that can be encouraging and thoughtful as well as understanding where your at in this hippie world.

    Peace & Heeling 

     

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 hope4cure

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your kind and helpful feedback. I will work to follow  

      these tips. I am off to Aqua fit this morning. Will consider the balancing act of rest and activity and most of all patience. You give me hope.

      Warm Hugs and blessings for your continued recovery and enjoyment of life after THR.

      Cathy

  • brenda92532
    brenda92532 cathy21850

    Posted

    Hi Cathy I have just been reading the reply from hope4cure and I think it says it all. 3.5 months is such a short time you have to persevere a bit longer. I am 6 months post op and still having problems with my foot. It prevents me from doing what I enjoy doing walking and dancing. I was told my a nurse at about 2 weeks I was trying to do too much and to be a patient patient.

    After trying to do some gardening at about 3 months I had a set back. Was taken to the hospital X-rayed and told the hip was fine and it was probably a severe muscle spasm in the groin. 

    When I have any setbacks I try to search on line for the correct excersize to do. The doctors just tell me it will take at least 9-12 months.

    Keep trying and let us know ow you get on.

     

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 brenda92532

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your reply, Brenda. I will let you know how I am getting in. Funny, I too have been doing a bit of gardening trying to help my husband out and do my share. Paying for it afterwards. Have to get over that presurgery thinking of 'at 3 months I should be better.'

      Hope your foot gets better soon and you can be walking and dancing.

      Cathy??????

  • renee01952
    renee01952 cathy21850

    Posted

    hi cathy, 

    I ditto hope's comments - 

    Are you or did you get physical therapy?  Maybe your posture is incorrect ?

    do you think that you are limping?  are you sitting on your sitz-bonnes (full behind, weight evenly distributed) - I am asking this because I know that my posture is  at times, not good - I walk and then realize how sloppy I put down my feet , I am slightly bend over and yep, feel like Dracula legs moving - 

    I had 2 THr surgeries and at times the old new hip is more sore than new new hip ..

    Not sure what to tell you about the numbness - maybe make an appointment with your GP ...

    big warm hug

    renee

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 renee01952

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your reply Renee. Yes I am getting PT and now have back exercises and stretches to do as my back was/is giving me issues.mtrying to watch my posture too. 

      I am back walking with the cane full time to not limp. Yes, I am limping without it.

      Will keep working on stuff. I have been to the doctor but mostly given general feedback about it taking time for the healing process.

      Sorry to hear that your old new hip is more sore than the new new hip.

      hope you also find relief and comfort as much ch as you can.

      Take Care

      Cathy

  • valerie01319
    valerie01319 cathy21850

    Posted

    Hi Cathy sorry to here your stil struggeling after 3 months, i'm 6 weeks and was hoping to be a lot better than i am. but reading all the replies on here makes me realise its going to be a long hall and i think i was expecting to much. I find laying with a pillow under my side helps so i 'm not totaly laid flat,  and also a pillow between my knees halps the pain in my leg. Hope this is some help to you. good luck in the future.

    big hugs.xx

     

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 valerie01319

      Posted

      Thanks Valerie. Sounds like pacing and patience are key. Still doing not get discouraged by my posting. There are hippies with slower time frames of healing but also lots of encouraging recovery stories too.

      Warm Hugs,

      Cathy

  • brenda92532
    brenda92532 cathy21850

    Posted

    Hi Cathy I was reading renees post. She's very informative but is not sure about the numbness. With my experience on this issue it appears to be some nerve damage. I have this numbness all the time and that is what I'm trying to get sorted. I have an appointment for the 10th August to see an orthopaedic surgeon. I hope to get a nerve conduction test..

    All the best with your recovery Brenda

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 brenda92532

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Brenda. Hope you get this sorted out. The numbness is scary so at least if there is a reason like nerve damage then it helps to at least know that and how to deal with it.

      All the best. Keep us posted.

      Cathy

    • brenda92532
      brenda92532 cathy21850

      Posted

      Hi Cathy

      ive finally been to see an orthopaedic surgeon on the problem with my foot. At last he is sending me for a nerve conduction test. I will let you know when I get the appointment and what the results are.

      How are things with you.

      Best Wishes Brenda C

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 brenda92532

      Posted

      Thanks for letting me know Brenda. All the best with getting some some answers Going through a rough patch so am on email and hippie site very sporadically these days.

      Gotta stay hopeful.

Back to top

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.