hi everybody, I had new hip six weeks ago walking very well but still feel awful very tired as not been able to sleep for more than three to four hours in the night and constant trips to the loo, even though I have not had a drink after 7pm, I don't remember feeling so lethargic when I had my other hip done 8 years ago. I still need the odd painkiller solpadol usually or paracetamol, any tips out there to get my energy and sleep pattern back to normal, I have tried sleeping tabs they only last three to four hours, I find it too difficult to sleep on side as yet, what a pickle I have got myself into, oh by the way I am 73.
Hi Ann
I had bilateral hip replacements 6 weeks yesterday. Sleep or lack of it is also my problem. This seems to be something affecting most of us hippies. At my 6 week assessment the surgeon discharged me and no longer wants to see me. Good news but I still need to take care of my new hips. Although I can now sit in a normal height chair he told me not to sit in a low sofa for at least another 3 months. Housework will be a problem as I live alone. My family helped me enormously through the 1st few weeks. I googled about housework and found a site that recommended no bed making hoovering or ironing for at least 12 weeks.NIGHTMARE! How will I cope?
Good luck with your recovery and look after yourself.
DeeAnne
I empathise
I had my hip replaced 8 weeks ago (i an 67)
Likewise not sleeping more the three hours if I'm lucky( this is a great improvement on the hour sleeps for weeks afterwards. I can just sleep on my my unoperated side and that has made all the difference- I understand it slowly improves- so I'm trying to learn patience!!! It's been the hardest part of the whole experience for me too
Aww Ann I know the feeling well I am 8 weeks post op and just started sleeping at night apart from the constant trips to the loo have a rest in the afternoon if you must and don't rush into thinking you should be doing more take it at your own pace I have just started to sleep on my un op side with pillow between my legs I can manage 10 mins on the op side then have to move dont worry about the jobs you can't do they will still be there when you get back to your self hugs and look after yourselfxxx
Hi Ann
I am just over 7 weeks post hip op and at my 6 weeks visit with my surgeon he gave me the all clear--so I can drive, sit on normal seats and even do up my shoelaces. I've been walking normally, without sticks, for over 3 weeks now so no problems there bu,t like you, I am still having difficulties sleeping.
Initially I was only able to catch a few hours at night as i couldn't get used to sleeping on my back but now that I've been given clearance to sleep on both sides I find it difficult. It's still too sore sleeping on my operated side and i'm only able to last about 90 minutes sleeping on my good side using a special slumber pillow I bought on the internet.
Also, like you, I find I'm still making lots of visits to the toilet in the night which obviously doesn't help with sleep.
Having said all that I'm gradually getting more sleep as time goes on so I suppose the message is be patient as eventually all will return to normal.
Don
Hi Ann,
I can relate to what you are saying.I too was walking well(I am64) but the lack of sleep was a nightmare! At 9 weeks post op it is better but now I am off the strong pain relief it is the pain that disturbs me.I have been prescribed amytiptyline for pain and also sleep.The feeling of wondering what we have done also seems common!All the best with your recovery.It will get better
Janet
Hello Ann, I'm 80. Had hip done 7weeks ago. Sleep pattern was very bad, but as am now able to sleep on side managing g to sleep better. Agree with youBout the lethargy, come back from a walk and feel really tired. Saw cons. Last week and he was really pleased so tend to think I'm back to normal,forgetting it was a major op. Just a slight muscle ache when I have been walking. Will have a word with physio next week. So many young people seem to be having it done, haven't come across many near my age. Hope you sleep better soon, makes such a difference. Good luck.
Hi ann!
Yes, it does take time for things to 'gel' and your system to get back to normal. The anesthetic ( I presume you had a general) is sometimes a doozy to try and rid your system of and it takes some longer than others. And........I do believe age has something to do with it, takes a little longer. And.....it's been 8 years for you, so that makes somewhat of a difference too. Have you tried asking your Dr. for a sleeping prescription? I presume these 'sleeping tabs' are over the counter? He may be able to give you something to help in that area. It's a very common (and miserable) side effect of this surgery! And......he may be able to give you a painkiller that doesn't make you so lethargic, but yet still works well. Hang in there! It gets better as time goes on. It's a process and not an 'overnight sensation' so to speak, as you know all too well. Nap during the day, if you can, and be easy on yourself.
Hugs to you!!
Terri
I am 6 weeks po in two days. I wake up in middle of nite also. Recently someone gave me an over the counter sleep aid from Walgreens and I slept thru nite. I don't take every nite even tho it says non-addicting. I try to sit or rest for an hour during the day which may help also. As for making the bed, I've done it twice with no probs. I have a high queen size bed. I can sleep on opposite side with pillow between legs.
Oh bless you I am now 6 weeks post op having had both hips done together. I sleep on my back only. Have put pillows and cushions under my legs at night and also behind my back as I cannot sleep flat.
I still have to have at least an hour in the mornings after coffee and breakfast none of which are unbroken sleeps. I would love to sleep through either of my sleeps without keep waking but it will come.
Our bodies have been through an awful lot and all spare energy is going to the healing....
I am still on Tramadol, Naproxin in the mornings and night, and paracetamol and ibufon lunch and tea time.
We all take it differently so do not feel you are not coping. I have good days and bad days .... I am only 56 old.. some days feel 106..
Hi Ann
My hip replacement was six weeks ago last Friday. Sleep is still an issue for me too. I am having some success with sleeping tablets (Zopiclone), I am on a low dose, but can get higher if needed.
Dis you go back to your GP and say they weren't working.
Are you eating well to keep your energy up?
I have never been patient, so this has been a very trying experience for me.
Adam my GP refused to give me any sleeping tablets... but then he did give me loads of pain killers!!! I just want to be able to sleep on either of my sides.. husband saw a body pillow and is thinking of getting me one of those...
My GP was very happy to give me sleeping tablets, but I was only prescribed paracetamol for pain relief. I was also given sime Morphine just in case, but have taken that back.
I had a body pillow for the first couple of weeks and it really helped. I'm only 38 so healing is probably a bit easier for me.
The biggest thing to remember is that we all heal at our own pace and we have to be patient.
Hi Ann,
I am the one who has an unthinkable femoral palsy as a result of my THR three years ago. But to your weakness dilemma. Have you had your blood checked? Specifically for hematocrit levels? Normal for an adult female is around 40- 45.( U S ). A low hematocrit will result in fatigue, lethargy, generally feeling unwell. Don't know where you are or your medical protocols, but they need to check crit levels pre and post surgery. I, too, was a lump after surgery, so much so I could hardly stand up. Finally they checked hematocrit status and it was dangerously low. It resulted in five blood transfusions for me. My hematocrit was totally normal going into surgery. Super low after surgery meant there was a bleed somewhere from surgery that was never explored. They just kept infusing blood.
This is a worst case scenario. I am 73 now too. My crit is normal now, but I'm partially paralyzed for life from other mistakes made during my surgery.
I live in the United States and in a highly touted 'medical' city. Hope you get better soon.
PS. THR is a most serious surgery and takes a lot out of the patient. All posts on this excellent site speak loud and clear to that fact. Be patient, Healing takes time. Most important is that you be your own advocate!! Ask questions! You are a number on a chart, but yours is the only number/body you have!👏👍
Hi Don
I got the all clear from my surgeon on Monday but he said that I should avoid my low sofa for 3 months. How are you able to tie your own shoelaces...surely that is a little bit too much. Does that mean you can cut your own toe nails? I am very confused as to what I am now able to do safely.
DeeAnne
Hi DeeAnne...
I had bilateral THR 6 weeks on Thursday... still on my crutches when going out, down to one indoors and occasionally I walk without but find i am looking for something to hold on to. I see the Consultant on Friday...
Sleep is my one issue, my brain wants me to roll over but I can't... I haven't tried yet.
What would I do without my grabber?? how much can one drop on the floor.
I have just having been left alone for 20mins managed to hoover the carpets, and wash the kitchen floor.... I took it easy and did not over stretch myself. but it feels so nice..
Good luck and keep in touch as not many Bilaterals... xx
Hi DeeAnne how lovely to be able to cut your
own toe nails I'm 11 weeks post and I also can't manage it yet .Hugs xxx
Oh I feel your pain! 6 1/2 weeks out here post surg and still struggling every day... With sleep with energy… All of the above. Lucky to be dressed and coherent by noon, then a few good hours until early evening when the pain kicks up and energy flags.
And yes still pain meds also occasionally for a little bit every day. Have to remember this is major surgery, and it takes at least a full three months before one begins to feel vaguely human again!
This is of course easy to say, and very difficult to live. 😫 Part of the daily practice is gentleness with ourselves as well as deep compassion for our bodies which have been through so much, and frankly are putting all their energy into healing.
That make any sense to any of you?
Hi, my goodness you poor lady you have been put through the mill. Sorry to hear of your problems minor to mine. I live in uk, going to doctor next Tuesday as think since op its maybe my diabetes which is the problem or I am somewhat anaemic as well. Blood not been tested since my op. Thanks and good luck to you x