I have had full knee replacement 12weeks past Iam now going in for the hip replacement in May and would like to know if you have the same problem with lack of sleep as I still have problem sleeping in my bed 12 weeks on Ihave to go downstairs and use my recliner
Is the hip operation going to be more of the same or better thanks in advance for any help
You are proper hard-core :-)
You are told to sleep on your back for the first 6 weeks. I couldn't and proped myslef up with pillows to imitate a hospital bed. I also have resorted to a recliner too.
Impressed of TN17
Michael
Hi Alex,
I think sleeping (or lack of it) is a universal problem after hip replacement. I haven't had a knee replacement so I can't compare. I'm just sleeping though the night in short bursts. At 3 weeks post-op I'm breaking the rules and turning on my non-op side with a pillow between my knees for short periods through the night to relieve the pressure on my back. Once or twoce have accidentally fallen asleep in that position.
Good luck, Cels x
Hi cels
Glad to know I'm not the only one breaking the rules. I'm 5 weeks post op and have been sleeping on my unoperated side for the last week and half with a pillow in between my legs. I too was told 6 weeks but just couldn't carry on sleeping on my back, I was so uncomfortable and had terrible butt pain lol.
Lisa x
My husband Keith had a new knee 4 yrs ago and didn't have any of the sleep problem he now has with the hip, 3 weeks tomorrow post opp, he tried sitting up in bed a bit last night and he didn't have sore heels but lower back ache, he is going to ask the physio on the tel today about going on the side with pillow between legs although he wish he could carry on for the next 3 weeks on his back cause of the hip going out and that would mean bigger problems,seem to be a big problem.
Hi. I was advised to sleep on my back for 6 weeks following my operation. I am used to sleeping on my side with a pillow between my legs. To be honest the sleep situation has been the worst for me. I cannot get comfortable despite taking sleeping tablets I just cannot sleep. I have a previous post on here about my kegs becoming restless throughout the night and got got some good advice from this forum.
I now go to bed far more relaxed telling myself that I am going to rest and if I sleep it's a bonus. I have made my bed like a hospital bed using pillows so I sleep more propped up. I use pillows under my legs which have helped. I only sleep for around an hour at any one time as I also find I get pains in my operated leg when I lie in this position.
I try to sleep through the day as well using pillows under my legs. I was advised that my settee was too low to be safe to sit on and that a recliner is not an option I should use.
I have a high backed chair for downstairs which is ok for a short time I couldn't sleep in it though. So I read books use my tablet at night and when I know I'm not going to sleep I make a cup of tea. I don't watch TV as I don't want to wake the rest of my family.
The lack of sleep I am more relaxed with as it's not as if I have anywhere to go next day. I can't wait to reach my 6 weeks and try a different position. I have physio at the hospital tommorow and I am going to mention this.
Best of luck with your operation. Keep in touch.
Sue x
Sue, just have to tell you this little story - I found that watching TV at night was really relaxing but, like you, I didn't want to wake everyone up.
My son, the tech wizard, rigged up an extra long set of headphones and plugged them in somewhere behind the TV - I was good to go.
The next night I settled down on the sofa and decided to watch Avengers, Age of Ultron, loads of battles, action, fights and noise.
I settled down with the headphones on and ramped up the volume!!
Next thing I was aware of my partner and my stepson glaring at me.
The Avengers had woken then up at full volume as I had forgotten to push the headphones into their socket - oops!
oh kate
That's funny Kate that's what I would probably do ☺
Lol kate !!!
Has to be one lolol
I was told on my back until the consultant gives permission to change, which for me is 10 weeks, I'm 5 weeks now. I don't mind it now that I have sorted out the sore heels and bum. Spasms lot less now too, Tend to need the toilet more though, though that's suppose to get better in time.
Lynnxx
10 weeks is a long time but we have to as we are told. I had a sore heel but put a cushion under my leg to stop it touching the bed which helped.
Take care
Sue x
Lynn,
You seem to have it sorted - spasms do die down, eventually, as does the need to keep on going to the toilet - or at least, it did for me.
Graham - 🚀💃
I sleep with a pillow under my legs to keep the heels off the bed, much better, and helped the tailbone too.
Lynn xx
It seems like nothing happens and the next day it works, weird.
Still getting up for the toilet, sometimes can only be a couple of hours between. The op must affect it. I had problems in that dept anyhow but things are def worse at the moment than what they were before the op, though it's improved very slightly. Takes time I guess.
Lynn xx
Lynn
Yes, absolutely. It seems like ages at the time, but from where I am now, it seems like a lifetime ago. My GP is checking me out after I said about it, just in case of prostate problems.
The recovery really does happen in bursts and then you get a lull before the next recovery burst.
Graham - 🚀💃
I hope everything goes well for you. But it's not a bad thing to get checked out.. Is it next month, you go back to work, do you think your ready?
Lynn,
Yes, and Yes.
I ambooked in next week for the tests..
I go back to work on Friday 1st April, and I'm really looking forward to my phased return - I have recovered in leaps and bounds in the last week. Going out without a stick feels normal for me now.
I have been and done some shopping on my own today whilst Rocketwoman stayed at home preparing food for a long weekend of celebration meals with friends.
Graham - 🚀💃
Fantastic, that's what I mean lol everything coming together. You have done really well.
Enjoy your celebrations.
Lynn xx