Lying on my operated hip side feels weird

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am now 6.5 weeks post THR and according to the guidelines am permitted to lie on my operated side.  I have tried this a couple of times, but my hip feels weird.... like lying on a hard stone.   Has anyone else experienced this, and will it subside as time goes on?  Many thanks in anticipation.    

2

Hi Eleanor, It took me almost a year before I could lay on my operated side for long periods of time.  This surprised me as my surgery went very well and I was up and walking unaided within a week.  Everyone heals differently, so you will probably get conflicting responses. 

I can tell you that I'm so glad that I made the decision to get my hip replaced, and I'm back to my normal self.

Best of luck to you as you continue to recover

3

Last time it took me many months before being able to lay on the operated side. That feeling is just what I have now, but I can rest on the non-operated side OK

4

I was told I could lie on my operated side after 2 weeks ...felt weird at first but so good to be able to go to another position other than my back ....I soon got used to it

5

Eleanor, I was told 12 weeks for all the precautions, I tried sleeping on the operated side at 8 weeks but did not stay too long on it by week 10 I did not feel anything so started sleeping on it as normal. It is still feels uncomfortable at 5 months when I try lying on my side on the exercise mat so I have dropped any exercises that need me to lie on my side at the moment.

Do not rush anything time passes quickly. I though I could not cope with 12 weeks on my back suddenly 5 months have passed.

6

I was given the all clear to lie on either side at 6 weeks, but was quite uncomfortable. That has eased but have reverted to lying on my back as I’d go off to sleep on my side (bliss) but wake up later with pain throughout my Sacroiliac joint (both sides) which would need codeine to shift. So back to my knee spacer! It doesn’t help that I have inflammatory arthritis as well and it currently likes to flare in my si joint...

7

Thank you Kimberley, even after 6 weeks I am delighted with my surgery.  Out of pain for the first time in well over a year, it's even better than I could have hoped.   😊

8

Hi Jen,  I felt the same about sleeping on my back for the first 6 weeks, but I have got used to it, you just get on with it.    I'm wondering if there still may some swelling in my new joint site, which will subside in time, allowing me to sleep comfortably on it.   

9

September 7th wîll be two years for my new hip.  Took a long time till I even wanted to lay on my left side, still now I can only lay on it for a short time till I have to turn. It puts to much pressure on my hip.   It is a slow healing so be patient 

10

Hi. 3 months out. Still uncomfortable on operated side. Can last about half an hour. You have scar tissue etc in there. It will sort itself out. 

I'm 2 years out from first hip. Can lie on that side all night if I want. 

One trick I do is to lie on operated side and then roll back ever so slightly onto a pillow. Takes a bit of pressure off. 

Good luck. 

D