I haven't had my surgery yet, but sharing your experiences really helped me and has prepared me mentally and I am glad I found this forum.
Why do you find it difficult to sleep on your back? Is it due to the surgery???
If you normally sleep on your back you'll be fine but most people don't...just feels uncomfortable and you can't bend up your op leg ...just a bit to get a rolled up towel under ...that seemed to make a difference. Then my heels hurt where they were on the bed for a few hours......you'll find your own way to get comfy...lots of pillows helped too!
I was also worried about sleeping on my back, tried it before my surgery and could not fall to sleep. However I had no problems sleeping after my surgery. I was told in the hospital that I could sleep on either side if I wanted, but did not find it comfy. I liked the hydraulic bed and kind of slept almost sitting up, so once home I duplicated the feeling with pillows. I must have looked like the queen of sheba, but it worked. First 5 nights home I took a strong painkiller, not for the pain relief but because they knock me out, night 6 tried it without and did fine. I am now 4 1/2 months post op, around 8 weeks post op tried on my side and liked it. Everyone is different and you might be like me and have no issues with sleep. I hope so.
Lorraine. Vancouver.
Hi, I'm having THR tomorrow and like you, am glad I found this forum. It's great to get tips and advice from people who have had or are going to have the same surgery as yourself. The sleep thing is worrying me as well but after reading all the posts have got extra pillows ready.
If you normally sleep on you back, then its fine. In hospital the bed head is raised nd that is comfortable, but at home it is much flatter. I found that pillows stacked behind my head didn't work for me and were uncomfortable after a time. I managed at first sleeping o my back, probably because I was tired anyway, but on my side with a pillow between my legs worked wonders and was comfortable. I slept all night like that. It is better to keep your leg as straight as possible to keep your hip in alignment. After 6 weeks you will be fine. I did not have any pain at all, it was just a bid tender around the operation site. Good luck and don't worry too much, you will be fine.
Susan i found that a pillow wedged under each bum kept me sleeping on my back all night...its only natural to move over to the side and i found this helped me
Prior to op I would sleep in probably ten different positions at night which I am sure is the case for most people. The op forced me to sleep on my back which was slightly difficult to start with but became used to it. Slept on my side after 4 weeks and now really only have the two sleep positions being back and one side. I am sure you will work out whats best for you.
Good luck with the operation
Hi Jenny, Do you mean actually lay on the pillows one under each cheek?
Thanks for your advise. I normally have no problem in sleeping. I can sleep any time and anywhere but I am not sure if I can do the same after the op's and hopefully I will.
I am also using a large towel rolled up,secured with a tape to use it between my legs or under my back. I found using the towel more supporting that the pillow/firm cushions that I have been using but again is a personal preferences.
Thanks Lorraine.
No im not lying on them i just push one under each cheek like a wedge,,to stop me rolling over...my natural sleeping position was sleeping on my operated side ..it seemed to work for me
My op side was my sleeping side. Plus I'm still anxious that I've been too active. So my xray next week will settle me down. And being back at the gym will give me something to do aside from net flicks!
It,l be nice to have it over with too. Hit us up post op and let me know you're out! You doing the spinal or general anesthesia? I'll keep you in my prayers!
Thanks Trevor. I am getting too paranoid I guess. Want to know too much about the nitty gritty and prepare myself for the eventualities.
I was like you and went in with worries about so many things on the basis that they are taking part of your leg out and putting something else in !! You have no choice but to trust the professionals who are looking after you from consultant, to anaethetists, nurses, physio's, occupational therapists and even the staff who clean and provide you with food. Not sure if I was lucky but everyone was superb. I made a point of thanking all involved by e mail and subsequently was asked (and honoured) to address the Hospitals Board of Trustees to confirm how wonderful the team were in my treatment. I wish you well and sure all will be fine
I used to be able to sleep anytime anywhere and definitely through the night. Now I find I sleep for about 2 hours max and then it takes a while to get back to sleep again. I can sleep quite comfortably on either side, back or front but my sleep pattern has completely changed since the operation 16 weeks back. I don't want to start taking sleeping pills but will have to do something soon as I feel tired all day but try not to sleep then. Hope you don't have any problems.
ok i'll keep that in mind. Thanks
Ahhh thanks hilly. Having the spinal, will let you know how I get on x
I can sleep on my side and on my back and hopefully it will be the same after my surgery.
Thanks
Thanks you so much