HI all, I am 11 days post LTHR so far I am suffering very little pain during the day some days I have not needed any medication. Nights though are a totally different thing and I find it very difficult to get a good nights sleep. I am not good at sleeping on my back but the main issue seems to be pain from my knee area running up and down my leg on the op side. Though not causing me too much of a problem I have a completely numb thigh on my non operated leg which is a result of the procedure.
is the pain at night a common problem? I have tried every combination of pillow support but nothing gives enough comfort and pain med is my only option. Seems odd as its fine daytime.
your experience would be of help.
My wife had rthr almost 3 years ago. She has had pain ever since, especially at night causing interrupted sleep. She just started taking CBD oil and has stated that it has helped her sleep tremendously! Now she only wakes up to take other medication and urinate once per night, where before it was at least 3 to 4 times per night or more! The only pain that the CBD oil hasn’t helped is her right shoulder, which is bone- on-bone and needs surgery.
hi, glad you are doing well! I am 5 1/2 weeks post op after a THR and very similar to you had very little pain during the day. Its not easy sleeping on my back as its not a natural sleep position for me.My physio has shown my how to use a pillow to position myself on my side but its uncomfy so will have to perservere on my back. is your pain ‘nervy’ if you know what I mean? I had bouts of sciatica and found that a heat pad helped a lot in soothing the pain. hope you continue to progress well. I now am walking totally unaided with no limp and feel really good.
Hi MrsHoppy, thank you for your note. Yes it is a ‘nervy’ pain initially I thought it was a Knee problem radiating but I am not so sure now especially as during the day I am often pain free without pain killers. I am so pleased otherwise with early results as I am already able to walk 3-400 yards with just one crutch. Where do you apply the heatpad? Is this something you are linking to sleeping on your back or if not have you been given any timescales?
I do get sciatica sometimes as I have slight arthritis in my back which when inflamed causes the sciatica (sitting for long periods in a car etc). physio said I had maybe just been over enthusiastuc with walking, exercises, physio in a short space of time and then having to be on my back when i wasnt overly comfy. Ive had a heat pad for my back for years but recently have been sitting on it coz the nerve pain was in my bum cheek. I got mine from Argos but they sell they on Amazon etc. mines a morphy richards i think. its got a timer on it so if i fall asleep it will go off after 3 hrs and also has 5 heat settings. would recommend!
Hi John, I use a barley filled microwaveable heat aid. Two minutes in the microwave and good to go, it has a velcro strap so you can wrap it in place, you can also add essential oils to aid sleep/recovery. Had mine originally for shoulder pain from sitting in front of a pc all day, it does the trick after my hip replacement just fine. I am struggling with thigh and knee pain three months on but only after walking or resting too much. Sainsburys sell them for under a tenner if that helps. Good luck with recovery
Helen
All I can tell you is take the pain meds and that the pain will go away. I also had pain (I have had both LTHR and RTHR…scheduled for a redo on the left side in 2 weeks). The sleeping on your back gets easier and remember, if vanity is an issue, that gravity is in your favor when you sleep on your back.