Sleeping on back?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I hope to be having a hip replacement in the new year (yes I know that is a long way away but I am getting as much information as possible)....one thing I am concerned about is how do I stay on my back when I am asleep?  Usually I sleep on either side and on my back, moving around in my sleep.

2

Hi Jane, 

I have the same problem but was advised to get a v pillow which has helped a great deal especially in restricting night movement and comfort.  Then support with other pillows ad one between your knees. Try one night giving it a practice before your op if you get one. Good luck and best wishes.

3

Hi Jane you can sleep on your good hip just put a pillow between your legs.I bought a long pregnancy pillow to stop me rolling over.Also you will be naturally tired

From pain killers and exertion so hopefully you won't have much trouble

Good luck

4

Hiya Jane

Im a few weeks post op now, you are a wise woman getting information early, not like me I ignored the fact I was going for the op untill a few days before however there is nothing to be worried about as I have found so far, as for sleeping on your back, I don't think I had ever slept on my back in my whole life before the night of the op, maybe practice it a few times a week leading up to the operation, as they say practice makes perfect, sleeping seems to be the biggest problem for people on here but I have been lucky so far, after about the 5th night i have managed it pretty well however it isn't the best off sleeps, I can't wait to get back on my side.

Steve

5

Hi Jane

I haven't found it as such a problem as I thought I would. My body doesn't seem to want to turn over, perhaps because it's tender on operated side. I never thought I would but sleeping on back has not been a problem. I use a pillow under the operated side, positioned so my good leg can't cross over. It's quite comfy!

I was told no sleeping on side for 6 weeks then only operated side with pillow between knees for a while but will confirm this at my 6 week check with consultant

Hope this helps

Barbara

6

Thank you...will try this "before the event"!

7

Thank you for this information...

8

My family/work set up is quite complicated so I really need to know as much as I can so that things can be planned and in place..... have to say one of the main problems is that when I do sleep on my back I SNORE! think on list of things to do will be to buy ear plugs for husband ha ha ha !

9

Hi Ja e , I was on list for 15 months so had plenty of time to think about it , too much .

if you live alone there is much more to think about than if you have a partner or someone staying with you .

 I practised sleeping on my back for months and did get sort of used to it . 

Now I have trouble sleeping on my side , a pillow between legs gets hot .

i looked at my furniture , you will need a higher arm chair than normal . Occupational help can lift some chairs depending on Legs , they couldn't do mine . I bought an armchair a Queen Anne style from a charity shop and had it covered ( just cause I was fussy ) cost me £30 to buy but lots to cover .

if you live alone let me know and I will give you some more tips

happy hols 

mary

south wales

10

Glad you are doing ok...what a "find" this forum has been, such good sensible information...thank you...

11

Thank you Mary...luckily I do not live alone so things will be easier...I have lots of support from friends and I will be happy to take them up on their offers...I am not a martyr! ha ha ha I am not sure about the chair, will have to measure it...the one I usually sit in is a "stresless" brand with a raiser ring thingy on the base...this was an option when we bought it.

12

I had to attend joint school before op where they give you all the information ant get you to measure. , bed ,toilet , chairs and your legs .

i am very indepebpndent but had to accept help offered as my 94 dad lives with me and will not accept help!!!!!

13

Hi Jane. I could never sleep on my back - tried while awaiting op as would prob have hurt my hips less. But after op - had 3 pillows in a wedge shape and slept really well. Now 5 and a half weeks in sleep on my back with 2 pillows. Body just seemed to naturally accept that was what was needed. With regard to chairs I wasn't able to raise mine due to the shape of the base so bought a smart suedette 4inch booster cushion - worked a treat.

14

Hi Jane, I am five weeks post op. I usually sleep on myleft side but have had no choice but to sleep on my back. I do get very stiff so have to get up in the night and move around. The most important thing is to get as much care in for your self. I had to organise carers for my husband as hes disabled himself. So we have been lucky to have people in twice a day to help !! But still cant bend ! It was my right hip and now I might have to have my right knee replaced.!! We have lived on wiltshire farm foods and they are great. Please drop me a line if you need any more advise. Regards Amanda

15

Hi

i was concerned about this too but I put a pillow under my knees or sometimes between them and it seemed to anchor them.some people have bought a type of round wedge to stuff down one side of them to stop rolling over. Keep reading these pages you will always find an answer.

hilary

16

Luckily I am usually a very good sleeper...head touches pillow and then it is morning! so I hope that my body will still realise it needs to sleep and adjusts!

17

I will be 60 when I have the op, my husband is fit and I have various age and ability children....I feel happy that they are all eager to help as are friends and neighbours so things should go well providing I do as I am told!

18

Hilary I will certainly keep reading as over the last few days I have been so encouraged!