Sleeping on back

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi can anyone suggest a comfortable way of sleeping on back? I am going to have my second hip replacement and absolutely dread it! Having to sleep on my back for next few weeks is daunting! I have a back problem and found it very difficult when I got my right hip done in December it was very painful and even my heels hurt! needless to say I was unable to sleep and felt exhausted all the time! I still dont sleep very well but at least I can sleep on operated side now, as well as my un-operated side which is only for a short time because of the discomfort, hopefully that will be solved after my surgery. Will it be better to sit up on a high pillow or is it better to lie flat, I cant seem to find any back supports suitable, I would appreciate some suggestions if anyone out there has had similar problems, I also get pain in my buttocks when staying in the same position thank you in advance Cyndey

2

i have just had my 2nd one 3 weeks ago i bought one of those big v shaped pillows and placed it behind my back it worked for me.
good luck

3

I don’t believe there is a comfortable way of sleeping on your back for a committed side-sleeper.

I had this after each of my three hip operations over the last three years - and it’s always the same.

I used as many pillows as I could lay my hands on, including a “Vee” pillow. Nothing really solves the problem to allow you to sleep. I used my iPod with soothing music to help sleep, and grabbed sleep whenever I could, usually in my recliner with the extra raised base (see website).

Pain in your buttocks sounds like ‘Sitting on a pile of golf balls’ - see my website.

My website address is in my personal info here …
Patient Communities - Our community of patients, carers, and health-conscious individuals is here to help.
and at the bottom of the moderator’s “useful resources” page at
THR - Useful Resources - Bones, joints and muscles - Patient Communities

Best wishes

Graham - ¯_(ツ)_/¯

4

I dreaded having to lie on my back as I found it completely impossible to do so before the op - I just couldn’t sleep that way. Actually it has been no problem at all - perhaps I’ve just been lucky. I have slept so much better since the op - had months of sleeplessness before it.
For the first ten days or so my leg was so stiff and heavy and impossible to move so that I just stayed on my back without trying. At about the ten day point I started putting the pillow that was supposed to be between my knees under my operated leg instead - I reckoned a bit of elevation might help with the remaining swelling. Well, either the swelling was just about to go anyway, or it worked - no swelling from that time onwards. I wonder if that trick might help with your back pain? Also the post-operative painkillers may dull the back pain to some extent?
I had some buttocks pain which I managed to get rid of each time by doing the foot exercises.
A friend had the heel pain - on his advice I have had absolutely no bedding at all over my feet - they poke out at the end of the bed, and I’ve not had any problem.
I do hope it all goes well for you.
Joan

5

Hi Cydney. I also struggled. I found that a slim pillow under my operated leg, and two pillows to raise my feet helped. I also stuck to a rigid routine of pain medication including taking two codeine every night before sleep. Ironically, now that I’m fully recovered, I find myself moving onto my back most nights.

6

Hi Cyndey,

I put pillows down both sides, one between the legs as told to do, it made it more comfy being surrounded by pillows, hubby moved into the spare room. As you know from your previous op, back sleeping is a nightmare, making yourself as comfy as possible helps. Good luck.

7

Hi thanks i have a long skinny body pillow did you use this pillow length wise or width wise? I think thats what i will have to do although i hate taking too many codeine because they used to bind me but its either that or suffer! i will take plenty of senekot. Isnt it strange you are finding yourself sleeping on your back now when you are fully recovered good you are fully recovered i bet its changed your life i cant wait to get it all over! thanks again and take care

8

cheers thanks

9

i found putting a large bolster cushion or even a pregnancy v shaped pillow under my knees helped a lot
irene

10

HI Cydney,
I used the skinny pillow long wise, and yes, the operation has totally changed my life. To be pain free after so long is just wonderful. I found a small handful of almonds/cachews every day prevented constipation. The hospital also gave me a bottle of lactulose solution. I was told to take 15ml twice a day when required. i took this when I was also taking the codeine during the day. Good luck.

11

Hi I have a body pillow similar to a bolster which i will try putting under my legs and have a v pillow that might help support my back thank you keep well