Sleeping on Surgery Side?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi peeps! Hope all of you are doing well in your recovery and to those preparing for THR prayers and good thoughts! I'm going into my 4th week post op. I am a side~sleeper. I was finally able to sleep (( maneuver)) myself on Mon surgery side at 2 weeks. I still can't sleep on my right side. How long did it take you to get to that point? Thank you all and this forum is amazing!!

2

Hi Cathy, I was about 5 weeks when I finally caved in and started sleeping semi on my side and stomach, the big no no is not to cross over the central line.  I just imagined an invisible line from my navel down.  I used a pillow under my op leg and wedged one in behind my back to stop me rolling, quite a faff but bliss.

3

Hi Cathy.

I'm 5 weeks post op this Wednesday I have been sleeping on non op side for a couple of weeks now with pillow between my knees and I am sleeping much better now I have recently tried lying on op side but still very uncomfortable.

All the best

Graham

4

It depends on your surgery approach and your comfort level / pain tolerance.  I think after my first surgery (posterior approach), it took about a month before I could sleep on surgery side.  I also kept a pillow between my legs and I do not move once I fall asleep as it's important that you don't cross your legs.   The hardest (most painful) part for me was getting into the side position but once there, I was fine.  My 2nd surgery was an anterior approach and I slept on my operated side after around the 4th night.

5

hi cathy , 

After staples were removed and around scar felt less fragile ... I don't remember exactly when - I was a wee bit sqeeamish though - (posterior approach both times) -

so it is up to you really - it will feel tender at first ...

big warm hug - you are doing really well

renee

6

Thanks to all for your comments and advice. Truly appreciated! Still can't sleep on surgery side, but the other is better than in my back. On a great note: I am getting around, without cane now!! Whoot Whoot! I can believe I didn't have this done sooner. It's so nice to be virtually pain free again.