Sleeping on your back .... just wondering

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have been concerned about the idea of sleeping on my back ever since my pre-op.

I have not had my op yet, but I try every night - and I end up cheating every night :-(.

Just wondered whether a reclining deck-chair would be an option? It wouldn't be difficult to pad it out and make it comfortable for either daytime or night-time, and there is no temptation to roll over on either side.

Any thoughts anyone?

2

Hi nuttynan

Or....you could make a sort of armchair with you pillows on your bed. This was my biggest problem but to be honest it's normal to be up every couple of hours for the loo the first week or so.

3

It would be nearly impossible to get in and out of a deckchair. The threat of a dislocation is enough to keep one on the back at first. My consultant said I could sleep ON the op side almost immediately but of course it is too sore. It  may help  to have v shaped pillow to lean  against. I now sleep on my back, one year on, more than  I used to.

4

I thought i would struggle with this, but when the time came, i didn't want to lie any other way except on my back for ages as was too much hard work to turn and fear of dislocation (i did have both hips done tho). To prevent getting sore heels, i have a slim pillow lengthways under my legs (from thigh to ankle) so my heels are clear of the bed.

5

I never slept on my back pre op. I wont lie it was grim as I have back problem too. However i was never tempted to roll onto my side until I was allowed to. I was awake alot and used to prop mysrlf up in bed reading. Once I was allowed to lay on my side with a pillow between my legs. Woke up every morning on my back x

6

Deck chair - I would not use any one that I have seen.

I did use my recliner, but made a base to raise it to avoid breaking the 90 degree rule.

See my website for tips like this one, the website address is in my personal info here ...

   http://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   http://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

7

I never sleep on my back and hate it before surgery. But after surgery it was ok, after week 3 I asked dr if ok to sleep on stomach. He said its ok but still keep pillow between legs. I wouldn't worry about it. Its not comfortable to be on your side after surgery, so I think the body just doesn't do it automatically.

8

Thank you everybody for your reassuring replies. Looks like I need to stop worrying and trust that I'll be able to stick to the rules. Pillows rather than recliner deckchair.

9

forget deck chair! I was able to sit in recliner a few weeks in, but I had a leg swelling set back. I am just over three weeks, I showed my surgeon my new bed mounting procedure to sleep on stomach, he was ok with it. Instead of backing up to bed and pulling but up onto bed, I face the bed, take my good knee and put onto bed and just throw myself onto stomach, I then wiggle around under covers. It works really well, but only a few weeks after surgery. Make sure you get the leg lifter strap with wire in it,

Good luck

10

I am wide awake, had op 3 weeks ago and cannot sleep laying on my back in bed. So frustrating. I am tired and irritable. Have taken Valerian root tbags to try to help but cannot relax. I tend to end up sleeping on my recliner chair in the most extended position as it's the only way I can actually fall asleep. I miss my bed but I think until I'm comfortable enough to lay on my side I am just wasting my time trying. Operation and healing all great. Just this that's frustrating. Good luck u may be fine. U will be going to the loo loads initially but that's stops after a couple weeks. Just sleep when u can. Insomnia is not nice tho. If u enjoy reading maybe that would help u relax. X

11

Thank you, Philly. Unfortunately, I don't have the space for a solid reclining armchair, which is why I was considering a temporary solution with a deckchair. I suppose in the back of my mind I realised that wouldn't be ideal.

I love reading, but find it difficult to concentrate when I am tired. Music may be a better option - and patience!

Even knowing that others find it frustrating is reassuring.