What is the usual time frame for sleeping on the back following hp surgery. I have been told six weeks. However, hip surgery one, few restrictions and able to sleep on both sides as soon as comfortable. Hip op one was lateral, two was posterior/lateral. Does this make a difference to sleeping position? The scar is twice the size of the first.
The above is affecting my sleep. It is now 4:40 a.m., and not a wink!
Hi Tallulah you have my sympathy re not sleeping. I am now 3.5 months post rthr and like you had lateral/posterior approach. My incision had 35 staples in it but healed beautifully. I stuck to the 6 weeks not sleeping on my side and it nearly drove me nuts!! However the compression stockings came off week 3, risky I know but they were causing swelling above the knee. I religiously took anti coagulent meds and constantly moved my feet in circular movements etc.
I am well on the road to recovery and returned to work after 10 weeks. Good luck with your recovery
I had posterior thr and was told 12 weeks precautions. Like everyone I hated sleeping on my back, I tried at 8 weeks and it felt fine no problem so, I eased myself in over the following 2 weeks.
My scar following the posterior is 6.5 inches, I expect your is less having the lateral.
Hi Jen:
Scar for 1st op was lateral and tine. The 2nd op, which is the op to which I refer, is approximately 6 " +/-.
I was told six weeks on my back, not 8. Op one, I was on my operated side at about 3 weeks - no pain, no discomfort, no trouble walking and fat recovery. Amazing surgeon. . So, there you are! Should have gone the extra distance and travelled to where he operates now.
The compression stocking are a night mare. My thigh was the size of a small tree trunk. They came off yesterday to take a shower, Despite the so called implements to remove them, leaving my ankles and legs bruised and sore and the other instrument of torture to put them, that simply did not work, I called the Clinic in panic, as I was only entering week four of the six week recovery, and was told not to worry, You are walking and taking the anti coagulants.
I had paper staples that disintegrate. Picking at them was fun....!
I haven't really eaten for about three weeks + and have lost over ten pounds. If I keep going like this, I shall be back to the 125 lbs that I was upon returning to the UK from San Francisco. So, not all bad!
6 weeks is normal - I had 3 weeks on my back BEFORE my last operation too - the first week I was on my back 24 hours per day, and not allowed to move out of bed. I KNOW how bad being on your back is!
First posterior hip op scars were 9 inches, new lateral scar this time is 12 inches.
Main sleep deprivation for me was those darned stockings. Once I was rid of them, I was OK.
I am now just over 6 weeks post-op, and still sleeping mainly on my back, but able to roll onto un-operated side OK.
Sounds as though you have had a really rough ride with your ops. I had a go at moving over to the operated hip, and I felt fine, but the words of the surgeon "on your back" were still ringing in my ears, and guilt and common sense reigned. Silly to take unnecessary chances, so, I have put up with it for nearly another two weeks or so. So, what's another two weeks in the grand scale of things!
Awake again, until around 4:0 0 a.m. despite the diazepam that I was taking as a sleep aid. Finally took another 10 mg, and managed to sleep until 8:30 a.m, just in time to catch Andrew Marr on BBC1. My downfall are the naps that I find that I have to take due to the adverse effects of the anaesthesia, which I understand nearly killed me.
The goal post is in sight, now.
My message to all pre and post op, is that there will be good days and bad days, but each day brings you closer to be where you want to be - mobile and free from pain. Never forget that, and plod on.
Tallulah are you in the UK or US. I am confused now (I it know does not take a lot) after the car talk I thought You were in the states, then you mention andrew marr?
I've been told six weeks, although some hospital sites online state less if you use a wedge between your knees to lie on your unoperated leg. Really annoying isn't it, I feel exactly like you, everyone else asleep and I'm lying awake staring at the ceiling! Hope you get better soon, time is a healer (maybe we're too impatient😉🏴
Sorry, Jen:
I spent 25 years pursuing my career in San Francisco, having been first recruited for a position in Public Relations in New York. A short stint in Los Angeles, assisting in the opening of a Joe Allen's Bar & Restaurant. Branches also in New York x 2, London Paris. That was while ago, and I am not sure if they are still going.
Reluctantly returned to the UK from SF for family reasons. Cannot easily return to the US as I was there only on a green card. Why I never took out citizenship is a great regret, as I could have duel nationality and be free to come and go. At my age, no longer a possibility.
I follow Andrew Marr and David Dimbleby. Particularly interested in Andrew Marr as he is a stroke victim as is my good, friend in Oxford.
I drove pretty much everything in the US and thought nothing of driving to Los Angeles and back in one day on business. Driving in CA is so much more pleasurable and orderly than the the UK. There is so much aggression on the roads here, it is really quite scary. California Highway Patrol are very vigilant, and will pursue faulty cars, bad drivers and those who break the speed limit. Here, it seems to be every man for himself!
Hi:
My main problem is that if I try to do too much during the day, I tire and have to take a nap, and they can last upto three hours! Not exactly "forty winks!" I use diazepam as a sleep aid, but it does not always do the job, and I don't want to become dependent on it, either. So I use it as my last resort.
I am a daytime person, so hate to lose so much daylight and then lie there with only rubbish TV, unable to play my piano because of the noise, and not having the energy or motivation to get up and do something useful, like painting the ceiling, for example!
Same here! I also love playing my electric piano (not brilliantly tho' - I play by ear!) and find that I can't use th pedals as it's a little uncomfortable on my thighs. Finding myself very tearful too at the moment....crying at the drop of a hat! Had my staples out last week and ge scar looks ugly - uneven and puckered which desn't make me feel any better. Ah well, at least the pain is lessening now, off the codeine and just taking normal paracetamols now. Take care Tallulah!! Xx
Naps are necessary - don't fight them. Your body needs them to help repair itself
True rocketman! Though I am finding it hard not to feel guilty! Never napped in my life before this and being a young 60 year old, ak feeling 'oldish' as a result! Always been busy, bus, busy till now. Also quite bored too, specially as I'm not alowed to drive for another 3 weeks at least! There goes my independence for a while!☹️
Hi:
I don't play by ear, but I sure as hell know when I hit a bad note! Come from a long line of musicians. When I was little, my mother played piano and I would sit there for hours listening. She had taken lessons, but was talented and largely self taught.
I think that the emotions are all over the place after major surgery, I have found myself in the depths of despair, and without any level of understanding or support, other than the site. I just keep reminding myself that this all part of the healing process, just like post natal depression, and all will alright, soon.
My scar,, which was lateral/posterior is a truly ghastly sight, but it does disappear. It is at least 6" long. My first hip op was half the size and lateral. Two years ago, and barely visible. You scar will start fo be less visible over time.
All the best to you, too - five *s
You are 100% right. I sleep very deeply for a couple of hours, and have been logging when I take my meidcation and have started to log the naps and their length. Will take note of how I sleep tonight.
Hi Tallulah, just wondering are you on Facebook!? Love making new friends and thought it would be good keep in touch via the app? Anyway, you take care now. I shall rub Bio oil into my scar soon, hoping the bumps and lumps go away in time,so that I can wear my swimsuit again!!!
small price to pay to be pain free I s'pose!!!
you take care now!
lots a love
Pat
Hi Pat:
I removed my profile from Facebook a while back as I was bombarded by friends requests and in one case, obscenity. However, I understand that they are tightening up on their security, so I may very well put my profile on their again, during the week, whilst I have the time. I shall private message you when I do.
Best wishes,