When can I?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

When can I go back to sleeping normally ie.  Not on my back.  I am only 4 wks into recovery from hip replacement.

2

I'm 12 days post op Right hip. Never thought I could sleep on my back but had no choice. I've tried sleeping on left , not yet. No way on the right side. Always pillow between legs. Whenever it doesn't hurt.

3

hi  franka, 

warm welcome to the hippies forum -

sleeping or lack of sleeping is a very common THR post-op problem and there are many discussions about this topic -

I was allowed to sleep on non-operated side 2nd day post-op (with pillow between knees) while still in hospital while others were told to sleep on back for 6 weeks - 

what were you told by your surgeon ?

How are you doing otherwise, darling?

big warm hug

renee

 

4

I was told I could sleep on operated side once comfortable to do. Am also 4 weeks post op and started doing that at about 3 weeks. Made a huge difference with sleep quality. Not supposed to sleep on non-operated side till at least 6 weeks post op and when have ok from surgeon.

5

I go on next Tuesday for double hip replacement. Dreading having to sleep on my back. I have been practising to do so but keep having to turn to sleeping on my side. They might have to tie me down to prevent me from turning x

6

I'm sorry to write this, but your post made me laugh. I had my op on December 4 and still don't "sleep normally". I can roll over onto the op side, but I don't really feel comfy that way even though that was my sleeping side for decades. I think we need to invent a new "normal" for ourselves after the worst of it dies down...

7

I am also 4 weeks post op and only slept on my back for 1 week...it was impossible as I get horrendous acid reflux,

I slept on my good side for the next couple of weeks with a pillow between my legs and an now sleeping on my repaired side...again with a pillow or on my front (which is how I normally sleep).

Hopefully I'm not causing any problems for myself...I am walking normally and haven't used a stick since week one.

8

Thankyou.  Unfortunately I still need sticks as is still difficult to weightbear.  You have been braver than me as regards sleeping on your side.

I had socket reconstructed.  Don't know if that makes any difference?  Feel so in the dark as far as progress is concerned.  Had to wait 5 yrs to have this done.  This was a congenital defect and I had one leg shorter than the other.

9

Fernlady just reposted a super post on this topic by Kate - worth a read.

Bottom line - listen to your surgeon and to your body. But if you do try sleeping on your side - please be sure to keep the pillow between your legs to avoid twisting your hips or otherwise breaking the BLT rules (no bending, leaning or twisting) that could take you past the 90 degree rule.

Sleep (or not sleeping) was one of the toughest challenges for most of us. Others manage to resume their sleep patterns easily. Just the luck of the draw!

Good luck and .. sweet dreams.

L

10

Renee, I was told zero just given a leaflet.

11

My God!

12

I am 5 weeks post op today. I going very well , but still sleeping on my back. Last night for the first time since op, I rolled over onto my operated side, and the pain woke me up. It was only for a few seconds, but the residule pain lasted hours. It really worried me and knocked me back a little. Josey

13

Hi Frank's, it's usually six weeks before you can stop sleeping on your back, keep going it won't be long. I go a week today for a second hip. 

14

I had to wait 6 weeks before giving the all clear. You will get there

15

I've been told up to 2 months ::// I was very displeased with this news myself but, try melatonin it helps me sleep, if you want something strong let try a sleeping aid, pill/liquid/tablet it might help :// I'm sorry I feel your pain I sleep on my stomach with my arms bent and I can't it's heartbreaking (

16

When you have the pillow between your legs, so you feel any pressure on the operated side? Rather you are laying on it or not? I sometimes feel like there's a small bump in my hip (operated side) just curious?? Hope you are recovering well!

17

I asked this same question to my surgeon, he said we will discuss that when I see you next in 6 weeks. There is a lot of different answers to this one. I think it's more of a trial and error. In saying that I'm still sleeping on my back and will be till I see my surgeon again in September.

18

Here in Glasgow we do not have any contact with hospital until 3 months after op.  Shocking!  And even then we see a nurse not the surgeon.