Problem sleeping on back after partial hip replacement.

Thanks for replying NotTooOld. I will investigate the v shaped pillow.
I can now (three weeks post THR) lie for a short while on my non operated side with a pillow between my knees, and the pillow under my knees when I’m on my back does help a bit too.

I often doze on the sofa in the afternoon as I’m so tired all the time.
I had my steristrips removed last week chickenlegs too.
The surgeon told me he uses dissolvable stitches as well so no need to have them removed.

It’s reassuring to chat with folk who have had the same operation!

JenniferEccles

How exactly does the v-shaped pillow help NotTooOld?
I’ve never heard of them.

Sorry, JenniferEccles, I've only just seen this. The v-shaped pillow goes under your head instead of your usual pillow. It just holds your head in place and allows you to relax without rolling over on to your side. I found it made me more comfortable for those first few weeks after a THR when you really must not sleep on your side. Normally, I should add, I am curled up like a foetus!

Try elevating the foot of the bed a little if you can, as it takes the pressure off your back. I also found a couple of shallow wedge cushions were invaluable - put one under the pillows you sleep on, and use the other to support your legs.

I had the same surgery in January chickenlegs and experienced similar problems. I couldn’t actually get into my bed as it was too high so I decamped to the electric recliner in the sitting room. It was an inadvertent stroke of genius! I could change my sitting angle at the touch of a button which helped with pressure on lower back, I had all my bits and pieces to hand - water, meds, phone etc - and could even watch tv quietly if I couldn’t sleep. The urge to roll over wasn’t there either as I was supported by the arms on both sides.. I was quite reluctant to give up my chair when our new (lower) bed arrived! I hope you’ve managed to sort something out so you can get some sleep.

I’m surprised that so many of you seem to have been wearing the compression socks even after you got home. I never had these,, and was discharged with a month’s supply of blood thinning injections ( Dalteparin??) which I administered myself.

Tanith’s suggestion sounds helpful.

I have trouble sleeping on my back in bed but strangely while lying on my back on the sofa I can drop off so easily!! I found after hip replacement having pillows all round me stopped me feeling the need to turn onto my side.

Im glad my suggestion helped.

How encouraging to know you’re all out there with similar experiences. I am finding the cushion under the knees enables me to lie down flat for a while - thank you, tanith. I found I couldn’t sleep at all with the stockings on, so don’t wear them. I’m having blood thinner and am pretty active and even the physio didn’t press me to wear them. My leg is swollen and I’m going to ask the nurse about it today when I go to have the sterie strips removed.

Oh, those flight socks! I was in hospital (2nd attempt) waiting to have some teeth out - and a nurse tried to put some on me.

I can't stand anyone touching my feet and can't tolerate any tight clothing. I said no - and she just kept on about it. I had a migraine and had to go home.

Oh yes those TED stockings! Awful. One nurse helped me to avoid a bad sore on my heel. She half filled a rubber glove with warm water. Tied it off and placed it on a folded towel under my heel. A sort of jelly cushion. It made a huge difference.
My op was in the height of summer so the socks were extra awful in the heat. I made a policy decision to remove them. I was taking blood thinners and also moving about a lot so took the risk. All fine.

I had total hip replacement I was told to sleep on the side I had replacement. It was horrendous and I didn’t sleep because of the pain I was in. After a couple of months it got easier to manage. I put a pillow between my knees to relieve the weight on my new hip it did help. Now I am having difficulty with my other hip as well as my knee and can’t sleep on that side. I won’t be going for an operation though never again I have low pain tolerance and can’t take pain relief. I wish you well with your recovery.

Oh yes the dreaded TED stockings!
At least it’s winter. They must be very hot and itchy in the summer.

A special thanks to those who suggested putting a pillow under the knees. Whilst I can’t say I slept all night, it felt comfortable and helped me to get a few hours.

My heart felt sympathy, I too have struggled with post THR sleep and eventually got through it with a pillow placed between my legs. But my problem was the TED stocking giving my heels almost "Bed sores" having to stay laying on my back.
Having a similar problem atm as I had a TKR 10 days ago, desperately want to lay on my side but better on my back.

I agree with pillow under the knees, really helpful

How exactly does the v-shaped pillow help NotTooOld?
I’ve never heard of them.

Oh my goodness your post really jumped out at me chickenlegs as I am in the same position with the same timeframe!
Two weeks ago, a week before Christmas I had a total hip replacement, and like you I am really struggling to sleep on my back. It’s awful isn’t it, for those of us who are used to sleeping on our sides?
I was told in hospital that it is permitted to lay on the non operated side with a pillow between the knees to stop the operated leg dropping over onto the bed. I have tried but the operated leg is still a bit swollen and feels heavy so I can’t stay like that for long.

I understand that after six weeks when we’ve seen the surgeon, and been signed off that side sleeping will be permitted.

So, four more weeks to go.
Last night I was just so exhausted that I did sleep quite well, and that’s the first time since the anaesthetic wore off that I have had more than the odd doze on and off.

I wish I had the answer but just wanted to let you know you are not alone.
I did ask my GP for some sleeping pills but he said it wasn’t advisable as there could be a risk of falling over going to the loo in the night. I can see his point so it’s not worth the risk.
I was prescribed co-codamol pain relief which contains codeine which makes some feel drowsy, but so far it has only helped with the pain, not sleep!

I have no regrets having the operation though. The hip would have got worse and worse and despite physiotherapy the surgeon said that the only answer was a hip replacement which was a complete success, as I hope yours was.
It’s just a case of getting through these few weeks until we can get back to our side sleeping.

I had the same problem until my daughter bought me one of those v-shaped pillows. It really did help. The v-shaped pillows come with their own pillow-slip, by the way.
Having to sleep on your back after a THR does not last too long but, like the physio exercises, it is important that you do it.

Having 'been there' after two knee replacements and a hip replacement I know how it feels. I found that having just a single duvet helped. If I woke up and simply couldn't sleep I'd get up and go and relax in my lounger. Sometimes I'd sleep there too. The physio said I should have a proper rest in bed for an hour or so each afternoon which helped. I found that as long as I had about 7 hours sleep across the 24 I felt OK. It didn't all have to be at night.
On a positive note, hips heal, you'll be able to turn over sooner than you think and these awful nights trying to sleep on your back will be over. I never take a good night's sleep for granted any more.

Thank you everyone. It’s strangely comforting to know that you all had the problem too. The advice is only “sleep on your back”, with no mention of how uncomfortable it is.

I'll never have a hip replacement, as I really don't know how people manage. I'm almost constantly turning from side to front to other side (and waking up doing it) all night.

I can't lie, or sleep, on my dodgy back at all. When it's real agony, I use satin sheets to make the moving easier.

I've always fidgeted, too alert. Having my wisdom teeth out in hospital, aged 20, I was throwing myself about and vomiting, with a splitting headache, after my pre-med.

A whole troop of worried doctors appeared and checked me over - then said 'You're just fighting it!' (one told me never to have a pre-med again). Same again with Pethidine (1st child) and with second ('We'll just give you a half dose.')

If I'm in a lot of pain, I can nap briefly in a chair, with a plank and pillows on it's arms in front of me - but sitting is painful too.

I had the same problem after a total hip replacement. I suppose it's to stop you twisting and dislocating the new joint as far as possible. So necessary but very uncomfortable. So keep persevering.

I had trouble when i had to sleep on my back 6wks after hip replacement, i found a pillow under my knees relieved the pressure on my back and allowed me to sleep.

being half propped should help- but it is very hard. I spent 4.5 months in traction when I was young, and found it hard then! And 2 full knee replacements since then- and both times, very hard to sleep- as I am definitely a sides sleeper.

Hopefully it will get easier- and soon you will be able to sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs.