Sleeping on your back

macri

Hi
I am having a hip replacement next week 10th April, and have been told that I will have to sleep on my back for a period of time. I am very concerned about this as I have DDD in my lower spine and this causes nerve pain and spasms in my legs when I lay on my back!! also I sleep very heavily and worry that I will turn over in my sleep, How can I stop this, has anyone any ideas?
I am 55 and have OA in both hips, both knees, neck and shoulders. along with the DDD in spine.
I cannot walk without a roma trolley and am in a wheelchair outside the house.
if anyone can advise me about how I can sleep pain free on my back and stop myself turning over in my sleep(please dont offer pillows between legs etc, as I am capable of throwing them out in the night and not know that I have done it)
many thanks in anticipation
Chris

stickywicket

This is something your nursing team should be made aware of, macri, and your surgical team too if one is on one’s back for a THR. Looking where my scars are, it might be that they have you on your side. I'd play safe and tell them.

However, there is no getting away from the hated 6 weeks sleeping on the back afterwards. Believe me, if there was I’d have done it. It’s to prevent the hip dislocating, which is a concern until all the muscles surrounding it get stronger. The more you do your given exercises, both before and after the op, the better the muscles will be.

The good/bad news is that I don’t think you’ll be sleeping so well that you are unaware of what your legs are doing. I have found a pillow between my legs does act as a reminder of what I shouldn’t be doing. In the early days, at least, I’d be very impressed if you could kick that pillow away.

Do you have a pre-op appointment? That’s one in which your bloods/BP/weight etc are taken and heart checked. That would be a good opportunity to discuss all this with the nurse in charge and make sure it all goes down in your notes.

Don't worry about the post-op walking. The physios and Occupational Therapist will sort you out. I hope it goes well.

barbara12

Hi Chris
SW has given you lots of advice, I just want to add my support and wish you well with your op and recovery, and please call in form time to time and let us know how you are doing.x

hileena111

Hi
Sticky has given you a load of advice. We all find it very difficult and uncomfortable on our backs for that awful 6 weeks.
I'm not sure what DDD is....I have arthritis in my lower spine and kypho scoliosis as well as the usual OA in hips etc etc.
I was told to put the pillow between my ankles {not knees} and to put pillows all around me to stop me rolling over on my side.
It was still an uncomfortable 6 weeks { slept ...or tried to :roll:} propped up.
Talk to your medical team please....they must have come across this before

Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy

I don't think there is anyway around this. I don't like sleeping on my back but had to for about eight weeks after my first synovectomy. I used the 'chair' pillow arrangement and that helped: one pillow placed in the conventional horizontal way, then two placed 'vertically' side by side, their top third resting on the first, the other two thirds going down the bed a little, then a third placed in the usual manner over the first. That supported my sides, my neck was also supported but my head would drop back just a little. It was as comfortable as I could be, all things considered! Good luck with the op, I hope it helps and keep us informed, yes? I wish you well. DD

hileena111

Hi
That has just reminded me....what about the V shaped pillow??

Love
Hileena

macri

Hi Guys, Thanks so much for all your advice, Hileena DDD is Degenerative Disc Disease. Which I think is a posh way of describing Spinal Arthritis. Anyway, have had the Pre op appointment, and the nurse just said to tell them once I get on the ward. My daughters are thinking of getting sponge and cutting to body shape and have that either side of me, do you think this may work?
Counting down the days now, 1 week today, will let you know how I get on.
many thanks once again x

julie47

Hi

I just wanted to wish you well with your operation.

I also hate sleeping on my back and find it difficult.
I have not so long ago had my c4 & c5 discs fused and slept on my back for 6 weeks too. (not that I was advised to I was more scared of hurting myself)


Take care
Love Juliepf x

stickywicket

macri wrote:

Anyway, have had the Pre op appointment, and the nurse just said to tell them once I get on the ward.

Will you actually go to the ward before your op? I didn't with my last op - a knee revision. If not be sure to tell the nurse who admits you because it won't exactly be foremost in your mind by the time you do get to the ward.

barabrith

Hi macri,
I'm also worrying about how I'll manage to get any sleep after my hip replacement (due 22 May). I fractured my coccyx a few years ago so it's painful to lie on my back. However, I'm getting very little sleep at the moment because of hip pain so it won't be that different!
Good luck with the op and be sure to let us know how you are, when you feel up to being online.
Best wishes

hileena111

Thanks for the reply and explanation Macri
Anything is worth a try....never thought of foam.....you'll have to let us know how that goes if you do decide to try it

Love
Hileena