Sleeping position and shoes post hip replacement

DancingQueen1964
DancingQueen1964 Member Posts: 10
edited 9:35AM in Hints and Tips

Dear Hippies

This is my second post as I get to grips with all that I need for my hip replacement on the 30th of this month. I am collecting items like a crazed squirrel and can only thank everyone who replied to my previous plea for information. It was extremely helpful to get so many helpful and kind responses, I am quite blown away at how wonderfully supportive this site is! So a big thanks!

My hopefully last question is, I am considering buying a specific pillow to help me sleep. As yet I have not been told how I should sleep after the op. I know that I am having a posterior incision, not the side, not the front, but the back. I am not sure I will have to sleep on my back or side, but I am trying to plan for both. I see some people have used a pregnancy pillow, which looks very comfy to sleep on the side, but am suspecting I may have to sleep on my back. I do have a range of pillows at home, but is there a specific one that has been bought that was useful to anyone?

Last question was I have had to arrange physiotherapy for afterwards. Just realised that I will need to sort of flexible, stable and supportive sports shoe. Hands free. Is there a particular make or brand that people have found to be good? I am guessing it is best to invest in something quality.

Again, many kind thanks to everyone who as helped me.

A good day to all and a success in all recoveries.

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Comments

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 480

    It's called "posterior" to differentiate from the old "lateral" surgery but it's like a little curve, coming from the side of the thigh to the side of the bum. Your scar will not be affected by sleeping on your back. Usually you will not allowed to sleep on your side for 6 weeks to avoid a dislocation. When you sleep, it's useful to have a lot of pillows around you so they stop you from instinctively turning on your side. From 6th week, if your consultant gives you permission, you could sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs to avoid crossing your legs. Always follow your consultant and physio instructions to avoid further damage. I used my normal pillows to sleep and I my usual training shoes with the laces loosely tied (enough to hold the shoe while walking) putting them on with a long shoehorn. The recovery is so fast and, in my opinion, it's not worth to invest much money in stuff that you will not use again but it's up to you. Good luck

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 583

    @DancingQueen1964 Well done for getting prepared - it will definitely help with recovery.

    @Nurina has given some good advice.

    If you already have plenty of pillows I wouldn't buy any more but just use them where you need them. I found I needed to be propped up to be even slightly comfortable on my back. I put one on each side to prevent me turning over but actually I couldn't have turned over if I'd tried for the first couple of weeks. I was given permission to sleep on my side, carefully, after a couple of weeks but was a bit scared, so didn't. It was useful, though, to just rest on my side for a few minutes, just to take the pressure from my back/heels. I did put a pillow under my ankles as my heels did get very sore from attempting to back-sleep. I actually never did get the hang of sleeping on my back, I just laid there listening to the radio until I couldn't stand it any more then got up. I could sleep well in a comfortable chair.

    Regarding shoes I would go for what you have if you have anything sturdy but comfortable and adjustable. I found that my feel were swollen for a number of weeks and so I used supportive lace up shoes that actually fastened with a zip if that makes sense? I could adjust the laces before putting them on, then put them on with a shoe-horn and I used string pulled though the hole in the zip to pull the zip up. Getting them off meant a bit of a shuffle with the shoehorn and anything that I had that I could push the shoe off with. It's amazing how creative you get!

    Do keep coming and asking questions - much better to do that than struggle with something we may have already conquered. And it's good to remind myself how far I've come.

    Take care.

  • DancingQueen1964
    DancingQueen1964 Member Posts: 10
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/730380#Comment_730380
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/730384#Comment_730384

    Really very helpful and sensible. It is good to know. I can see that I could easily start buying a lot of new things. I think I can cover this already with what I have at home. Very much appreciated. Thank you again and a speedy recovery to you! 🙂

  • DancingQueen1964
    DancingQueen1964 Member Posts: 10

    Thank you so much for your very detailed and helpful response. That has really given me a lot of confidence. It is good to know. I am feeling very lucky to have such a wonderful group of people who can help, it is very comforting to me. I am feeling a bit better at the thought of it all! I wish you continued success with your recovery and yes I will keep coming back, very kind. Thank you so much! ☺️

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 763
    edited 8:22AM
    20250121_082002.jpg

    Hi @DancingQueen1964

    Replacing my ordinary shoe laces with elastic ones was one of the best moves I made pre hip surgery. No more bending down to tie those laces and not being able to do them up properly or relying on others to do them. Elastic shoe laces used with a long handled shoe horn is a must for anyone struggling with shoes. Even before my hips went I struggled to do my laces with my bad hands.

    Never tie a shoelace again!

    They even work with my walking boots and come in a range of pretty colours :)

    Trish

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