Sleeping on my back required?

[Holger]

Hello all,

I am Holger, 55yrs old and will have my operation end of August. I heard a lot wrt. to total hip replacement that in the first weeks or even months, the patent is allowed to only sleep on his back. Is this different for hip resurfacing? I am a "side-sleeper" and worried that I won't be able to sleep at all if required to sleep on my back.

Best,
Holger

[BilateralRecerf]

Sleeping on side not possible for some time, too much pain and also legs should not crossed.

You can practise sleeping on your back :)

It gets easier after few months, cant remember when started sleeping on side again, maybe after 7-8 weeks

[MarvinB]

No restrictions on sleep position with resurfacing.  Whatever is comfortable.  Hopefully, some Hippies who have had a total hip done will chime in on what they could and couldn’t do with the total hip. Agree with BilateralRecerf, it’s too painful initially to sleep on the op side, but at 3 1/2 weeks post-op, I can lay on it for 30 minutes or so before it gets uncomfortable.  I found a big overstuffed king-size pillow between my legs made sleeping quite comfortable, as I am a side sleeper as well.  Sleeping on the non-op side (or in my case, the previously op’d side) is no problem.  Best of luck on your surgery.  Keep us posted with your progress!

[HippyDogwood]

Total hip they suggest you sleep back only for first 6 weeks then a further 6 with pillow between your legs if side sleeping. The reality is the incision side is likely to be too tender for the first few months to try sleeping on anyway.

[MarvinB]

Wow!  Glad I didn’t listen to those first three surgeons who said I needed a THR.  I’ve tried to train myself to sleep on my back.  My wife says I snore loud enough to rattle windows.

[Holger]

Hi all,

thanks a lot for the thoughts. Guess that will be a rough time after op  :)

All the best,
Holger

[MarvinB]

This is what I purchased:  https://www.target.com/p/extra-firm-performance-bed-pillow-threshold/-/A-87540561?preselect=87239695#lnk=sametab

I’m sure you can find something similar.  Lightweight, fairly easy to maneuver, kept me from accidentally crossing my knees in my sleep.  I could also prop my leg up on it for a bit lying on my back, then shift it to between my legs for side sleeping.  It’s in the closet as of last night at 6 weeks.