Shortly after surgery you will be asked to get out of bed and walk. I was afraid it was going to really hold back my progress. Tip #4: Engage in Gentle Exercise per Your Physical Therapist. On my 6th day home, my physical therapist removed the bandage for good and replaced it with Steri Strips (they gave the wound lateral support). BUTno sleep! Control the swelling. Had a very active day yesterday and thought for sure tonight was the night to sleep ha! Going up and down stairs is still painful. Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees. Im very frustrated at this point . ****If there is a question regarding individual patient progression or patient response to the protocol please contact Dr. Carreira at 404-355-0743 or Bryan . I am on day 6 after bilateral total knee replacements and felt like it was insane how little sleep I have found! Diagnosis Info on how to get your eyes checked with your optician. Thanks for the comment. Tip #5: Keep an Eye Out for Any Signs of Post-Surgical Complications.More items. Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevationkeeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. It is preferable to leave your surgical leg elevated while sleeping rather than to place pillows directly behind your knee. >>check out Homall price and reviews on Amazon. There are several reasons you want to get all of your daily recommended vitamin C, which is 90 mg for adult men and 75 mg for adult women: It acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Extra pillows are essential. As I write my feet are on an electric foot massager. You can start laying the groundwork for recovery from planned podiatric surgery well before the procedure itself. Each day at the end of the 3rd workout I was relieved and worn out. In time Im sure youll start sleeping better it takes a while. Rest and sleep speed up the healing process so its important to get a good nights rest. I wish I had seen your blog much earlier. Any comments, pro or con? Other than this, whenever the patient feels comfortable he or she can sleep on the sides post a hip replacement surgery even though it is advised to let six to . If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while sleeping on your side, stop and talk to your surgeon. But its hard to get comfortable at work. Many people experience discomfort or pain after hip replacement surgery and find it difficult to sleep. good luck with yours. It is normal to see improvement in the first year after surgery. Tip #2: Keep Your Post-Op Pain Under Control. 6 Tips For A Speedy Recovery Following Surgery on Your Foot or Ankle, View complete answer on pugetsoundorthopaedics.com, View complete answer on yarrowbayplasticsurgery.com, View complete answer on vishwarajhospital.com, View complete answer on bellavistahealth.com, View complete answer on southeasternspine.com, View complete answer on advancedortho.net, View complete answer on christophergrossmd.com, View complete answer on performancefas.com, View complete answer on orthoclinic.co.nz, View complete answer on veinspecialists.com, View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com. What is the recovery time for knee replacement surgery? Still very swollen and painful. I have not been able to sleep in my bed yet except for three hours but I keep trying every day but it is so uncomfortable in every position. thanks in advance. When youve had both legs done at the same time, bad leg, good leg rules go right out of the window. It is important to listen to your body and to your . You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees. Many people find side sleeping more comfortable. Really need a good nights sleep over here!!! This worked beautifully. Ill begin with day 1 in the hospital and continue through day 28 of my recovery. In addition, your doctor may advise you to continue taking prescribed medications. Im on day 5 after surgery and all of these trials have been part of my recovery. You can do it! By the 3rd week, your staples will be out, the wound will be mostly healed, and the swelling subsides so sleeping on your side will be easier and more comfortable on your knee. I have not tried the stomach so that is my goal for tonight. If you have stomach ulcers, try these 2 sleeping positions. Also make sure that your foot is above heart level. The same is the scenario when you are sleeping on your operative side. Sleeping on your side after hip surgery is generally safe and recommended by most doctors. and I have an adjustable bed. Your doctor will likely tell you how much to ice your foot, but you will want to make sure you have the ice packs in your freezer ready to go. By the way Im 56 yrs old with RA from the age of 21,1st TKR due to have the other in a few months time. Walking and therapy have gone amazingly well. You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees . 02-21-2008, 02:32 PM. I went religiously to PT until May but did not do as well doing my PT at home as you mentioned. These include a higher body mass index (BMI) and a longer duration of surgery. Im still not able to sleep in bed. In this post, well go over how to safely position yourself in bed for sleep following hip replacement surgery. Because of the sweating and the inability to shower the first 12 days, we changed the sheets almost every day during the first two weeks. Glad to hear you made it home safely. Re: Sleeping on your side after surgery. Avoid bending your knees. You can also read my article titled AWalker, Cane, or Walking Poles After Knee Replacement. I am truly bionic. General leg strength from walking or swimming would be helpful if your bad knee allows it. Ive really enjoyed ready about your entire process and your suggestions for items needed and planning to be done ahead of time. Once I began to wean off the pain medication I found it harder to sleep for sustained periods of time. Side sleeping is preferred by many people. My leg looks less swollen this morning. You may also sleep on your left side with a pillow between your legs. It is possible that hip replacement surgery will be necessary if hip pain interferes with ones daily activities. Hi Im Ken. Brief Summary: After a patient has fractured an ankle that then requires surgery, the recommendation is to remain in bed, with the operated leg elevated on pillows for 48 hours. My knee still does not feel natural at all. I used a wedge pillow after knee replacement (pictured) and it worked great. Having a cushion between your legs will help keep your body alignment, and will also keep the angle of the top knee in line with the hip (rather than falling inward). It has been really hard. I had my second knee done four weeks ago and I am behind in my recovery from my first knee replacement on the other leg. If I could just get in bed and read and get a nights sleep I believe I could go on with all this rehab etc. However, you will need to wear your protective eye shield while you sleep for at least the first several days after your surgery. All the best and thanks for reading. Yes. One thing I havent mentioned yet is my doc said nothing about compression stockings. Can you sleep on your side after knee replacement surgery? Thanks so much! Its important to keep your surgical leg elevated while youre sleeping but to not put pillows directly behind your knee (this can cause stiffness and put you at a greater risk for a manipulation). I was in a straight leg brace, locked at full extension for an entire week. I can, however, walk several miles in a day and my ROM is very good. I keep hearing from those who have the adjustable bed it helps! Support your knee and foot and have about 2 or 3 pillows on under your back. Have several pillows available to allow you to sit up in bed. On Nov 6, 2019 I had TKR on my left knee. I made sure I had a box of tissues and lip balm in close range. Surgery needs to be performed soon after your ankle has been put back in place because surgeons cannot operate on an overly swollen ankle. Use thin blankets because youll be sleeping on your back and any weight on your incision will be uncomfortable. One leg off wedge one on; on my side with covers bunched up and one leg tossed on top; up and pace the floor (timed with restroom); do a lot do squeezing the muscles to alleviate restless leg; - you name it. I used a thinner/flatter pillow so that I could sleep on my side. This sleeping style creates the most optimal conditions to encourage healthy spinal alignment. Stay moving even though youd rather rest/relax. My Orthopedic Surgeon & Physical Therapist said it would be up to 6 mths for the swelling to go away. Causes. I have tried to keep my surgical knee on top while attempting side sleeping, but it seems to fall down either in front of or behind the other leg (causing knee pain), even if I put a pillow between my two knees. Head and feet elevate! I was soo glad to hear that sleeping was very difficult. I found your article very helpful and easy to read. I enjoyed therapy except for cycling one as it exzousts me and make the knee to pain more. Position your legs so they're above the level of your heart. I had no swelling and very little bruising. I made sure my toes dangled over the edge of the bed so my knee was able to straighten out. Answer: After eyelid surgery, for the first few days it is ideal to sleep on your back, with your head elevated in order to decrease swelling, however, if you accidentally turn over during the night, and lie on your side, you are very unlikely to have any negative side effects from this. Yesterday on Oct 15th, they cut off my fibreglass cast and got me into the removable AirCast boot, but still NWB for 2 weeks. Even now Im not able to completely sleep on my stomach. I found my sleep improved a lot after the first week. It will be worth it! It is not a good idea to use the ice machine while sleeping. 4 to 6 months is a good rule of thumb when it comes to going back to sleeping. For any questions that you still have regarding FTM or FTNB top surgery related issues, please feel free to contact us either by phone at (480) 451-3000 or by email . It's an issue if you get active too quickly, says Jonathan Whiteson, MD, director of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Rusk Rehabilitation Center at NYU Langone . Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. My TKRs scheduled for mid-July. So glad I found this site. My encouragement for u is reach out to dr on medication. | All About Cataracts Other areas Symptoms Find out about all the signs and appearance of cataracts. Ive just been discharged home after bilateral TKR surgery. Its a perfect storm for insomnia to develop after surgery. My recovery was awful, feeling like I was losing my mind extreme pain and lots of confusion. Some doctors believe you dont need to elevate while sleeping at night. I would not have thought of that, Good to see Im not alone not sleeping. Can I sleep on my side after foot surgery? I started out doing this during the day then gradually tried it at night. It has been so helpful reading everyones experiences. Getting around well without sticks but sleeping on my back is a problem so glad to read the article and posts. He/she may be able to offer you a different pain medication that wont interfere with your sleep or temporarily prescribe sleeping medication. Work hard in therapy, stay moving, and best wishes! Doing all the PT that was asked to do at home before I go to have my staples removed on the 13/3. If you have any questions about your surgery, please contact your surgeon. My first two after 15 yrs came loose so Im just had my right redone. You should stay on your non-operational side if you want to continue to do so. Early on I found that daily naps were useful on my recliner, however, they likely impacted my quality of sleep at night. Tough to sleep with those staples in! Naturally, being in pain will affect your ability to sleep at night. . 4 weeks post bilateral knee replacements, 52 yrs old (I mention age because with knee replacements the younger you are, the more difficult recovery is) Its 2:56am . Side-sleeping raises the risk of dislocation than sleeping on your back. Thanks for the comment. The use of a wedge to help elevate your repaired leg is essential for swelling management. The orthopedic surgeons instructions should be followed in order to avoid complications after the operation. At six weeks Id bet sleeping on your stomach is possible. Pam T. Im on day 22 after right knee replacement. Main conclusion, I dont think I am icing enough, so will try that, especially before bed. Therefore, even though you may be able to sleep longer after having knee replacement surgery, if these other factors are impacting your sleep quality, then it may take a little bit longer for you to feel rested and energized. Sleeping Upright In Bed. Place a pillow between your knees. We do everything in our power to prevent issues and problems after your ankle replacement procedure, but there are some common pitfalls that can make the rehabilitation process a little more difficult. Hoping in the end I will have two good knees. This position will help with swelling. It is not acceptable to have an angle greater than 90 degrees between your hip and your leg. Hello, I can not imagine having a bilateral knee replacement. Focus on your workouts and do your best not to skip them or cheat. There is no wrong way to sleep after hip replacement surgery, so do whatever is most comfortable for you. Copyright 2022 | Dust Mite Solutions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC I just read all the stories from people commenting and have an immense amount of relief from them. Im on my third tkr. I am day 12 and was starting to think I was Looney regarding the exhaustion and difficulty sleeping. Tips to Recover Fast from an Ankle SurgeryTip #1: Get Plenty of Rest. The position at night during hip replacement surgery is critical, whether it is for an anterior or an anterior hip replacement. I spaced my 3 workouts 3 hours apart and tried to make sure I was able to eat lunch on time. Having my left hip done Tuesday; Ikes comment to switch sides of bed to sleep on. View complete answer on pugetsoundorthopaedics.com Sleeping on your side after breast surgery is possible, but it carries major medical hazards that aren't worth the risk. After arriving home from the hospital, I was extremely tired from the stress of surgery and the procedure. on Aug 31 with minor meniscus work. 2: Elevate Your Leg to Reduce Swelling It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash. Its a bit tricky and painful the first week moving your leg in and out of bed. 3. Another way to sleep after spinal fusion surgery is on your side. I had a decent nights sleep . Thanks for any suggestions! A recliner is more of a seated position but it can be comfortable to sleep that way at night, especially early on. This is a more general suggestion that works even if you don't feel any pain or aren't recovering from surgery. Stairs are tough so soon after surgery but glad to hear youre improving. If you are a stomach sleeper, try to keep your sleeping habits under control. Glad my experience could help. The damaged sections of the hip joint are removed by a surgeon and replaced with parts made of metal, ceramic, and extremely hard plastic. In general, you will want to do as little as possible to avoid irritating your eye. Sleeping on the nonoperative side is allowed within 3-4 weeks after the surgery provided the patient keeps a pillow between the knees so that not much pressure is exerted on the new hip. You need to keep the boot close to you on the floor or on your nightstand so you can reach it easily. This position can cause injuries to your spine and hip area. A few pillowsor even a body pillowbetween your legs can accomplish this purpose. I tend to do what nurses say, which was not use pillows under the legs, so I read your ideas out pillows under my legs and got some sleep. allbluezoo. One of the best things about coming home after open-heart surgery is sleeping in your own bed. I need to have left knee TKR. Almost everything guarantees that you will turn your leg outward or twist your hip. After the 5th day I was able to sleep on my right side for short periods of time (my right knee was my surgical knee). Stay positive and keep moving, Dee I had my left knee done in May, it is great used motorize cryocuff from Aircast for cooling ice(make 16oz, and 4oz plastic containers for ice) it last longer than ice cubes, this item was very helpful for me. Use your walker! Keep at it. Glad I read your article and realize that sleeping on side may not be wrong. Use pillows between legs for 6 weeks or more more. Im still going to PT twice a week. If youre like me, youll discover that sleeping on your side with your new knee on the bottom is easier than it being on top. Do and don'ts after ankle surgery? Thanks for reading and for the comment. I believe I was able to do so because I was heavily medicated. I considered sleeping in the recliner at night when I was having trouble sleeping in bed. I did not do well at home on Tramadol ( nause, aggression, and crying) After a few doses I called the surgeon. During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon must remove the diseased or damaged parts of the hip joint, which is then fitted with an artificial joint. Studies find that pain peaks by the third day after ankle surgery. Its affordable and I prefer leather because its easier to clean. Thank you! Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. 1. Its been 2 weeks in the recliner. You may be unable to sleep in your go-to position or have pain or discomfort, medications, emotional distress, and other issues that keep you awake at night. Can I sleep on my side after foot surgery? Thank you so much for your valuable insights! Hopefully, I have now found a solution to the swelling. Rememeber, your surgeon knows you and your replacement best. I used the 64-ounce bottle with a built-in straw that I brought home from the hospital. When I did sleep in the recliner during the day I always elevated the knee with the pillows. Use a pillow to achieve this. Thanks for reading/commenting, best wishes! The best way to sleep after right hip replacement is on your back with a pillow under your right knee. Find a good surgeon and I bet youll be in good hands. A cast or medical boot can allow your ankle to begin healing. Im so glad I found this article, and know I am not experiencing anything out of the norm. It's best to sleep on your back or side. The pain is gone and youre ready to start living your life again. Yes! Im still having swelling & stiffness. Following a hip replacement surgery, the ball can slip out of the socket when the hip joint is placed into certain vulnerable positions before the soft tissues around the hip joint have had time to heal . A knee replacement requires a safe sleeping position similar to a hip replacement. Sleeping on your side, the opposite side to that of your injured knee is also a preferable position for some who are experiencing pain after meniscus surgery or arthroscopic surgery. I just put a small pillow slanted under my leg and got a lot of relief while icing. Early on, I spent as much time in my recliner as I did my bed because I had a hard time sleeping. You could lose your new hip if you do not follow the instructions of your orthopedic surgeon. When you recover from hip replacement surgery, you should not fall asleep on your stomach. I was told that Tramadol is not the best at helping with pain.but, I think that is what my doc will put me on.So, I will be in pain and living in fear of getting a blood clotI AM SCARED/////. For 3 to 6 weeks, this needs to be avoided because if you are putting pressure on the surgery site, it may lead to constant pain and accompanied by swelling as well. Sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your legs. Fluids: Fluids are critical following surgery. Its been 3 weeks since my TKR. During the first 4 weeks, I never slept through the night without waking up and readjusting my position. JP Crossing Underpass, You may still try to keep the knee straight while sleeping on this side. The medication helped with pain and helped with sleep. In the section below Ill share more of my experience sleeping on my side. At the same time, it also prevents you from experiencing complications, such as capsular contracture. For Rajasthan residents, Jaipur is the best city to approach for it. Keep your legs elevated for about 15 minutes. Sleeping in an elevated position is mandatory after breast augmentation to avoid complications. Even if you're facing serious . Fortunately, you can sleep safely on your non-surgery side. If you've suffered a displaced ankle fracture, your doctor will need to set the bones back into place. Your websites terrific! Sleep on your back for the first 2 weeks of your recovery period. In the days and weeks after surgery, you'll likely be told to avoid putting too much (if any) weight on your foot, avoid unnecessary physical labor, and rest as much as possible. Thanks for reading! By limiting the amount of swelling, the pain from the ankle fracture can be decreased and further damage to the surrounding soft tissue may be prevented. How long . Make sure that the pillows extend from your knee to your foot. My surgical team was so thorough from pre-surgery exercises, what to expect, to even a caregiver seminar. Thank you, good luck to everyone who is having this surgery. Any advise. Sleeping after ACL surgery. The majority of patients were pain-free by six weeks after surgery. I hope you can learn from my experience. You'll also, obviously, prefer to avoid any preventable accidents when moving around the house, or navigating up and down stairs. The wedge pillow and bed pillows will offer much-needed support and elevation. M-21, Mahesh Colony, After sleeping in my recliner for six weeks with hip replacement I decided to get a bed I can adjust! I wouldn't put the entire thing under my stomach, just enough to support the tummy so that it wouldn't fall down further than the center. Excellent article. I believe that is what caused my blood clot as I was not moving much at all.I was vomiting off and on when I even raised my head.SO, after reading that TKR surgery causes blood clots more than any other ortho surgeries, now my nervous level is very very high.Once one has had a blood clot, the chances of getting another one increase quite a bitAnyone else in here get sick easily on Pain Killers..If so, what do you take? Im 73 and had TKR 3 weeks ago. Started tracking calories/macros, and have been going to the gym 3x a week. Carol- I can so relate, Im at 6 weeks and would love a good nights sleep! If you can sleep on your back, great. Not sure what he meant by that! First, it is important to be proactive and start sleeping on the side of the injured knee so that it does not swell excessively during sleep. Wish both could be done at the same time but Dr. says no. Sleeping on your back is one of the best positions to adapt after knee replacement surgery. I tried bed when I first got home but it didnt work because of pressure at incisions and I cannot sleep on my back. What are the risks of having knee replacement surgery? Have been doing prescribed exercises for a week. Im thinking by October. A lot of patients also experience post-op depression. I soon learned that I needed a second bottle as I frequently filled the first bottle during the night. Yes, covers sliding over top of knees is like nails on chalkboard. I can sleep on both sides now when I sleep which isnt very well. There are two side sleeping position. This needs to be avoided because lying on the stomach puts pressure on the surgery site and is painful. Here are a few tips to keep your new hip in tip-top shape. I am 67. Many patients are unaware of how to sleep after shoulder surgery, so weve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you. Thank you so much for sharing! That is still an hour and a half more than normal. Every day is a little easier but holy moly I cant wait to be able to be in less pain! Im SO tired I think I may go mad. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. I bought an adjustable bed! Thanks for letting me pass time chatting. Had my surgery on April 23rd. See my doctor in 3 days. Havent had a good night yet. Some of the sites I found indicate that the sleeplessness can last up to 6 weeks, so Im hopeful. Here's an example of how to elevate your legs to alleviate symptoms from varicose veins. Elevating an injury for too long can also do this, and both of these issues can slow down your body's natural healing process. This website is not a substitute for medical advice nor should it be interpreted as medical advice. No problem. Thank you for your article. I had two or three within easy reach. After hip replacement, it is critical to avoid twisting your hip or anterior dislocation by sleeping on your stomach at least six weeks before waking up. The additional pillows are suggested because the wedge will keep the knee in the bent position, and this interferes with the recovery. A month after my spinal fusion I got a PE and it was very painful and mostly VERY SCARY.To know that the blood clot had to travel through my heart and lodge in my lung is frightening as it could lodge in my heart and kill me. I did not have a restful nights sleep during this time but I did sleep a lot in my recliner during the day. Sure praying and hoping that it works. My leg is still stiff in the morning and after sitting at my desk at work. Which leads to no sleep. The mind is a powerful thing and it can take over in your recovery and make you feel defeated and human nature makes us compare with others and so I have been feeling like I am failing and falling behind . If you are considering TKR, speak with your doctor about preparation, exercise, recovery, and equipment. Even though your incision is covered, the first few days the wound is still healing and cleanliness is important. Its hard to get comfortable and early on I could only sleep in one position. Sleep routines ensure you feel sleepy always at the same time, and are a great aid in falling and staying asleep. Again much thanks for sharing. If the wedge pillow and bed dont work, remember to try the couch or recliner. When elevated, the leg should be supported from the hip to the foot. Re: Sleeping after bunion surgery. I am at day 32 I dont sleep all night but have progressed to 4 hours at a time. Its not something to look forward to, but Im sure glad I had my surgery. The extra pillows will also allow you to prop up your leg if needed. Do you think its worth a second opinion. Thank u very much for all your input made me understand that Im not alone in this. Keep working hard to get that bend (range of motion). They are helping at PT but Im worried I heard some TKRs need revisions. Youll want to prop up your leg so its slightly elevated. Evidence suggests that getting enough postoperative sleep while in the hospital may help with a person's cognitive, respiratory, and immune function as well as their ability to tolerate pain. Certain positions worked for me while others didnt work. Hold the pillows (or hip abductor pillows) between your legs and slowly rotate your body toward the repaired leg. I am 80 years old. Had my left knee done on 2/6/2020. (I may earn a small commission from the products mentioned in this post.). Needless-to-say, sleeping wont be easy in the first few days after knee replacement. Also, do not place the pillow under the foot because it put pressure on the knees and increases the pain. Tip #3: Keep Your Ankle Immobilized. It is one of the most common complaints after total joint replacement. Sleeping was so difficult early on. Sleeping on your side is generally permissible after hernia surgery, but you should check with your surgeon to be sure. I hope this article helps you sleep better after your TKR surgery. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming. Early on, your leg will be very swollen and its important to protect the wound and give it time to heal. During the recovery period after knee replacement surgery, sleeping on the stomach is not for you. Stabilize yourself with other pillows set up around you to prevent tossing and turning. I had my TKR (left knee) 8 weeks ago and have been forced to sleep on my back ever since because I cant find any other position thats not painful to my knee. The first 5 nights my leg was extremely swollen and the only positions I could sleep in were flat on my back or in a sitting position propped up with pillows. The best way to sleep is to place your head on your back and pillow between your legs. I am on Coumadin for another 2 weeks and will also continue to take aspirin as I have been as well. Patients can use pillows to prop up their beds and maintain a bent posture while sleeping. I made the big decision to have knee replacement and I havent looked back. It sure beats having to stay in the hospital! You may need to use a pillow to prop up your leg and keep your hip in alignment. Stay motivated! At least you know what to expect and what to focus on. There are several things that you should keep near the bed. Time will pass and this will all be a distant memory to which Im looking forward. Does what you eat the night before affect cholesterol test? not move or put weight on your ankle if possible. for knee replacement patients, having a leg raised). Following are the things a person can keep in mind after knee replacement surgery. I had my left knee done on Dec 24th. Here are a few reasons why: Ideally, youll want to sleep on your back. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. At my 2 week follow up next Wednesday, my surgeon wants me at 105 flexion. The recovery time for knee replacement surgery is usually 3-6 months. Sleeping isnt easy! Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. The ankle is an important part of our regular activities like walking, jumping, and running where one wrong move during these activities can take the joint to push too far. It is preferable to sleep side-by-side than on your back. With proper care and guidance, youll be back to sleeping soundly on your side in no time. Setting, or reducing, the fracture ensures that the bone heals properly. Good luck to everyone in here. These complications are not common, but they are possible. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If you live in a cold climate and have your surgery in the winter it may be uncomfortable to keep heavy bedding on your knee while sleeping on your back. Raising your injury too high can decrease blood flow too much. Good to hear you are stretching I think that will really help. Usually, you can take the boot off once you get in bed for the night. Your wound wont rub on your pants and doing therapy will be easier. I could walk up all my stairs but the swelling and sleep were bad. The risks can be generalized into three categories: infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. I had such a bad night until I found your article. Was afraid to tell him. Avoid bending your knees. I usually sleep 8-9 hours a night. You can read them after your upcoming surgery. I slept on the couch kind of propped up on the back so I wasn't flat but there was no pressure on my sides either. Exact Answer: After 6 weeks. Its something Id like to own. If you are having difficulty sleeping after your surgery, here is what you should do so that it does not interfere with your healing process. Sleeping this way makes sure no pressure falls on the knee you had surgery on. I have to say it is hard mentally going through it all again, doesnt seem too long ago I was having the sleepless nights and trouble getting comfortable. Dont have your blanket tucked in at all . Once you're cleared to sleep on your side, there are a few things you can do to make the transition as comfortable as possible. North East Indiana. Use a pillow to support your operated leg and keep your non-operated leg bent at the knee. You can, but it's wise not to do so until at least a few weeks after surgery, when you can start bending your knee. Hi Kathleen I had TKR on my left knee on Oct 21/19. Sleeping becomes much easier as you continue through the recovery process. For me, cold water quenched my thirst so I made sure I added fresh ice to my water before going to bed. After A Hip Replacement: Which Side Should You Get Out Of Bed? Take your pain medication as directed, and allow sufficient time for it to take effect just before you are ready for sleep. I will work through them and know they are normal. I was surprised because I didnt think about it beforehand. Here are some ways to keep your new hip healthy. The anterior technique is much more effective in terms of recovery time of two to four months without muscle cuts than the one in which no muscle cuts are required. Bedding should be clean from the get-go. By the end of the 3rd week after surgery I was able to sleep for short periods of time on my left side if I supported the surgical knee (right) with a pillow. Hi just had TKR on my right knee on the 26/02 I think the pain I can handle but together with RA is impossible and unbearable, very rarely get any sleep at night even sleeping tablets does not help. 3. risks associated with a knee replacement surgery. Some patients undergo ankle surgery when conservative treatments for conditions, like arthritis, have failed. Great info! It feels like there is a ton of lead in there. Use a pillow to support your operated leg and keep your non-operated leg bent at the knee. Also, make sure you can reach a lamp from your sleeping position. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. My calf and upper leg muscles have shrunken in a big way over the last 4 weeks, as you can see in the pics. It is critical to take good care of your new hip after hip replacement surgery. I am thinking the R as easier to get the bad leg off the bed. That will help. Can I take my sling off to sleep? After a nights sleep everything is better. Following hip replacement surgery, your risk of developing a blood clot in your legs increases significantly. My biggest problem, as I see for most everyone is sleeping. The drugs & machines are gone and so is the sleep. While youre recovering, youll need a lot of sleep in between therapy sessions to regain your energy levels. This is dependent on how quickly you recover from your surgery and what type of surgery you have. Tried everything including elevating my leg and foot to an unnatural and very uncomfortable position at night. Ive never tried sleeping on my stomach as was afraid of hurting. It is common for people with chronic pain to have trouble sleeping. I had to keep an extra T-shirt nearby to change into. Finally, some patients experience chronic pain or instability following one or more ankle injuries. If the wound is still open you probably shouldn't sleep on your stomach though. not eat or drink anything in case you need surgery. When to Call the Doctor You can sleep a little to your side, like you head to the side. Your email address will not be published. Lift your legs cautiously while rolling your body over your back or on edge. Required fields are marked *. Youre in Pain and Discomfort: After a replacement, pain will last for several weeks. Lucky for me I became a back sleeper 2 yrs ago when I had shoulder replacement and learned the recliner was my best bet and will help with the knee. 1. It has also moved out of place. Thanks for sharing your experience. You can sleep on the opposite side of your replacement. Therefore, we recommend sleeping in an inclined position at 45 degrees angle for at least 6-8 weeks. Im having total left knee replacement Jan 7th, 2020 and trying to get ready and get as informed as I can. All the suggestions in this article are good. I am finding your blogs very informative. All of these positions help to take the pressure off of your new hip joint and allow for a more comfortable and restful sleep. If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It reduces inflammation and pain. Its been two weeks since your hip replacement surgery and youre feeling good. Note:Make sure to have a conversation with the doctor, too, considering the sleeping posture you need to adapt. I would sleep like this on both my sides and then able to slowly move further over each night to . After open heart surgery, it is important to sleep in a way that enables the patient to breathe properly and also avoids any kind of pressure over the chest wall. Is it safe to put the new knee under the weight of the other leg while side sleeping? Sleeping allows your inflammation, bruising and swelling to go down and even triggers the release of hormones that grow tissue. Hip Replacement May Cause Swelling In The Same-Side Foot, How A Lumbar Herniated Disc Causes Sciatica Spine-healthspine-health, What Is The Average Va Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease, Spinal Stenosis: A Very Debilitating Condition, Does A Compression Fracture Pop Can You Feel It. Tylenol PM doesnt seem to do much, I cant say Im in pain, I just cant get comfortable. Best wishes! Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the eye that was operated on to decrease your risk of infection and irritation after surgery. Can I Sleep on My Side After Hip Replacement? Stayed in in-patient rehab for a week. Sleeping on your back is one of the best positions to adapt after knee replacement surgery. I had my surgery in May so I did not need much bedding. A Hip replacement not only provides pain relief but also significantly improves the quality can you get a pinched nerve from sleeping wrong, can i sleep on my side after hip arthroscopy. Yes, the cycling is tough at the beginning but Id encourage you to continue at your doctor/physical therapist discretion. Fluids: Fluids are critical following surgery. Youre correct, I suppose my experience and tips with sleeping arent as helpful to those who have both done. You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees. I also began taking 2 or 3 pills out of the container so that they were easier to find and take during the night (also read. Is that common after 9 months? This includes rubbing and contacting your eye . I had my pain medication on my nightstand within easy reach. Here's how you can sleep after neck surgery. Sleep on your back or left side, not on your stomach or right side. It is very painful. Once I was able to lie on my stomach I felt like I had reached a milestone. Michelle. It is just impossible to find a position that works. Id fall asleep quickly when I laid down but because I needed pain medication and couldnt stay in a comfortable position, I woke up constantly. When deciding which bed youll sleep in make sure its close to a bathroom and that youre sleeping on the side nearest the bathroom. You may fall asleep on your back, but thats not my natural position, so I was worried about crossing my legs and, potentially, causing blood clots. In a recliner, you can still place a wedge pillow under your leg for elevation. I had a partial knee replacement on December 30, 2020. Any ideas I would appreciate. As I transitioned to Tylenol I began using 1 or 2 pillows to elevate my leg during the night. During the first week, make sure your walker is placed in easy reaching distance from the bed. Sleeping on your side is an important part of the recovery process after hip replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery is major surgery, and a person needs to be sure about a lot of things after it. With limited positions that are safe to sleep in after surgery, you may actually find a recliner chair more comfortable and more promoting of your recovery (e.g. Skin Itchiness. I do sleep for 2-3 hours then begin to get creative in positioning the rest of the night. Dont fall asleep too long if youre icing! To begin with, plan on sleeping on your back or in a sitting position. If you turn over in your sleep, your eye shield should help protect your eye from significant damage. Have been concerned about sleeping positions. After some surgeries on your foot, it's possible to sleep on your side after 72 hours if there is no danger of causing further injury to your foot or ankle. Use a pillow under your head. Elevating the ankle and icing the affected area can help to limit swelling. Now Ill be going for my right knee and plan is going to bed with my right knee first. To get around, youll need to use an assistive device such as a knee walker, crutches or scooter at all times for safety. Not the triangle one, the semi-trap! Skin itching may be a side effect of the antibiotics, pain medications, or anesthesia. The nerve block wore off almost 36 hours after, which made getting around difficult. You can sleep on your back if you carefully stack pillows to keep your hips at the proper angle, but you can also sleep side by side if youre careful to keep your back in the proper position. Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevationkeeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. The ice machine should be kept in a cool place for about two weeks. Also, most hospitals draw labs in the middle of the night. Thanks so much for your most informative blog! After 48 hours you may sleep flat on your back, you may not sleep on your stomach or sides for four weeks. Although there are few restrictions, you should still avoid sleeping on your stomach -. I went back to work after 9 weeks off. The part that nobody tells you about, youre the first one to ever mention it, is the mental issues. The recliner does make it easier to get up to a standing position using the walker or the hiking poles. I have found some relief sleeping on my surgical side (right side) & resting my left knee on a body pillow That is placed along my right side. I also did my best to limit my naps during the day so I was extra tired at night. What U.S. city has the best weather year round? If anything, I interrupted her sleep tossing and turning and getting up frequently to urinate. The pain is still much better than before surgery. It depends on your individual recovery, but most surgeons recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks before trying to sleep on your side. Just wanted to thank you for this blog that I just found. Hi, thank you for giving out your ideas on how to help everyone after having knee replacement. When the therapist began taking me for walks outside I felt worn out at the end of the day. If you feel comfortable when you sleep on your side, make sure to put a pillow between your legs. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What symptoms may indicate that I need a Hip Replacement? The patient should adopt appropriate sleeping posture to avoid complications. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. I was anxious as well. Can I take my boot off to sleep after ankle surgery? The first 10 days I frequently woke up sweating profusely (this may have been due to the medication). Usually, you can take the boot off once you get in bed for the night. I am having 1st knee done in June and 2nd in Oct. Hopefully that is not too close together. After the first night in my own bed (alone, as my wife has decided to sleep in the spare room), I was a bit concerned that I wasnt lying in bed as I perhaps should. You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees. In addition to the tips above to make sleeping easier, consider taking melatonin (talk to your doctor about potential side effects or chemical reactions with other medicine). Sleeping on my back was very uncomfortable for me and I was afraid to sleep on my side for fear of undoing the surgery. Naturally, being in pain will affect your ability to sleep at night. When you have undergone knee replacement surgery, it is necessary to take good care of your new knee. You may have to wake up to take your . This can aggravate the chest. Lower your body at the side of the bed using your elbow. Thanks for letting us all know that sleep issues are very common. Good to hear youre getting ready well in advance, its worth it to prepare! Smoking increases the risk of breathing complications and wound infections after surgery. In the first week, its tough for everyone to sleep, even though youll be exhausted. My doctor said no to both being done at the same time and I can totally understand why, it is better to focus on one at a time to get the movement etc going as quick as possible. I always tucked my good leg under the surgically repaired leg to support moving it on to and out of the bed. The same thing happens with sleeping pills. If you can sleep on your back, great. After stomach surgery, you will be required to sleep propped up on your back for 48 hours, and then you can lay flat on your back. You may notice that your sleeplessness coincides with spikes of pain. It is possible to sleep on your side after hip surgery, but proper positioning is required. Its 3am and Im reading your article. It is critical to follow the doctors instructions following surgery in order to achieve the best recovery possible. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. Im tall enough that my heels hooked onto the top of the bed when it was elevated (probably close to 60 degrees). Hopefully my left (your right) side will will out a little bit more. For instance, you'll get drunk way faster after experiencing gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. How do you know if someone is emotionally manipulating you? The day after my spinal fusion I was very sick from low sodium. The risks associated with a knee replacement surgery depend on the patient, the type of surgery being performed, and the surgeon. I had a TKR October 30, 2019. Today Ill share with you how I managed to sleep after my knee replacement surgery and if side sleeping helped. I am 13 days from having bilateral knee replacements how can I sleep on my side, What a great article thank you for sharing. Avoid any heavy lifting or intense exercise that involves the upper body during this time. Sleeping on your side is an option but ideally, you'll want to sleep with the surgically repaired knee facing up (closest to ceiling). Position 2: is with your surgical knee on top. If the ankle and knee are to rotate freely, they must be protected by extra pillows. Thankyou, thank you thankyou. If youd like additional resources the Mayo Clinic also provides general tips for sleeping better. I was on the right side of the bed and my right leg had surgery. The doctors don't recommend sleeping on the stomach after surgery. Here you can approachDr. Arun PartaniatPartani Clinicin Jaipur. Thank you. Still having to wear the support hose 24 hours a dayThey are a pain in the behind as well.but, much better than getting another PE for sure.But the pain from this surgery is awfulhard to get any sleep at night as wellI have had to sleep with my legs elevated as well. Sleeping on the side might be more comfortable for you, but try not to give in to the temptation. It was very interesting. Good insight, thank you for reading. This position helps to take the pressure off of your hip and can help to prevent complications such as a dislocated hip. Im praying for improvement. 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