So glad I found this site. 2. At six weeks Id bet sleeping on your stomach is possible. I could move my good knee in front or behind the surgical knee, however never on top of the surgical knee. Stayed in in-patient rehab for a week. What NOT to Do After Hip Replacement Surgery? Also, do not place the pillow under the foot because it put pressure on the knees and increases the pain. Your websites terrific! 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. I was afraid it was going to really hold back my progress. Most people are able to sleep on their back after hip replacement surgery without any problems. North East Indiana. Again much thanks for sharing. It will feel stiff and tight in the evening and I wake up many times during the night with it feeling painful to even move. Thanks for the comment. Thank you. 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. Exercise and diet for mild gyno, don't give up. Its 3am and Im reading your article. To begin with, plan on sleeping on your back or in a sitting position. Any help on getting more sleep will help. My leg looks less swollen this morning. Now Ill be going for my right knee and plan is going to bed with my right knee first. 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). The best way to fall asleep after knee replacement was working hard during physical therapy until I was exhausted. 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. I stuck with Percocet, one every three hours (instead of two every six). Yes, the cycling is tough at the beginning but Id encourage you to continue at your doctor/physical therapist discretion. I went to my surgeon after 6 months and they xrayed it and said they thought it was fine. Im assuming nerves regenerating as well as tender post surgery skin. Sleeping becomes much easier as you continue through the recovery process. 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. You may also sleep on your left side with a pillow between your legs. I bought an adjustable bed! I slightly elevated the foot and slept on my side with the foot leaning on the good side (Little toe side!). The orthopedic surgeons instructions should be followed in order to avoid complications after the operation. and I have an adjustable bed. One of the best things about coming home after open-heart surgery is sleeping in your own bed. I was soo glad to hear that sleeping was very difficult. It is for elevating legs while you are sleeping on your back. Re: Sleeping on your side after surgery. The pain is still much better than before surgery. The operative leg must be in a straight position to avoid hypertension on the knee and manage the proper blood flow to the surgery side. Not fun. Im very frustrated at this point . How long after rotator cuff surgery can I sleep on my side? 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. Approximately half of all people experience insomnia after surgery. These include sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knee, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs, and sleeping on your stomach with a pillow under your pelvis. Side-sleeping raises the risk of dislocation than sleeping on your back. If you feel comfortable when you sleep on your side, make sure to put a pillow between your legs. Sleeping on your side after hip surgery is generally safe and recommended by most doctors. 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. Tylenol PM doesnt seem to do much, I cant say Im in pain, I just cant get comfortable. Here are a few tips to keep your new hip in tip-top shape. I am 67. The tall edge of the wedge would be placed by the heel and support pillows would be used under the calf, knee, and hip area to . Head and feet elevate! I soon learned that I needed a second bottle as I frequently filled the first bottle during the night. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming. Great info! Ill begin with day 1 in the hospital and continue through day 28 of my recovery. That will help. Eeek!! Instead, most cosmetic surgeons advise patients who have had breast surgery to sleep only on their backs until they have recovered entirely. Although I am walking without assistance of any aids, I am concerned that my leg is not as straight as it should be. Your wound wont rub on your pants and doing therapy will be easier. I went religiously to PT until May but did not do as well doing my PT at home as you mentioned. Your email address will not be published. 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. Im still going to PT twice a week. 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. 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. A few weeks ago I started sleeping on the setae part of the couch which helps me keep my leg straight while sleeping on my back. It is possible to sleep on your side after hip surgery, but proper positioning is required. My calf and upper leg muscles have shrunken in a big way over the last 4 weeks, as you can see in the pics. 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. Getting in and out of bed is important and the height of your bed can make a difference. Since youre not exerting any physical energy while sleeping, your body can channel this energy into healing. I was so happy to sleep for two and a half hours last night but them woke up for another two hours where my leg was so stiff. If you sleep on your stomach theres a chance the wound leaks or the bed could rub against the wound. Adhere to instructions regarding weight-bearing. I just put a small pillow slanted under my leg and got a lot of relief while icing. I read but for only short periods of time early on. Its a long process but worthwhile. Use a pillow under your head. Thank you so much for your valuable insights! If the pillows are not stable enough, or you need to raise the foot and ankle region higher, a wedge shaped foam block can also help. Its been two weeks since your hip replacement surgery and youre feeling good. The medication helped with pain and helped with sleep. Many patients are unaware of how to sleep after shoulder surgery, so weve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you. So exhausted yet so challenging to find a comfortable position! Thank you, good luck to everyone who is having this surgery. In this post, well go over how to safely position yourself in bed for sleep following hip replacement surgery. 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. It is obvious that sleeping on the stomach is not practically possible after ankle surgery, and is not recommended. If that doesn't work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible. I was anxious as well. What side of the bed works for right leg TKR? In addition, your doctor may advise you to continue taking prescribed medications. 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? Some people find that they need to continue sleeping with a pillow between their legs long term, while others find that they eventually dont need it at all. Although there are few restrictions, you should still avoid sleeping on your stomach -. While sleeping in my recliner I always used the wedge pillow, a throw pillow under my thigh, and a folded bed pillow under my ankle. Supposed to have other knee done this spring, not looking forward to that. 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 . Difficulty in sleeping is a common complaint after open heart surgery. Finding a way to sleep after abdominal surgery is mainly common sense. Im 73 and had TKR 3 weeks ago. The nerve block wore off almost 36 hours after, which made getting around difficult. These complications are not common, but they are possible. 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). You will have to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks minimum before you are able to sleep on your side. Instead, I used my hiking poles that are adjustable according to comfort. Was afraid to tell him. Second, try to refrain from taking any medications that might interfere with sleep. 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). Move into a comfortable reclining or lying down position. Doctor recommended Benadryl, Melatonin, and then Trazodone, but none of that is helping. Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. The recliner does make it easier to get up to a standing position using the walker or the hiking poles. Later in my recovery, I could sleep in two positions and during the 3rd week I spent a short amount of time on my stomach. The day after my spinal fusion I was very sick from low sodium. I am on Coumadin for another 2 weeks and will also continue to take aspirin as I have been as well. Ice packs can help you reduce the swelling in your foot and they can also take away some of the pain you might feel after your surgery. As Ive mentioned in earlier articles I was always thirsty. Through trial and error, I found some new sleeping positions even if it was for short periods of time. Im hoping this too shall pass. Along with aftercare and medication, the sleeping position creates a big difference. Really need a good nights sleep over here!!! Make sure you lay on your non-operative side. Some of the most common surgeries repair fractures and torn ligaments. 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 . If anything, I interrupted her sleep tossing and turning and getting up frequently to urinate. Lots of med side effect issues but I think we may have them resolved now. You can start laying the groundwork for recovery from planned podiatric surgery well before the procedure itself. Be sure to still place the pillow between your knees. Hopefully, youve found you can sleep on the couch or on a recliner. Try to alternate between sleeping on your left and right side to distribute the pressure and benefit your spine's alignment. The type of ankle surgery you need depends on the underlying condition or injury. After 48 hours, you may sleep flat on your back; however, you must refrain from sleeping on your stomach or sides for four weeks. This is a great questionplease check back and let us know which side worked best for you. It is preferable to leave your surgical leg elevated while sleeping rather than to place pillows directly behind your knee. Ive just been discharged home after bilateral TKR surgery. The same is the scenario when you are sleeping on your operative side. Thanks for the comment. Dont hesitate to take naps during the day. How long . I had two or three within easy reach. Another way to sleep after spinal fusion surgery is on your side. 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. Dont forget to elevate the leg during the day, ice, and movement. Dont fall asleep too long if youre icing! Best wishes to you and your recovery! Tried everything including elevating my leg and foot to an unnatural and very uncomfortable position at night. Sleeping on my back was very uncomfortable for me and I was afraid to sleep on my side for fear of undoing the surgery. Time will pass and this will all be a distant memory to which Im looking forward. Can I sleep on my side after foot surgery? Recommendations for equipment or supplies will also be provided, as well as suggestions for staying in good alignment throughout the healing process. Take your pain medications as directed. Dont forget to check out my eBook! Have been concerned about sleeping positions. Best Way To Sleep After ACL Surgery When recovering from an ACL surgery, you can sleep in the position above for knee pain, but make sure to wear your brace while you sleep. Sleep - Can you sleep on your side after cataract surgery? You may be putting too much stress on the artificial joint if you engage in high-impact activities, such as running or playing basketball. 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. I had such a bad night until I found your article. Thanks again. Tip #3: Keep Your Ankle Immobilized. Main conclusion, I dont think I am icing enough, so will try that, especially before bed. Any advise. 2: Elevate Your Leg to Reduce Swelling What is the purpose of knee replacement surgery? I wish I had seen your blog much earlier. 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. Trying to get to sleep is the worst as my legs wont keep still & I have to change positions a lot, also my cat likes to sleep on my stomach. Use two or more two pillows on the top of the wedge to keep the legs straight. You may notice that your sleeplessness coincides with spikes of pain. I tried some last night before bed for about 4 hours and about 60% of the swelling went down. Again, you'll need to elevate your affected ankle. I used the 64-ounce bottle with a built-in straw that I brought home from the hospital. I could have had it done earlier but wanted at least 6 months between to be sure the right one was healed up good and my mental state was okay. My TKRs scheduled for mid-July. All of these positions help to take the pressure off of your new hip joint and allow for a more comfortable and restful sleep. Hey I'm a side sleeper to, but after surgery it was easier then I thought to sleep on my back. 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. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. A lot of patients also experience post-op depression. I did not have a restful nights sleep during this time but I did sleep a lot in my recliner during the day. Make sure that the pillows extend from your knee to your foot. 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. It was nice to get off of my back even for short periods of time. One of the simplest ways to maintain your elevated position during the night is to use a few simple tricks. Im so glad I found this article, and know I am not experiencing anything out of the norm. Getting around well without sticks but sleeping on my back is a problem so glad to read the article and posts. Skin Itchiness. Drinking fluids is very important to help rid the body of the drugs used in surgery. 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. Thank you. Tough to sleep with those staples in! Your ankle is a hinge joint that allows motion up and down, and from side to side. If you have had surgery on your stomach, it goes without saying that laying on your stomach is possibly a bad idea. After trying to get up and use the walker to go to the bathroom the first night I opted to leave the hospital furnished urine bottle on my nightstand and to stand up with the aid of my walker and urinate bedside. I made the big decision to have knee replacement and I havent looked back. 1. Early on, I spent as much time in my recliner as I did my bed because I had a hard time sleeping. No problem. You'll also, obviously, prefer to avoid any preventable accidents when moving around the house, or navigating up and down stairs. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. I made sure I had a box of tissues and lip balm in close range. Using two pillow under the leg will help raise the leg after your heart while laying down. I always tucked my good leg under the surgically repaired leg to support moving it on to and out of the bed. Establish a Sleep Routine. Great insight! Keep working hard to get that bend (range of motion). It helps a lot with stiffness, circulation and decrease pain. Hiking poles are valuable to use after knee replacement and will be useful for many years down the road (check out my article on the best hiking poles after knee replacement). You'll also, obviously, prefer to avoid any preventable accidents when moving around the house, or navigating up and down stairs. Carol- I can so relate, Im at 6 weeks and would love a good nights sleep! Even if you're facing serious . Sometimes I used both poles and other times I used one to support my healing leg. Fluids: Fluids are critical following surgery. I had my left knee done on Dec 24th. 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. It will be worth it! Back to solitaire that helps take mind off the no sleep thing. My knee still does not feel natural at all. Its been 2 weeks in the recliner. Good to hear youre getting ready well in advance, its worth it to prepare! If you turn over in your sleep, your eye shield should help protect your eye from significant damage. It interferes with your sleep. Stay moving even though youd rather rest/relax. I used a wedge pillow after knee replacement (pictured) and it worked great. Thanks for letting us all know that sleep issues are very common. After gallbladder surgery, your incisions will be on the right side of your belly where your gallbladder is. If being able to sleep on your side is important and you have not been given explicit clearance to do so - please do not hesitate to ask. Thanks for the input everyone! If you are someone planning to go for surgery, make sure to approach the best orthopedic doctor in the town. I having both knees done at the same time .how do i get on and of the bed and tiolet. Im on my third tkr. Compression -- Wrapping a stretchable elastic bandage around your foot and ankle can help minimize swelling after injury. It is critical to follow the doctors instructions following surgery in order to achieve the best recovery possible. Wish both could be done at the same time but Dr. says no. We ensure accurate diagnosis and reliable treatments for several orthopedic and dental ailments. I am a side sleeper, so sleeping on my back(with leg elevated) was horrible. Following hip replacement surgery, your risk of developing a blood clot in your legs increases significantly. My Ortho Surg wants me at 111% bend by the end of this month (May). Had a very active day yesterday and thought for sure tonight was the night to sleep ha! Any ideas I would appreciate. If you are like most people who undergo knee replacement surgery, you will find that your sleep patterns will change for the better within 6 weeks of surgery. If you use pillows to support your leg, it will cause it to cross the midline of your body. Needless-to-say, sleeping wont be easy in the first few days after knee replacement. Preparation extends beyond getting your house ready and setting up a support system; a pre-surgery diet and exercise program will aid in your recovery, making it less difficult and perhaps quicker than rehabilitation and recovery might otherwise be. The biggest of which is sleep positions and fear of doing something wrong. Extra pillows are essential. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. View complete answer on pugetsoundorthopaedics.com My Orthopedic Surgeon & Physical Therapist said it would be up to 6 mths for the swelling to go away. My encouragement for u is reach out to dr on medication. So when can you start sleeping on your side again? 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. 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. Keep your legs elevated for about 15 minutes. Thank you . It is preferable to sleep side-by-side than on your back. Excellent article. My biggest problem, as I see for most everyone is sleeping. Sleeping on your side is an option but ideally, you'll want to sleep with the surgically repaired knee facing up (closest to ceiling). Lower your body at the side of the bed using your elbow. Once youre cleared to sleep on your side, there are a few things you can do to make the transition as comfortable as possible. For me, cold water quenched my thirst so I made sure I added fresh ice to my water before going to bed. Thank u very much for all your input made me understand that Im not alone in this. If you have time, take some notes on what worked and what didnt work from your current situation. Sleeping on your side after hip surgery is possible, but proper positioning is vital. Just wanted to thank you for this blog that I just found. Sure praying and hoping that it works. 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 . If you have stomach ulcers, try these 2 sleeping positions. Its not one of the things they tell you prior to surgery. Keep at it. Its not something to look forward to, but Im sure glad I had my surgery. I am thinking the R as easier to get the bad leg off the bed. risks associated with a knee replacement surgery. Naturally, being in pain will affect your ability to sleep at night. I was particularly weirded out by the feeling of the staples pressing against the bandages all night long and cant wait until they are out! Slept like a baby! The damaged sections of the hip joint are removed by a surgeon and replaced with parts made of metal, ceramic, and extremely hard plastic. 5. Read this article, What Pain Can I Expect After Joint Surgery.. You can read them after your upcoming surgery. Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. The more activity that you do during the day, the chances for a better nights sleep will improve. Hi Kathleen I had TKR on my left knee on Oct 21/19. After a few weeks, youll be sleeping better. 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. I did, however, sleep a lot in the recliner during the day so the change of location to the bed was welcome. If you are considering TKR, speak with your doctor about preparation, exercise, recovery, and equipment. 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. Preparing for surgery? Its something Id like to own. Patients are examined by the experts Dr. Arun Partani and Dr. Bharti Partani with one and only goal of improving the quantity of life of the patients. I had a TKR October 30, 2019. Give it another week or two and I bet youll be sleeping well. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash. Always keep 2 pillows between your legs. Use a timer. 02-21-2008, 02:32 PM. Once I began to wean off the pain medication I found it harder to sleep for sustained periods of time. 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. Finally, some patients experience chronic pain or instability following one or more ankle injuries. Its been 3 mths & 1 wk since I had my TKR. To sleep well after meniscus surgery and get enough rest, patients should find the best (and the most comfortable) sleep position. Thanks for any suggestions! What is the most common cause for a knee replacement? Im still not able to sleep in bed. This position will help with swelling. I began with the exercises as prescribed and have worked up to half again or double the reps. Can you suggest which of the knee exercises best prepare the knee for the surgery? The knee joint is the largest joint in the body, and it is prone to wear and tear over time. I was having terrible time sleeping. I tried bed when I first got home but it didnt work because of pressure at incisions and I cannot sleep on my back. Thanks for reading! But I do want to say thank you to everyone on this site for the advise. It is critical to take good care of your newly installed hip after hip replacement surgery. 3. Once I was able to lie on my stomach I felt like I had reached a milestone. You DO have to put the boot back on before you put your feet down in the morning. Im sure you could provide much better advice and insight than I could. The first week it was drugs & passive motion machines. I think long periods of sitting for work might be tough on the knee/ciruculation. Required fields are marked *. What you Cant do after a knee Replacement? You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees. Still very swollen and painful. I had always been a side sleeper and would love to return to side position. Can I lay on my side after ankle surgery? After surgery, most people return to their normal activities within six to eight weeks. I can assure you that after the 1st week it gets easier. After sleeping in my recliner for six weeks with hip replacement I decided to get a bed I can adjust! It helps to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint and allows the muscles and tissues around the joint to heal properly. I decided to share all the details of my surgery with you. This, in turn, can lead to knee pain and discomfort. 6 months apart seems like a good strategy, but I bet you werent looking forward to the 2nd round. My recovery was awful, feeling like I was losing my mind extreme pain and lots of confusion. I am finding sleeping on my back is the only option but it is very disturbed. You need to keep the boot close to you on the floor or on your nightstand so you can reach it easily. The recovery time for knee replacement surgery is usually 3-6 months. Youll feel tired and sleepy initially when you are taking pain medication. If you've suffered a displaced ankle fracture, your doctor will need to set the bones back into place. Sleeping Upright In Bed. Doc told me at the 3 week check up that I couldnt hurt my knee and I was good to go. I hope you experience the same! I did my best to be conscientious and stay on a routine. Numbness in your foot and/or ankle after surgery is normal, as long as your toes are warm and their usual color. You'll want to prop up your leg so it's slightly elevated. In fact, ankle surgery ranks among the seven most painful surgical procedures. When I did sleep in the recliner during the day I always elevated the knee with the pillows. >>check out Homall price and reviews on Amazon. Many people find side sleeping more comfortable. My ankle is still swollen but much smaller than 2 weeks ago. Keep your cast or bandage dry and do not change it. Do not sleep on your surgical side until your physician has said it's okay. It reduces inflammation and pain. I am worried since I still feel some warmth in my knee. Youre correct, I suppose my experience and tips with sleeping arent as helpful to those who have both done. Wow, three TKRs, thats impressive! During the first few days, I could only sleep on my back. I am lucky to have a bed which will rise at foot and head, so adjusting sleeping position is easy, but cant manage more than 30 minutes on my side yet. I found my sleep improved a lot after the first week. In fact, it was downright difficult because of the wound, the swelling, and some pain. Dr. Vora emphasizes that patient compliance is important for a good end result He and his team spend a great deal of time with their patients to make sure theyre educated on their conditions and understand what is expected of them. Treatment Details on cataract surgery and what to expect. A recliner is more of a seated position but it can be comfortable to sleep that way at night, especially early on. Drinking fluids is very important to help rid the body of the drugs used in surgery. The therapy workouts help but youll need to keep your mind busy too. You will be treated with pain medication. Tonight I am ready to try the bed again as I feel healed enough to sleep on my side which is my normal position. Thank you! In this position the bed will contour to your leg. Use thin blankets because youll be sleeping on your back and any weight on your incision will be uncomfortable. Its a perfect storm for insomnia to develop after surgery. In 2013, researchers at Brigham and Womens Hospital found that direct trauma greatly impacts the chemical balance of fat tissues located both near and away from the trauma site these chemicals are known to communicate with nearby and distant organs. I had bilateral total knee replacements on April 15, 2019. Parts made of metal, ceramic, or extremely hard plastic are usually used in the hip joint replacement procedure. What do you think about having an adjustable bed for recovering? It will help a lot with getting to the bathroom and getting in and out of bed. One thing I havent mentioned yet is my doc said nothing about compression stockings. The ice machine should be kept in a cool place for about two weeks. Youre not alone. Position 1: is with your surgical knee down on the mattress. There are a few different anterior hip sleeping positions that are recommended after hip replacement surgery. Following hernia surgery, it is best to sleep at a higher level in order to alleviate pain. Elevating an injury for too long can also do this, and both of these issues can slow down your body's natural healing process. At times I was unable to sleep. The first 10 days I frequently woke up sweating profusely (this may have been due to the medication). The machines kept my legs moving all night and that was wonderful. I did not vomit, but, I had a slight feeling of nausea each day.MY BIGGEST fear, though, is getting a blood clot. Early on I found that daily naps were useful on my recliner, however, they likely impacted my quality of sleep at night. Your surgeon can tell you when it is safe to sleep on your affected side. 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. Displaced fractures mean that the bone has not only broken. We have the temper-pedic bed that is greatallows for elevation on the bottom and the upper part as wellNow having lots of pain at PT.Seems the PT wants me to get my ROM back pretty quick.I did measure at 115 yesterday with the help of her pushing my leg.MY GOD, it hurt horrible.Now today, I did not do much exercise at all as my knee is really hurting bad today.Feels like I just had the surgery.Must be from all the PT I did yesterday.NOT FUN.no matter what position my knee is in, there is painSO SICK OF THISbut, I have to stick with it.I have no other choiceGreat to read other posts to know I am not alone in what I am going through.Thanks again.. Hi Christine I have my second TKR on Dec 18, 2019 and my first Dec 2019. When resting, keep your foot elevated. 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. The part that nobody tells you about, youre the first one to ever mention it, is the mental issues. ****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 . Tip #2: Keep Your Post-Op Pain Under Control. Thanks so much! I have been using a beanbag to put it beside my left foot to try and keep it straight However my biggest problem after surgery is pins and needles in the bottom my foot and it feels like a solid bar of soap on the bottom my foot still have it after six weeks. Thank you so much for the information and support to everyone. Use those first weeks for rest and recovery, during which time youll be in a non-weight-bearing boot, moving to a protected weight-bearing boot after one month for another 4 weeks. In some cases, doctors suggest patients place foam wedges under their thighs. Some of the sites I found indicate that the sleeplessness can last up to 6 weeks, so Im hopeful. It is permissible, but it is wise not to do so until you can begin bending your knee as soon as possible after surgery. My first two after 15 yrs came loose so Im just had my right redone. Good luck with yours cryocuff is like small coolar, make sure you know what size cuff no returns. He is among the best knee replacement surgeons in the town and is a part of over 1000+ surgeries in his career till yet. 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. Were all having TKR for slightly different reasons and were different ages. I made sure my toes dangled over the edge of the bed so my knee was able to straighten out. Good luck to everyone in here. I did ask my surgeon 3 weeks post op if it was okay to lay on th e other side and he said as long as it doesn't hurt. Walking and therapy have gone amazingly well. The body needs it to make collagen, a protein required to help wounds heal. Having rt knee replaced 8/26. It also helps protect it from further damage or injury. The best way to sleep is to place your head on your back and pillow between your legs. I was in a straight leg brace, locked at full extension for an entire week. This ensures that there is no weight placed on my surgical knee but my left knee is also supported. Shorts are a must, even in the sub temp Wyoming winter. Do your best to keep your mind active during the day. I went back to work after 9 weeks off. The best way to sleep after right hip replacement is on your back with a pillow under your right knee. It is very painful. Sleeping on your side is an important part of the recovery process after hip replacement surgery. Do you think I might damage my surgical knee if I placed my left leg (TKR) on the bottom while side sleeping? Use your walker! Arrange your pillows or leg wedge pillow in a way that supports the whole leg, not just a part of the leg. Hold the pillows (or hip abductor pillows) between your legs and slowly rotate your body toward the repaired leg. There are several things that you should keep near the bed. If you practice a little sleep management, you will be less likely to force yourself into a painful position during your recovery time. Position 2: is with your surgical knee on top. Sleeping isnt easy! Lastly, if you are having trouble sleeping at night, there are behavioral interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation exercises that can help improve your sleep quality. Resume your normal medications, unless directed otherwise. As a result, I went way overboard in movement today and in pretty bad pain now. Pain is the most common cause of sleep disruption. Typically, swelling after ankle surgery can last for 3 to 4 months, depending on the severity of your condition and the complexity of your surgery. PeerWell Health helps you fast forward to better with 1:1 doctor visits, physical therapy, and a custom at-home program for your condition. As your hips, knees, and ankles move, make sure they stay still. Sleeping was so difficult early on. How long will it take me to be able to sleep normally after knee replacement surgery? Even though your incision is covered, the first few days the wound is still healing and cleanliness is important. 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. Studies show that the majority of patients experience pain after ankle surgery. After a nights sleep everything is better. If youd like additional resources the Mayo Clinic also provides general tips for sleeping better. Two weeks after the surgery youll be feeling a lot better than the first few daysbe patient and work through the pain. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. I had bilateral hips done in Dec 2017, I truly think it was easier. Can I sleep on my side after foot surgery? I started out not using pillows under my knee while sleeping. Best wishes! However, some people may experience hip pain when they sleep on their back, and may need to sleep on their side or stomach instead. I found your article very helpful and easy to read. (I may earn a small commission from the products mentioned in this post.). At the same time, it also prevents you from experiencing complications, such as capsular contracture. Having my left hip done Tuesday; Ikes comment to switch sides of bed to sleep on. It's best to sleep on your back or side. I can sleep on both sides now when I sleep which isnt very well. Early on, your leg will be very swollen and its important to protect the wound and give it time to heal. Still, some factors are associated with increased pain. 4 to 6 months is a good rule of thumb when it comes to going back to sleeping. Naturally, being in pain will affect your ability to sleep at night. Not the triangle one, the semi-trap! At the end of the second week, I was sleeping on my stomach for 30 minutes to an hour each night. As BTKR is a much less common operation, I have been struggling to find relevant advice. Therefore, we recommend sleeping in an inclined position at 45 degrees angle for at least 6-8 weeks. I could walk up all my stairs but the swelling and sleep were bad. Which leads to no sleep. I have the same limp I had before the surgery. Surgery needs to be performed soon after your ankle has been put back in place because surgeons cannot operate on an overly swollen ankle. Thanks for your advice I am 6 weeks post TKR & am still having problems sleeping. He/she may be able to offer you a different pain medication that wont interfere with your sleep or temporarily prescribe sleeping medication. Also, consider that there are some things that you cannot do yet or which will require more time and effort than before the surgery, like running or climbing stairs. Related: Best Ice Pack After Knee Replacement. You can sleep on the opposite side of your replacement. This is also the same time I was wondering if surgery was the correct decision. Quality sleep is crucial to recovery 1 following a surgical procedure. After day 12 I began to lie on my stomach for short periods of time (10 minutes). Thanks again for your wonderful article. 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 . Bending is no problem. We should always listen to our nursesbut I hope you get some sleep. Sleeping in an elevated position is mandatory after breast augmentation to avoid complications. When you transition from sleeping on your back to side sleeping, you will need adequate support from a pillow between your knees and feet. In time Im sure youll start sleeping better it takes a while. Most people find that sleeping with a pillow between their legs is most comfortable for the first few weeks to months after hip replacement surgery. Sleep on your back for the first 2 weeks of your recovery period. The answer to this question is, it depends. This is so unusual for me. Im tall enough that my heels hooked onto the top of the bed when it was elevated (probably close to 60 degrees). Sleeping on your side is an option but ideally, youll want to sleep with the surgically repaired knee facing up (closest to ceiling). Hoping to get out more when the weather improves. Sleeping well has been one of the bigger challenges. Two main types of drugs figure in post-operative pain management: opiate and non-opiate medications. In the section below Ill share more of my experience sleeping on my side. Sleeping on the side might be more comfortable for you, but try not to give in to the temptation. Can I sleep on my side after foot surgery? Stomach: No. Thanks for the message. thank you for your reply, Ken. Can you sleep on your side after ankle surgery? 5. 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. Regular Member. Bedding should be clean from the get-go. Avoid any heavy lifting or intense exercise that involves the upper body during this time. 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. But theres one more thing you need to do before you can fully enjoy your new hip: sleep on your side. Thank you for the article. M-21, Mahesh Colony, Sleeping on your side is generally permissible after hernia surgery, but you should check with your surgeon to be sure. I agree the mental side of recovery was a struggle and little things, like sleeping, werent something I considered before the surgery. Sleeping on your stomach will also put pressure on the top of the knee where its most sensitive. What U.S. city has the best weather year round? These patients may find relief from ankle surgery. If youre having trouble stopping in the first place, ask your doctor what smoking alternatives are acceptable until you can quit completely. Do you have to be married to be a stepparent? Re: Sleeping after bunion surgery. You should stay on your non-operational side if you want to continue to do so. When you recover from hip replacement surgery, you should not fall asleep on your stomach. Even now Im not able to completely sleep on my stomach. I do sleep for 2-3 hours then begin to get creative in positioning the rest of the night. When deciding which bed youll sleep in make sure its close to a bathroom and that youre sleeping on the side nearest the bathroom. Going up and down stairs is still painful. Have been doing prescribed exercises for a week. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. I woke up frequently to urinate and to drink. I am day 12 and was starting to think I was Looney regarding the exhaustion and difficulty sleeping. A few nights I got another 2 hours or so of sleep in the recliner but that hasnt been happening lately. Tip #4: Engage in Gentle Exercise per Your Physical Therapist. At least you know what to expect and what to focus on. The most common cause for a knee replacement is: 4. I hope you can learn from my experience. Had left knee replaced just over 17 days ago. Certain positions worked for me while others didnt work. This is a more general suggestion that works even if you don't feel any pain or aren't recovering from surgery. I often sat up and was able to sleep in a sitting position for an hour or so. You DO have to put the boot back on before you put your feet down in the morning. Avoid bending your knees. Now my right knee is locking and that is painful. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. Thankyou, thank you thankyou. If the ankle and knee are to rotate freely, they must be protected by extra pillows. Sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your legs. Also, most hospitals draw labs in the middle of the night. At this point you may sleep on your side. I will be 80 on the 22 my birthday gift. I think reading ur article has helped as it shows things will get better. I encourage you to try various sleeping positions that are comfortable for you. After the surgery Plan on doing nothing more than resting and elevating your limb for the first two weeks after your surgery. I am truly bionic. Note:Make sure to have a conversation with the doctor, too, considering the sleeping posture you need to adapt. Double check with your doctor but sleeping on your side should be okay. 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. I keep hearing from those who have the adjustable bed it helps! Have been sleeping on my side now for 4 days and thought it may be a mistake. Here's an example of how to elevate your legs to alleviate symptoms from varicose veins. Just read your article. When you wake up after joint replacement surgery, you are left with achy muscles. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. Keep the pillow under the calf and knee as it will prevent the knee from unnecessary pressure and keep it straight. I had my pain medication on my nightstand within easy reach. Your New Hip Joint Prosthetic hip joint. I did not use reclainer did use special bed rest pillow heavy one it has arm support which helps to get up from bed. It seems the hamstring stretch and raising the straight leg while lying on the opposite side have the most Impactor I feel them the most. I am 13 days from having bilateral knee replacements how can I sleep on my side, What a great article thank you for sharing. | All About Cataracts Other areas Symptoms Find out about all the signs and appearance of cataracts. It helps your ankle keep its shape - As we sleep, our entire body becomes more relaxed. I am having 1st knee done in June and 2nd in Oct. Hopefully that is not too close together. My surgical team was so thorough from pre-surgery exercises, what to expect, to even a caregiver seminar. If you have any questions about your surgery, please contact your surgeon. Right now my ROM in my right knee is 98% bend on my own & 104% bend with the help of the Physical Therapist. It is one of the most common complaints after total joint replacement. I am looking forward to sleeping through the night in the future and hope you do as well! I was told I could sleep on a wedge but it had to be straight up, absolutely no knee bend as to not hinder extension progress. It is helpful to hear other peoples experiences , especially when they mirror my own. Exact Answer: After 6 weeks. When I found the three very nice gripper pick up devices on Amazon, I simply used those out of laziness or convenience, just as I would any other useful item I had. Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevationkeeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. I also did my best to limit my naps during the day so I was extra tired at night. The operative leg must be in a straight position to avoid hypertension on the knee and manage the proper blood flow to the surgery side. Hello, I can not imagine having a bilateral knee replacement. Hopefully my left (your right) side will will out a little bit more. After this initial period, the pain gradually but noticeably diminishes. 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. Here are a few reasons why: Ideally, youll want to sleep on your back. If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. Yes! Thanks. If you tell your medical staff about your concerns (meds and clots) I think they can come up with individualized preparation for you. Tips to Recover Fast from an Ankle SurgeryTip #1: Get Plenty of Rest. My one question is about how to balance my ankles when in bed so that they will not turned in the wrong direction and cause my leg not to be lined up in the same as my knee . Sleeping on your back is one of the best positions to adapt after knee replacement surgery. While youre recovering, youll need a lot of sleep in between therapy sessions to regain your energy levels. not take ibuprofen until you have seen a doctor. It also depends on the surgery site too, and doctors will suggest you accordingly. Dr. John Tiberi, M.D., is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow reconstruction. Thanks for all the prep suggestions. During the recovery period after knee replacement surgery, sleeping on the stomach is not for you. 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. Good insight, thank you for reading. Before surgery, I turned the bed around so the foot end elevated. It has been found that the best position to sleep in post-surgery is to sleep on your back. Following are the things a person can keep in mind after knee replacement surgery. Thanks for reading and for the comment. After arriving home from the hospital, I was extremely tired from the stress of surgery and the procedure. Rememeber, your surgeon knows you and your replacement best. As I write my feet are on an electric foot massager. Similarly, can you fully recover from a broken ankle? not eat or drink anything in case you need surgery. I hope this article helps you sleep better after your TKR surgery. Rudy thanks for the article very helpful. Now I feel its okay to have these problems. Im having total left knee replacement Jan 7th, 2020 and trying to get ready and get as informed as I can. 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. I started out doing this during the day then gradually tried it at night. 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). An adjustable bed would help with finding a comfy position and with leg elevation. The additional pillows are suggested because the wedge will keep the knee in the bent position, and this interferes with the recovery. Use pillows between legs for 6 weeks or more more. I always slept in my underwear and a T-shirt because pajamas rubbed on the incision and made sleeping more difficult (my article about what to wear after knee replacement). Side sleeping is preferred by many people. Plus aspirin for blood clot prevention. On Your Stomach Any mood-changing medication can be a harm to your body. Do and don'ts after ankle surgery? Work hard in therapy, stay moving, and best wishes! Fluids: Fluids are critical following surgery. During the first 4 weeks, I never slept through the night without waking up and readjusting my position. Hi, thank you for giving out your ideas on how to help everyone after having knee replacement. Sleeping was very difficult for me because Im a stomach sleeper. In a recliner, you can still place a wedge pillow under your leg for elevation. I certainly didnt wake up in the same position I started out. I am at day 32 I dont sleep all night but have progressed to 4 hours at a time. It is critical to take good care of your new hip after hip replacement surgery. for knee replacement patients, having a leg raised). I have a bed that raises at the head only. Michelle. How long does the pain last after ORIF? 3. Naps are perfect when icing and elevating during the day. By using the latest technology and equipment we are able to perform even complicated orthopaedic and dental surgeries with greater accuracy. When you have undergone knee replacement surgery, it is necessary to take good care of your new knee. Hey all, I had patellar tendon ACL recon. I had my second TKR JULY 23. Sleep routines ensure you feel sleepy always at the same time, and are a great aid in falling and staying asleep. Is that common after 9 months? 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. I had to keep an extra T-shirt nearby to change into. I wish I had found this sooner! Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees. Stairs are tough so soon after surgery but glad to hear youre improving. Dont panic if youre struggling to fall asleep after TKR surgery. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What symptoms may indicate that I need a Hip Replacement? After A Hip Replacement: Which Side Should You Get Out Of Bed? The information and reviews presented on this website are my opinions and personal experience. My bed is higher than most and at times it was challenging to get in bed but easier to get out of bed. I did short-term activities like crossword puzzles and Sudoku. I think just expecting sleep in 2/4 hour blocks has helped then I dont feel so frustrated. Keep it Cool Cracking a window, turning the heat down, or turning on a fan can help you sleep. This is dependent on how quickly you recover from your surgery and what type of surgery you have. Im still having swelling & stiffness. With this exercise routine, you and your new hip can go for a walk 3-4 times per day. It is possible that hip replacement surgery will be necessary if hip pain interferes with ones daily activities. It is a suggestion that uses a flat pillow for better results. Your email address will not be published. However, after a certain amount of healing has taken place, usually around 6 weeks, patients can start to sleep on their injured side. 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. 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. As I transitioned to Tylenol I began using 1 or 2 pillows to elevate my leg during the night. All the best and thanks for reading. The pain is gone and youre ready to start living your life again. Ive really enjoyed ready about your entire process and your suggestions for items needed and planning to be done ahead of time. Its a bit tricky and painful the first week moving your leg in and out of bed. Causes. But its hard to get comfortable at work. 2 questions (so far): Is the wedge pillow the triangle one or the semi-trapazoid one? Pam T. Im on day 22 after right knee replacement. Sleeping after ACL surgery. See my doctor in 3 days. 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. The first thing Ill say is dont be surprised if youre having trouble. Setting, or reducing, the fracture ensures that the bone heals properly. These include a higher body mass index (BMI) and a longer duration of surgery. I used them to elevate my leg several times throughout the night and I used them to prop myself up in a sitting 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 first few nights my wife slept in the spare bedroom. I was on the right side of the bed and my right leg had surgery. How do you know if someone is emotionally manipulating you? I am finding your blogs very informative. The majority of patients were pain-free by six weeks after surgery. Im praying for improvement. I enjoyed therapy except for cycling one as it exzousts me and make the knee to pain more. If you are a stomach sleeper, try to keep your sleeping habits under control. Use a pillow to support your operated leg and keep your non-operated leg bent at the knee. The knee is a complex joint that can be affected by wear and tear or trauma. I sit in front of a computer & I try to get up & stretch every hour. Keep the pillow under the calf and knee as it will prevent the knee from unnecessary pressure and keep it straight. Tip #5: Keep an Eye Out for Any Signs of Post-Surgical Complications.More items. It is normal to see improvement in the first year after surgery. It was perfect for elevating the leg and also for sleeping. This is to prevent putting pressure on the surgical site. Can you sleep on your side after knee replacement surgery? Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation. This worked beautifully. This includes rubbing and contacting your eye . I dont think you can hurt your knee by having it under the other one at this point as your incision should be healed. You will have to put some effort into it so that you can be able to walk properly after the procedure. 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.

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