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Sleeping position after hip surgery?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: May 14, 2022 | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I didn't ask him about sleeping on a recliner, but I will try to call his office and ask that over the phone tomorrow. (Monday) I'm not too keen on sleeping on a recliner but I still wonder what he thinks because I don't want to impede the mending. He did tell me that I could not ever turn my leg up and twist it over the other leg to cut my toenails. I said to him, "Because the ball may come out"? And he said, yes, that's why. Of course that did not make me too happy because I was looking forward to cutting my nails again. (sigh.) But if it means I can walk without pain, it will just be a minor inconvenience. I waited so long for this surgery, meaning that I've seen multiple doctors but was always too afraid to go through with it. Now there's just about no choice if I want to be more ambulatory. So it's almost like do or die. Or don't do it and be in constant pain without functioning well. I'll keep in touch, thanks.
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@cindiwass I did not have the restriction you mention of putting one leg over the other to trim your toenails. I had an anterior incision for the hip replacement. Do you know if your surgery will be posterior or anterior?
Like you, I got to a point where I couldn't walk without pain in my left hip and it was affecting the things I loved to do. Like hiking, skiing, and even walking more than one or two city blocks. And of course sleeping! So I just kept telling myself that my hip would not improve over time and in fact would get worse. I was 68 years old when I had the surgery and with my life expectation I figured the hip would last through the rest of my life (according to my surgeon).
Yesterday I walked a long a trail to a waterfall and then went up and down many, many stairs that go to the bottom of that waterfall. And then back up. I have been working out this past year to strengthen that left hip after years of deterioration and then the surgery. I've also been working on balance. I noticed that on the way back up the stairs I did not get tired, did not have to rest, and felt ready to "go" when I got to the top. What a wonderful feeling!
Can you spring for regular pedicures? I did that for a few months after my surgery and it was a splurge but certainly a treat for myself. Also, my podiatrist's staff trims toenails at a minimal cost.
Please let me know what your surgeon says about sleeping position and trimming your toenails.