Sleeping position after hip surgery?

Oh, thank you! I just read your comment and appreciate your experience. Thanks for sharing it. So I guess the recliner is ok, I'll ask just to be sure. As I said, he told me that I can never lift my leg and turn it on my other leg in order to cut my toenails. (sigh.)

Ah, Cindi, just think about being able to walk without pain in that hip, walk up the steps without wincing, maybe even do a little dance! Figuring a different way to cut your own toenails is a small sacrifice.

For what it's worth, I put a towel on the floor between 2 kitchen chairs, sit on one and put my foot on the other, then reach over and cut my nails. Before tremors, I could even paint them that way (LOL).

Good luck my friend, as you go forward. You might want to ask the doctor if they recommend any strengthening exercises, like leg lifts in bed, to get ready for surgery.
Sue

@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.

Hi. So glad to hear you are enjoying your walks. I probably waited too long because I was afraid. But now I am intent on going forward. Meantime, I called the office today to find out again what type of surgery he is going to do. Anterior, posterior, lateral, etc. ? The receptionist will get back to me. Because I want to ask why it is I can't bend it. (I may not ask him, I don't want to antagonize him too far...) He did not specify a time period for not bending it towards the other side, and I enjoy doing my own nails, paint them, etc. Now I'm going to a podiatrist because I can't reach them. Last time I tried about a year ago I thought maybe i could, and instead I slid off the recliner :-(, and we (my husband and I) had to call the helpful fellows at 911 to come in and pick me up. Couldn't get up. I am so glad to hear you are enjoying your walks, something I hope to be able to do as well in time. Take care, thanks for response.

I just want to comment about life expectancy. I guess one of the surgeons I visited about 10 years ago discouraged me when he said the replacement lasts about 10 years. I'm 78 now, so I was not quite 68 then., And the pain wasn't so bad. He told me I needed replacements for hips and knees, total. I thought they only last 10 years??? So I held off. Now I'm guaranteeing you that if I were not in so much pain I would not be having the surgery, but -- it's time. And I also heard that many doctors don't like replacing things like hips and knees after 80. So since I'm 78 I figure I better get going with the surgery(ies). Take care again glad to hear you're doing so well.

Hi I had hip replacement surgery in September of 2020. I was so much better afterwards. The arthritis pain was gone. Within 2 weeks walking without a walker. Was up walking around right after surgery. They did mine from the front. You will feel much better.

I had total hip replacement almost two months ago. I am a side and stomach sleeper but was in to much pain to sleep like that the first 5-6 weeks. I am back to both now. I had my surgery as same day surgery and was back home within 4 hours of surgery. I am no longer walking with a walker or a cane. I am very glad I did it.