THR My 5 month post op

[Layla]

Gretelin, how long were you advised to use that pillow between your legs. No wonder you can't sleep.

When you question a wedge pillow are you meaning for elevation purposes?
If so, the Lounge Doctor is a good one many on the forum have used. It's not inexpensive but if there's a possibility you may need your other hip done at some point, or simply find it comfortable laying on your back with your legs elevated, I believe you'd find it a worthwhile investment. I still use mine on ocassion because I find it comfortable and relaxing.

I'll leave a link to the Recovery Aids so you can see a photo of it. If you're referencing some other type of pillow, please clarify and we'll do our best to help.

Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home

This is the list for the rest of the thread. post #2 Toilets and toilet aids post #3 Pre-prep for the house and for you Post #4 dog walking Post #5 Make Them a Meal scheduler Post #6 tick list for prepping Post #7 Books, CDs, and DVDs on Surgery Post #8 stationary exercise bikes and...

bonesmart.org

Have a great week!
@Gretelin

 

[ForumUser]

Gret ... here’s what I posted earlier for you I response to your questions about your V spacer ...

“My first hip the common instructions were V spacer, etc.

My second hip, they just said don’t sleep on op side ... I‘m a side sleeper, so put pillow between legs, laid down on non op side and went right to sleep! Pillow is to maintain alignment, I believe.”

 

[CricketHip]

@Gretelin, It seems like an awfully long time to sleep with that wedge between your legs, would you consider checking in with your OS and see if you can wean off that thing?]You poor thing, you need some better sleep.. hopefully you are enjoying some good naps during the days. I loved my naps.

 

[Mojo333]

@Gretelin
It was a bit difficult for me to gain confidence in my new hips. I was tentative and protective to the point that I was wrecking my arms and hands suspending myself as I used the walker and trying to lie like a board when sleeping.
Try some solo cruising, if you haven't already, using the back of the sofa or countertop for stability.
You will likely discover that hip is stronger and more stable than you think.
All Temporary became my mantra.

Hugs for continued healing.

 

[Elf1]

That sounds so uncomfortable. I just basically used a regular king size pillow that way I had more give and take to it. Agree that you might want to check with your OS to see if you need that wedge still.

 

[Gretelin]

The pillow wedge I was told I need to use for 8 weeks. Oh.! Boy Im counting the days. Ive veen up since 1am. I cant sleep. I will see my OS for XRays on Wed. Dec.18, 2019.

 

[VSlowLife]

@Gretelin
I am sorry you are still struggling with sleep.

In the Bonesmart link, if you scroll down to sleep, you will see some ideas about sleep from a former nutritional advisor. Unfortunately she passed away, but left some good advice on Bonesmart.

Nutritional Snippets - Did you know..

Drink water - help reduce likelihood of kidney stones New guidelines released from the American College of Physicians indicate that preventing kidney stones may be as simple as drinking more water. Experts suggest drinking enough fluids to generate two liters of urine daily in order to keep...

bonesmart.org

It does not have a way to quote it. It should take you directly to her advice on sleep, within her nutritional snippets. I am hoping the way I did this works for you to find it.

I find that staying warm helps my sleep, as she suggests. I sometimes wear a hoodie with the hood on my head, to stay warmer, over my pjs.

 

[Layla]

Hello and a Happy Friday to you!
May I suggest you call and ask if you can stop using that wedge between your legs overnight? How miserably uncomfortable that must be. They may just let you off the hook earlier. I'll tell you why I'm suggesting this. My OS's PA informed me that they sometimes extend the amount of time they want patients to do something they're prescribing...because they know a great majority are going to do it for less of the prescribed time. Am I advising you to stop using the wedge on your own? NO, please be clear on that. But you may be pleasantly surprised and released from it earlier if you make that call. Then again, maybe not. It's worth a try in my opinion so you can get a decent night's rest.

Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
@Gretelin

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Gretelin
Just checking in to see how you were doing.
Comfortable Sleep was a real issue for me...pre-OP and post-OP so sincerest sympathies.
A few weeks after my surgery, I did get 8 hours of sleep. Of course it took me 4 days

I can giggle about it now...and see that all the frustrations were well worth it in the end...but it's tough when you're in it.
Keep on keeping the faith.
You will get there.

 

[Gretelin]

Today I went to my OS at 6 weeks post op. He took xrays answered some questions I had and finally took me off that hard wedge between legs. Now I can finally sleep. I will try sleeping with the pillow on the affected side.

 

[Mojo333]

Hooray!

 

[Gretelin]

I want to upload the xray. How do I do that?

 

[VSlowLife]

Good question!
Hoping you get some good sleep tonight!

 

[Gretelin]

Hippy Happy my 6 weeks post op LHipXray Wed.Dec.18, 2019

 

[Gretelin]

My bone Family I got a little emotionally when I saw my new prosthesis for the first time. I cried, but Im glad Im pain free.

 

[VSlowLife]

I think I might do the same
This is quite a journey.
Congratulations on getting your x-rays up!

 

[CricketHip]

Gretelin, I love your new hip! You did well posting the x-rays and I think many of us are emotional when looking at it the first few times.
It's a true miracle and I'm happy you are doing so well.

 

[leejaa]

I was an x-ray tech for eons and know what a replaced joint looks like and yet when I look at my own it does not make sense in my brain to see an artificial joint. Maybe it is because usually I forget that my joints are metal now and not bone. It feels as if I am looking at someone else's x-rays. Funny how our brains react to images of ourselves whether pictures or x-rays. Still so thankful to have no pain and ability to move and walk.

 

[Layla]

My bone Family I got a little emotionally when I saw my new prosthesis for the first time. I cried,

I had the same reaction to the reflection of my bandaged incision in the mirror just hours after surgery. It was the reality of it all setting in. While relieved surgery was behind me and thankful for new beginnings, I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit mourning the loss of my natural God given hip. In the end, I'm thankful for the second chance of THR and I do feel blessed.

I hope you slept well last night, Gretelin, without that dreadful wedge pillow between your legs. After all those nights with that mini torture device I'd be afraid my legs would stay like that. Not a good look!

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

[Fit4Family]

I had, have same reaction too. Good news, after you are fully recovered you won’t have to look at any of it again.

One thing to note your stem looks perfect. I’m sure loosing that pain is wonderful. Hope your sleep improves without the giant wedge.

@Gretelin