Question
QUESTION: I had total hip replacement 10 days ago.  I'm having trouble sleeping as I just
cannot find  comfortable position.  I cannot sleep in bed and am relegated to the
recliner.  The joint itself seems better, but the muscles around it and the knee are
in pain most of the time.  I'm using ice a lot and am trying to walk a lot and do the
exercises I am supposed to.  Am I being impatient?  I am to see my doctor in five
days.

ANSWER: Matthew,

I'm surprised you are allowed to use a recliner.  I was not allowed to use a recliner for at least a month.  You are only a little over one week out of surgery, and you should be in bed with a hip pillow, not on a recliner.

If you doctor does not know you are on a recliner, you need to let him know that.  The most important thing is not to push yourself and take things slowly.

Before you do any new activity, speak with your doctor to get permission.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Nobody told me to avoid the recliner.  I even sat in one at the hospital.  I'm
taking it easy until my next appointment.  The last three days, I feel I am getting
worse instead of better.

Answer
I have always been told that a recliner (even though you used one at the hospital), is not the best place to be sitting in the beginning.  
But if you were told differently, then you need to go with the advice your doctor gave to you.

If you are not feeling better, and in fact, feeling worse, your surgeon needs to know this even though your appointment is set for five days.  He may want to see you earlier due to you not feeling well.