10 sleeps since Right THR
Posted , 12 users are following.
hi guys
Sorry it's been so long. I had the op on 15th and the hip itself has been no problem at all. However the really infuriating thing was that when I was back on the ward, still quite woozy, a nurse just kept on at me saying how I would be in a lot of pain and I really must take some Oxynorm. My notes were full of red pen saying I react badly to opiates!!! they said they could manage the sickness blah blah and I gave in for a quiet life. Idiot! My blood pressure fell through the floor, pulse ox down to 85 and temp up to 38, but that was as nothing compared to the nausea. I have never experienced anything like it. It was relentless.
They kept giving me paracetamol with a small additional dose of codeine (presumably they don't realise that's still an opiate regardless of the dose) - anyway I was on oxygen, not eating, couldn't even make myself sick because I hadn't eaten since Sun night.
I was awake all night on Wed and decided that I would refuse all medication and try and just let it flush out. I wasn't in much op pain at all. Thursday was awful, they just ignored me (maybe trying to teach me a lesson). When the night staff came on I was in bits. She said she had 3 anti sickness injections we could try and injections would be better as not going systemically and less chance of adverse reaction. The second one finally took the edge off.
Through tears and gritted teeth I had done everything I needed to do for the OT's and Physios by Fri lunchtime and all I said to anyone who came near me on Friday was "I am going home today no matter what". I finally left at 6pm.
Once home, being cared for by my wonderful husband, sleeping (?) in my own bed and eating good food I slowly began to feel better. It was Monday this week before the sickness was almost completely gone - even now I feel it lingering.
Sooooooo that's my very long story. No problem at all with the hip!!!! Haven't really been able to enjoy not having the grinding pain because of the sickness. Getting the dressing changed is pretty ouchy to say the least and I also have to inject myself every day with anti dvt stuff as I can't take aspirin.
Still got the 36 clips to get out - probably on Monday. Not looking forward to that. Managing inside on one stick, use two if I walk outside to the gate and back.
Sorry this story is so long....................................I'm sure it will have a happy ending. My advice to anyone out there who has an opiate reaction - just say NO! It's so not worth it.
1 like, 39 replies
patricis bordersgirl
Posted
pat85215UKGlos bordersgirl
Posted
eileen64__UK bordersgirl
Posted
What a trial you have been through. It is wise to say no to things you know that you are adverse to,......even if its only a little bit
Thats what they told me......KEEP ON TOP OF THE PAIN......DONT PLAY CATCH UP
I refused tramadol.......Tramadol ....a lot of people can take it perfectly OK but me .....it spaces me out so I just said NO.
Previous op {not THR....smashed ankle} they just automatically gave out laxatives....I took a couple then decided everything was OK so I would say I didnt want it. She said but you have to have it, you are written up for it......I dont HAVE to have it......I'm OK and I'll soon let you know if I need them.She tried to give them to me and I said no......she then stood over me.....I said I'll take it if that gets rid of you but I'll keep it under my tongue and spit it out when you go
Who do they think they are.
Thats great that you are home......best place to be after a few days......and that your husband is looking after you.....Mine was great
I didnt sleep during the 6 weeks on my back but it goes over. I wasnt offered aspirin......just the injections that I had to do.
Getting the staples out is OK....its the thought of it more than them coming out or it was in my case
Take care
Love
Eileen
christine98681 eileen64__UK
Posted
can i ask you are you on warfrin only reason i ask you the injection you have is heprin to stop you getting blood clots also was you on Asprin before your op??? they should have checked your blood three days after the op only if you was taking warfrin before the op as i am then they take you of the Asprin and put you back on the warfrin besides the Heprin i was on both wafrin and them horrible heprin injection's but i was on wafrin and Asprin before i went in for my op but they wouldn't put me back on it but my DR as now im home
you sound like i am i told them i couldn't take Tramadol what did she do tryed giving me i told her im allergic she was addiment i take it i was addiment i wasent and showed her how addiment i was i chucked it in the bin infront of the nurse told her read my notes before giving me something im allergic to she never spoke to me all the 10 days i was in but it sunk in i have to speak my mind too .
christine
eileen64__UK christine98681
Posted
No I'm not on warfrin and never have been.
I didnt get aspirin either Just the Heparin injections ........I knew what they were for and it was important that I administer them because I wasn't overly mobile at the beginning.
It annoys me the way nurses say you must have this, you are written up for it etc. As you say .....an older person or one with problems yes thats understandable but someone in their right mind that says I cant have that because it spaces me out or whatever they should pay attention and check on it.
I was in having a day procedure last week.....aspiration of the hip to check for any infection there......the surgeon was doing it, the nurse asked me {not the best time} "are you allergic to anything?" I said not allergic but tramadol is contra-indicated to another tablet I take and di hydrocodeine spaces me out completely. While he was doing the op the surgeon {he's lovely} said dont forget the tramadol so he remembered that even while he was doing this aspiration
Love
Eileen
maggiemac2362 bordersgirl
Posted
ginger47520 bordersgirl
Posted
Hopefully the rest of your healing will go much better.
lara69400 bordersgirl
Posted
meslaton bordersgirl
Posted
You sound very fortunate. Good luck!
jilliboss123 bordersgirl
Posted
I tell them no Vicodin. Makes me feel terrible for tell days.
I opt for 5mgs percocet to just nudge the pain back to tolerable.
I have the up the colace for constipation to 2 pills (200mg) twice a day. I remember all too well the time I had trying to do the business on the raised toilet. Not Fun!
You have to speak up for yourself that's for sure.
HippiechicUK bordersgirl
Posted
ginger47520 HippiechicUK
Posted
I didn't have any outside clips or sutures. Os fix it all on the inside. So notHing to come out.
Other surgeries I did have staples. The just caused Me to itch,but didn't hurt to come out.
Although felt better when they did
jeanp bordersgirl
Posted
But at least you are home and recovering now, and feeling better.
Good luck with the clips coming out, sounds like others have had no problems with these, so here;s hoping you won't either.
christine98681 bordersgirl
Posted
i have been in two different hospitals for 2 hip ops one for revision im 4 month post op with no sign of pain going but must amit i do not belive in. been forced to take any tablets unless you have pain
the only time this apply's if your life depends on taking them in your case it didn't when i had mine done i was only too glad i was offered them and still on them now but as for you no one takes pain killers when they do not have any pain this can somtimes cause pain unesseseray.
a DR will write you up some pain killers if needed but not to be forced like you was i deffinatly disagree you shouldnt have been forced you should have told the staff nurse or a sister in charge or the DR what they were doing to you
This is a standard procedure in case there is no doctor available if you did want any also for when you are discharged then its up to you when you get home if you want what the hospital either send you home wth and let your own DR if you need any of what they have percribed or none at all
the nurse can ask you,but its up to you to refuse you should have told them its ok i do not need them as yet but i will let you know if i do.
one thing that i don't agree with is standing over you till you took them ive only known this if its an old person that as dementia or ppl that needs suppervision
ive been in lots of different hospital's never once been made to take them i would have flatly refused to take rigardless of what they thought of me they should have been more than happy you saving the NHS money if in the UK you only take pain killers when in pain the stupid idiots ive heard it all now lol you were very lucky you wasen't they take it every one as a certain amount of pain you should write a review on there website and let every one that is going into that hospital be made aware of this ward you are helping other patients if they encouter the same problem.
reviews go back to the Pals deptment they will contact you from the site to conntact them tell them you was made to take tablets that you didnt want because you did not need them and distress what they caused you unessersary.
Whitch hospital was this by the way it sounds it was more like a terrible nursing home or a phyciatric ward do not let them get away with this as you are helping other patients to be aware of what happened to you unessasery. you are out now you speak out
this is why they write there about there experience you dont have to put your real name use annoymous name they still connect you via the site they don't want a bad reputation
also i had well over 40 clips in mine my scar is 12 inch long they stopped counting after 40 is was my biggest fear as i still had a lot of pain from the hip down to my knee only because mine was a complicated op but as you are free from pain then this should be a dodle it dosent hurt i had another nurse in with me to occupy my mind it only took a few mins.
she really took my mind of it .keep us posted and you write that review and hope it say's pain free for you.
Christine
maggiemac2362 bordersgirl
Posted
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
I keep coming across the terms I dont know of I'm going to ask from now on "hip school"?? I look forward to someones reply so I can find out what it is.
We {UK} have pre-assess. then the only oter thing we have is what is called "group physiotherpy".We dont actually do any physio but they talk us through the op, tell us what we should and shouldnt do beforehand and post op as well.
Oh nearly forgot.......a lot of hospitals have mock kitchens and bathrooms and they take you through those,, show you all the equipment they can lend you and how to use it.....eg bath board.....how to get in and out of the bath at the beginning....things like that
Love
Eileen
bordersgirl maggiemac2362
Posted
I totally understand the combination of dread and anticipation you feel! It's weird but very normal I think. The waiting is definitely the worst. I know you wanted them both done at once and I agreed with you but now looking back, I think it would have been incredibly difficult to cope with two. I have a very helpful and supportive husband and I made sure I had no responsibilities for the first 6 weeks and I think it would have been really really complex and challenging to have both done. Anyway, one at a time - you'll be fine.
I found the initial days quite busy, between exercises, visits from District Nurses, and the fact that everything takes 2-3 times as long to do!!!! Getting a bit of cabin fever now as we live in a very rural location at the end of a bumpy farm track with one neighbour and no passers by. Hubby is suggesting that we go into Berwick today for a coffee. Stupidly excited!!!
I got the clips (they are actually staples) out on Monday, some were a bit nippy but all out and much better for it, last dressing came off on Wednesday. Can't bring myself to look at the scar but everyone says it's lovely (????) i.e straight and clean looking I suppose.
Are you having a spinal? Who is your surgeon? Please ask any other questions you think of, no matter how small - I'd be happy to answer them if I can. Not long to go now so just make sure everything in the house is as ready as it can be for you coming home. Enjoy sleeping on your side for the last 11 times for a long time! Love Judith xxxxx
eileen64__UK bordersgirl
Posted
Once your dressing is off the wound...I assume it is now ....you should start putting bio oil on it every day.Helps keep it smooth and it heals better.
I got the cheaper bio oil {superdrug} not sure the exact name but it worked just as well and some people say baby oil...never tried that.
I know now what hip school is but never heard that term before this forum I went to Group therapy then onto a mock kitchen/bathroom with the OT but just the same thing.
Hope you enjoy your coffee in Berwick today.....I couldnt wait to get out.....My husband was taking me for coffee most days at the beginning I love Berwick
Take care
Love Eileen
maggiemac2362 bordersgirl
Posted
maggiemac2362 bordersgirl
Posted
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
If you've warned them about thing I'm sure they will pay attention.
My first THR they had problems getting the spinal in the right place ......because I have kypho scoliosis {Curved spine} I reminded them about that and then again on the morning of the op and it was perfect the 2nd time.
I also told them I didnt want tramadol post op because is "spaced me out" They did py attention to that.
This was in Hexham General Hospital
I think the arnica is a good idea.......they aren't very gentle I remember one time when the district nurse came to check my dressing {ist THR} I told her how sore I was but it felt bruised not pain. She then said you've never seen a THR.......they aren't very gentle, tend to toss you leg over your shoulder to get it out of the way while they work Slight exaggeration I'm sure!!!
Love
Eileen
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
The spinal will be fine....I would go for that anyday over a GA.
Once they got the needle in the first time of course 2nd time no problem.
What a lucky girl....having your mum living just across the road and in a bungalow as well......Mine lives in Northern Ireland and I'm in the North East
Love
Eileen
maggiemac2362 eileen64__UK
Posted
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
I'm not sure I would want to see it
Good luck for today and for the op next week......let us know before you go in....I dont know about anyone else but I'll forget the exact date
Love
Eileen
bordersgirl maggiemac2362
Posted
I'm with Eileen, I don't think I could watch it! Hope you got lots of info today and all the best for next week.
J xx
ginger47520 eileen64__UK
Posted
It looks like a torture table.very glad I didn't see it before lol.
jilliboss123 ginger47520
Posted
Painful😡
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
Well ho did things go today......all positive??
Love
Eileen
maggiemac2362 eileen64__UK
Posted
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
That sounds great.....at least everything is in place now and you have an idea what will happen. |Both times when I went in they wanted me in at 7.30am....1st one I was taken about 10.30am 2nd one not until mid afternoon
You take the zimmer frame home even if you dont think you will need it.....if its offered and you have room for it take it...just incase you have a day where you might need it. Saying that I didnt take a zimmer home...just 2 crutches
Lets know when you go in
Love
Eileen
ginger47520 eileen64__UK
Posted
bordersgirl maggiemac2362
Posted
I had to go in for 7a.m (had to leave house at 6 and got up at 5) turned out I was second on the list and was taken about 1030 I think, not too long to wait. I asked to take the zimmer home simply because I have a dog who is a crossed springer/lab and I knew she would be so excited to see me I wanted something to keep her at a distance to begin with! Only six sleeps for you now! J xx
eileen64__UK ginger47520
Posted
Here we go again LOL.....different languages
Not quite the same......my zimmer in the hospital was given to me at the beginning {after } of my THR
You are in hospital sitting on a chair, put your hands on the arms of the chair and push up then reach for the zimmer which has a front and 2 side and wraps around the front of you. . Doesnt have wheels......I forget the order now but you stand there holding the sides, put the zimmer forward and then step forward. This is a precursor to getting you to walk on crutches or 2 sticks after your THR
Its much safer because it doesnt have wheels and you can balance safely on it. Its only for a day or two after your operation.
I bet this explanation is as clear as the other one was
Love
Eileen
eileen64__UK bordersgirl
Posted
You being Borders and me being Northumberland i dont imnagine its much different As well as the early start...like I said my first one was morning and second one was afternoon but had to be there for the same time
I had to ring them 30 mins/1 hour before leaving to check there was a bed available...it did make it a very long day
Love
Eileen
maggiemac2362 eileen64__UK
Posted
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
Try ringing the consultant/surgeons secretary and see if she can help.
I find them all very good.
As for nervous.....well that going to be normal....especially when its still a little bit up in the air inasmuch as you dont know when to go in.
You'll ve fine once you get there.
I was worse with my 2nd one......My first one was OK but coming up to the 2nd one I got really nervous so its quite normal.
Love
Eileen
maggiemac2362 eileen64__UK
Posted
eileen64__UK maggiemac2362
Posted
Thats good thats one thing sorted out.
My first one was early and it was s much better
2nd one......it was the afternoon before they took me and all that hanging about doesnt help.
Love
Eileen
pat85215UKGlos maggiemac2362
Posted