Anyone have second thought/doubts before surgery

Hi Sandy

Please don't worry- though it is hard to switch off the nagging thoughts, especially at night. Just concentrate on thinking how mobile and painfree you will be afterwards!

I'd been in pain for so long- the  poor sleeping and the restricted movement was dragging me down- as painkillers were not doing anything for me. Going to work was really tough and I would come home exhausted.

Finally I made my mind up to be referred for surgery as my hips were down to bone against bone.

On 5th January I had BOTH hips totally replaced! My consultant offerred to do both if I was brave enough- as I'm only 56 and have no other health problems. (I know that some consultants will not do this- but he obviously wouldn't give me the choice if he didn't think I would cope!)

I did consider having them done one at a time- but after doing research I decided to go for both at once- meaning only one major surgery- one recovery period and less time off work in the long run.

In the end- I was just so pleased to get in hospital and get sorted.

The day of the surgery went very smoothly- the staff that got me prepped were so kind and sympathetic.

My major fear, if I am honest- was the thought of a general anaesthetic. But instead I had a spinal anaesthetic plus something else intravenously to knock me out- so I have no memory of the operation itself.

4 hours and 2 hips replacements later- I was woken up by a lovely nurse  in the special after op. care ward who gave me TLC and monitored my BP etc. and provided tea!

To be absolutely honest, the first week was very painful- but I don't find the usual pain relief tablets etc. particulary effective on the whole- even morphine just makes me feel cosy rather than relieving pain!

So- please make sure that you get your pain relief sorted so that you are able to sleep and are able to start the physio.

I had disolveable stitches/steri strips and glue. The dressings was left on for  2 weeks ( which did puzzle me) - but they are shower proof. Each day the area around the surgery was checked for signs of redness/infection.

Sleeping was difficult for me too as I had to lay on my back- not having a good side to lay on for a rest.

Physio starts almost immediately- getting you up in a chair- then using sticks to walk a short distance- then progressing until you can manage steps.

My whole hopital experience (SWELOC at Epsom- Surrey) was brilliant. I cannot fault the staff, doctors or the food!

I was sent home on day 6 (i was in slightly longer than usual as both hips were done.) I was given blood thinning drugs to inject daily into my stomach (ouch!) for 30 days plus advised to wear the 'oh -so -sexy' compression stockings continuously for 6 weeks to avoid blood clots.

It will hurt- it will take time- you will have some bad days- but oh boy- am I glad I've had them done.

Today I am 6 weeks post op. I don't use crutches at all indoors. I use them just for safety when outside as my balance on uneven ground can be a bit iffy when I am tired. Using crutches also makes other people give you more time, space and consideration when out and about.

I walk well, though I do limp a bit when I am tired- and you will get tired- so take it easy and make sure you rest. Stairs can still be a bit awkward- especially when I am tired at the end of the day.

The double op. made me anaemic- so I'm on iron tablets for a while- and also contributes to my tiredness. My stamina needs building up- and I will be attending a weekly (for 6 weeks) physio class to help do just that.

My wounds have healed nicely- I rub in vitamin E/Bio Oil twice daily to help the scars fade.

I feel like a different person- so much more energetic- much more mobile and it's fantastic to have a near full range of leg movement back again and minimal muscle pain.

I'm back driving short distances and will be back swimming next week- hopefully back to work with a phased return shortly.

I'm on less painkillers now than before the op- just a co-codamol first thing in the morning when I am still a wee bit stiff and slow.

I popped into work 2 weeks ago and they asked if I had plastic surgery as well as the hip operation as I looked 10 years younger !

I can only put my improved looks and new lease of life down to the fact that I can actually move and now have almost painfree days.

Hip Hip Hurray you might say!

Go for it - I wish you good luck and a complete recovery.

 

Hi Sandy I think it's normal to have doubts and I have too but the pain and lack of mobility is so restricting to just day to day living. It is usually a very successful operation with a positive improvement in the quality of life. Best wishes if you decide to go ahead. My op is on 1st march - can't wait til afterwards

I have my operation tomorrow for left hip replacement. Not too nervous about the actual operation but worried about how long it will take me to get back to my normal life and the things i enjoy doing. I'm 43 so quite young and eventually need both replaced.

I am lucky where i am not in really bad pain. Mainly i have tight hips, very bad low back and knees. I feel like i could go on with meds for a while,,,,,but i suppose why put it off,,,its only going to get worse. My biggest fear is not being able to do the things i enjoy like taking my young lad kart racing. i just hope i am doing the right thing,,,,,,but i have been having the same doubts and worried for a while.

Oh yes. My surgeon came to see me in hospital the night before and asked if I was thinking of running away. I said that I had a taxi outside with the engine running. She replied: "Well, if you don't abscond in the night, I'll see you tomorrow morning". I didn't and it was fine. But ask for something to calm your nerves if it gets too bad. 

Never had any second thoughts as I had to wait so long to see an orthopedic doctor due to no insurance.

I do feel like I wasted a couple months going to a pain management doctor before I got to see the surgeon.

I am now 8 weeks post surgery (right hip) and can honestly say it was the best decision ever and I have had NO pain since the surgery.  A little minor discomfort occasionally  but that was nothing compared to the pain before.  I started back driving at 4 weeks and back to work at 5 weeks. I carry a cane around with me but only use it if going shopping in the big stores or doing a lot of walking.  Gives me a little support and keeps me steady.  

I am feeling anxious too. I saw the specialist last September, he said my hip needed replacing. The waiting list was supposed to be 12 months. My op has been brought forward and next week l go for pre op appointment. My hip is bone on bone fed up with walking like a drunken sailor. My knee on good leg also has o/a, last year l fell and fractures my tailbone l also have arthritis in my lower spine. I am worried about how my back will be post op. But like everyone says it is not getting any better so how much worse can it be if there is a new hip. You would have had the op by now hope you are recovering well.

Hi Kebra

thanks for your kind words.......from what l have read apparently the arthritic hip can cause us to have lower back pain regardless of any previous trauma. And once the new hip has been installed this back pain dissipates also. I guess it's the old the knee bones connected to the thigh bone deal. This actually gives me a little hope. My back has gotten so bad l can't even wash my feet anymore, l soap up the flannel and throw it on the floor and stand on it lol. I have one of those mechanical arms that l can pick it up with after so it's all good. I think you will be having your op before mine they said anytime in the next 8 weeks, l hope they will confirm a date at the pre op as l have to sort stuff out being on my own it's difficult. Anyway l will be thinking of you on the 3 Rd