1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Diary from day of op

Posted , 9 users are following.

jeanwales
jeanwales

I thought some people might be interested in a day by day diary from the day I had the op. I know I found post op information helpful. I had the op done in Bangor North Wales.

i came into the hospital the day before and all the blood tests were done and the anesthetist came to see me and explained the alternatives  - I opted to go for the spinal injection after he explained it to me. Also the surgeon briefly called in to make sure I was ok.

i also found out I was first on the list which pleased me and I went down at 8.45 and I was taken to have my spinal injection and then into theatre. I could not see anything as a cloth was between me and where they worked on the hip. I took my iPod in and played loud music which really helped. I could hardly hear what people were saying and the only thing I really heard was when they used a saw I presume, sounded like an electric drill and also the hammer which shook through my body. I had a hiccup where my blood pressure dropped and I lost a fair bit of blood and was vomiting but came out of it ok. 20 mins in recovery then back to the ward.

i had no pain at that time and the hardest thing was emptying my bladder. Another low blood pressure scare when I first arrived but then I settled. I ate a small amount at tea time then they tried to put me on the commode after that and the blood pressure dropped and I fainted so they got me back to bed. Settled for the night but some pain as the injection wore off so used the pump button a bit.

just woke up waiting for breakfast then they aim to get me moving later. More on that T the end of today.

0 likes, 63 replies

63 Replies

Prev
  • gloriajoy
    gloriajoy jeanwales

    Posted

    Dear Jean,you are an inspiration!lol 

    I am so cowardly I still have made no decisions about a THR and I have only myself to consider.

    Your continued posting on this helpful site, as well as caring for hubby is surely a great encouragement to others.

    I wish you all the luck in the world,for a speedy recovery.Your positive and dauntless attitude surely helps!

    Yours admiringly

    Joy x

      

    • jeanwales
      jeanwales gloriajoy

      Posted

      Joy, thank you so much for those kind words, they mean a lot to me x

      there are lows some days I will admit, but overall I have no regrets at having the op and I am hopeful that things will keep improving.

  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    Well, coming up to 4 weeks on Tuesday since my op and the first thing that amazes me is how fast the time has gone! 

    Walking outside a fair distance with the two crutches. Around the house on one crutch. Did try a stick (cane) and was slightly wobbly but ok. And today I actually walked across the living room with nothing! Still limping but easier than I thought. Will keep up the walking outside and hoping the weather stays good. Some slight achy pain around the scar now and then but nothing much really. I am managing to sleep part of the night on my good side with a pillow between the legs. Just want to get back in the driving seat next!

    • marey
      marey jeanwales

      Posted

      brill brill and brill....super brill!

      Get the keys ready. How about a little massage to the scar area? Good therapy... you could invite a mobile person to come to your home! My daughter has just started doing that!

      oh are you within driving range of swansea....? mail me and i'll pass on her website! she'd love to come out to you!  

    • lorraine46575
      lorraine46575 jeanwales

      Posted

      Hi Jean, so glad to hear you are doing well. We are lucky to be having such nice weather to walk in.  I am also doing well, went to see Frankie Valli and the 4 seasons last night, even danced a bit.  Using my cane in the house, still like my walker for my daily long walk, I feel more protected with it.  Oh well onwards and upwards, feeling like I am getting quite lazy and enjoying it !!!!!
    • jeanwales
      jeanwales marey

      Posted

      Wish I was nearer but we are up in North Wales - Anglesey lol
    • jeanwales
      jeanwales lorraine46575

      Posted

      Well done Lorraine and lucky you seeing Frankie Valli! I actually walked out with one crutch today not as far but felt ok 
    • marey
      marey jeanwales

      Posted

      Ah you northerners...another country up there!
  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    It's six weeks since I had my new hip and just to give you a little update, everything seems to be going well, I am still walking every morning around our village and have increased the distance. I take the two crutches with me to give me support but around the house I only use one. I have started back driving again and feel comfortable with it. My biggest problem is remembering that I still cannot bend to the floor or twist. But to have got rid of that horrific pain is such a relief.Like

     

    • marey
      marey jeanwales

      Posted

      wonderful news jean. People will be setting their watches by you!!

      do you see many locals and get hailed on your travels?

      ok no twisting now!! really great to hear from you. Thanks for the update x 

    • lorraine46575
      lorraine46575 jeanwales

      Posted

      Hi Jean, Lovely to hear from you.  Very happy that you are doing so well.  Yes it is lovely not to have that terrible pain.  I am doing well, walking with one cane, usually have a couple of nice walks per day.  Physio getting easier and easier, go back on Wednesday and I am sure thay will give me some harder exercises.  Not driving yet, bit of  problem, I don't like driving and am much to comfortable being driven around, which is a bit of a problem as I live in the middle of nowhere, I think my family are going to start to complain !!!!  I am still surprised at how tired I get, I have also noiced that as I do more I get more aches in strange places.  But I have no regrets and look forward to life with no cane.  Take care. Lorraine.
  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    I thought I would give you an 8 week update and so far everyhting is going well.

    I have now ditched one crutch when out and also use a stick (cane) a lot of the time. Around the house I try to walk without any support but do tend to still wobble a bit so maybe not ready for that yet.

    My scar has healed up well although I still get some tenderness mainly at night and my leg does ache while I am in bed. I can sleep on my unoperated side most nights, with a pillow between my legs and short spells on my operated side.

    I have been driving for a couple of weeks and found no problem at all with this. I still have a plastic bag on the seat to help me slide in but once in, I feel fine.

    Seeing my surgeon next week for my post op check so will do one final post then, hoping he will be pleased.

    The secret to success I believe is really doing everything by the book to start with and dont push any boundaries!

    Fingers crossed my xrays next week will be good.

     

  • lorraine46575
    lorraine46575 jeanwales

    Posted

    Hi Jean,

    Really happy to hear that you are doing well.  I am also driving, my biggest problem is getting in to my mini van with my raised seat and not going against my precautions.!!!! it is not a pretty sight.  I think you are right about not pushing our bounderies, unfortunately I had 4 very busy days, acting like I was completely recovered and boy am I paying for it.  I just feel so frustrated, I have always been such a busy person and now feel great in myself and want life to get back to normal.  How is your hubby doing ? bye for now.  Lorraine.

  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    Glad you are doing well Lorraine x

    I am lucky that we have am high seated car as we needed it big enough to take a wheelchair. 

    Sadly my hubby has just had a week in hospital with a severe chest infection. He came home today so giving him lots of tlc! 

  • lorraine46575
    lorraine46575 jeanwales

    Posted

    Oh dear , so sorry to hear that, it must be very stressful for you.  Sending you my very best wishes and hope he is fully recovered soon.

    L

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.