Due to have total hip op and terrified

Mary - I was in less pain and had more movement in my hip joint 12 hours post surgery than I had in the previous 35 years, couldn't believe it.

Nurses told me it was because of the pain killers I was on in the hospital, but I was on Norspan patches in the six weeks before my surgery so pain of the last five years was lessened although not gone.

only problem I had was the really nasty constant nausea and vomiting, told it was caused not so much from the surgery as the pain killers they had given me, I had warned them I had a problem with morphine but what had they given me, morphine.

I was lucky in some ways had family members who had previously had hip replacements including 80 year old uncle, 6 weeks apart, ouchhhh, he said to me don't delay as I did, get it done as soon as possible, but like you I suspect I was in the public system with a long wait, too long.

Has given me back my life even with problems with my 2nd replacement, but maybe I was just expecting too much having had such a perfect right hip replacement.

You will be fine too, afetr the initial recovery period, but they the Dr's keep you well covered by pain killers so you can move about, which you need to do to stop the possibility of blood clots, the compression socks also help with the swelling in your legs.

Would not watch the youtube version of hip replacement, just too much for me even 3 months after surgery.

My sister who is a matron of a big hospital said they take the 3 year nurse trainees into the surgery to watch, and she said a number of them either run out or faint, even she said she was shocked at how brutal it is, the first time she saw the surgery, thank goodness patient is not aware.

Hi Mary, I am 11 days post op and can tell you that we all go through the anxiety you are feeling. I tried to practice sleeping on my back and quicly decided there was no need to eliminate my side sleeping until forced to. The best news about the "drugs" is that they really do help you sleep and forget about the position. I go to sleep with pillows under my feet and legs, as well as an ice pack on the hip. Take your meds in advance and you will fall asleep! I also pray the Rosary as I go to sleep (I have another friend that meditates) and it seems to calm the spirit.

I purchased compression stockings but never had to wear them...just stay aware.

My insurance sent a home health Aid to give me a shower twice after the first week. Prior to that I did a daily sponge bath and had my husband put on my body lotion. That and a brush of the teeth, hair, and fresh clothes will be a world of difference.

I haven't gotten cabin fever, however, I have been going non-stop for years and welcomed the opportunity to be force to say "No"! Try it, it most certainly is freedom in and of itself!!!

Life won't pass you by during this time, trust me. You just need to make certain that when you begin to re-enter the rat race you remember

..."Walk don't Run" you actually have a chance to see life when you do 😍

Kristen

It's the worst time...anxiety before the op!  Once you are there, the professionals totally take over.  I think we all know how you are feeling. I wish it was March 3rd for you!  Take it easy on yourself xxx

Hi Mary

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.