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Feeling low

Posted , 14 users are following.

Froglet20
Froglet20

Am still waiting for a date for my RTHP and I am really struggling mentally as well as physically with my hip. The waiting for a date is like sitting on a cliff edge all the time. This is draining in itself but I also work full time as a teacher and because of the waiting and the obvious pain in my hip I am feeling completely uninterested and have lack of motivation to do anything. It's quite difficult to explain how I feel to those close to me and was wondering if anyone on here felt like this before the op? I am normally a very independent organised person but I just can't focus on my work and even the thought of it sends me into panic. The op is consuming me and the fact that I may also have to have an epidural and sedation instead of GA is not helping me either as I have a major fear of needles and panic that I may also hear and feel the op now!! Sorry if this sounds crazy but I am struggling.

2 likes, 28 replies

28 Replies

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  • annone70291
    annone70291 Froglet20

    Posted

    I think that what you're feeling is completely natural. It's very draining to be in significant pain for a long time. And even though you are looking forward to being pain free and active again, the prospect of the operation is daunting. After all, it's major surgery. I too really agonised over sedation. I went for a GA in the end and I'm sure you could have that option if you asked (unless there are clinical reasons otherwise). But even with a spinal, as I understand it, you can be pretty well sedated if that's what you want. After all, the theatre staff will not want an anxious, agitated patient on their hands. I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine and just think how wonderful it will be to be mobile and pain free. Best wishes.
  • sue1957Geo
    sue1957Geo Froglet20

    Posted

    You are not alone, when i got my date i sobbed, and since then its all i can think of, my date in November 13, not long now just want it overxx
    • Froglet20
      Froglet20 sue1957Geo

      Posted

      I have a feeling I will do the same!! Good luck with your op x
    • jeannette_20091
      jeannette_20091 sue1957Geo

      Posted

      I cried as well when I got my date.  I go tomorrow morning!  I'm in the US and I am doing my thr as outpatient! 
    • renee01952
      renee01952 jeannette_20091

      Posted

      dear jeanette -

      wow, girl   - outpatient ???? 

      you probably had your surgery at this time .... please let us know how you are doing - 

      big warm hug

      renee

    • CelsB
      CelsB jeannette_20091

      Posted

      Sending good wishes Jeanette.  I hope it all went well.  I don't understand the outpatient bit - you have it done and then go straight home?  Or maybe go somewhere else for your recovery?    Come back and tell us how it went.

      Hugs xxx

  • cathie38426
    cathie38426 Froglet20

    Posted

    I remember how awful the before op time is.

    Can you tell the surgeon your anxieties, and maybe

    get an early date. Re the GA v Epidural, I've had

    both and there was no difference - tell them about

    your needle anxiety and they should help you. 

    Read the forum and you will not feel so alone.

    with special thoughts from a post op hippie.

    Cathie

  • sue1947
    sue1947 Froglet20

    Posted

    It probably doesn't help but you are definitely not alone. I am waiting for my date as well and at 68 no longer work and have also suffered from anxiety/depression for a number of years controlled by medication. Unfortunately recently it was suggested I change medication, not a good idea so I am now like you anxious, not able to focus on anything else and feeling rough due to change in medication. Still everyone keeps assuring me that 'it will be alright on the night' so we have to hang in there. Take care, all will be well.
  • gillian18780
    gillian18780 Froglet20

    Posted

    Please don't worry about the epidural and sedation which is what I had. I had never been in hospital before so wasn't really worried as I didn't know what to expect. I felt no pain with the epidural (didn't see the needle either) and didn't have to have a converstaion with the operating team either as I had sedation!! Don't remember a thing and it was all fine. Constant pain is so draining but look forward to having it over with. Hang in there

    Gill

    • Froglet20
      Froglet20 gillian18780

      Posted

      Thanks Gill. The whole needle thing is a nightmare for me I just have a fear I will see, hear and feel it all and not be able to tell them!
    • sue1957Geo
      sue1957Geo Froglet20

      Posted

      Frog like you i have needle phobia, had my assessment on Friday been so frightened of the dvt injections, the nurse told me i will have tablets for home and only have them in hospital, i told him how i felt and he said they may be able to do something , so if you tell them they will help you, xx
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