Feeling very alone and scared

Hello Glyn,

It may vary well depend on the type of approach used for the surgery. By that I mean, whether it's a Posterior (incision on side of leg). Anterior (incision on front of leg). I've had both hips replaced in the last 2 years. The first one was a Posterior(12" incision), the second an Anterior(4" incision)

I would by far recommend the Anterior Approach. At least for me, it was 100% less invasive. I was doing quite a lot on my own. But you should have someone staying with you.

I went home from my sisters in less than two weeks. And the main reason I went to her house, was to pacify her.

So make sure that you ask about the procedure your doctor is doing. And remember, EVERYONE HEALS DIFFERENTLY!!

Good luck with your surgery Glyn. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

roadglide1959

I had mine done about 3 months ago, and I'm so pleased I did - I can walk now as much as I want and sleep through the night with no medication and go to the gym and do loads and loads of other stuff I couldn't before. I went to stay with a friend for the first three days after the op - she had a walk-in shower and organised food etc. Then another friend came to stay for a few days which was great. It wasn't so much that I couldn't manage food, washing and most other practical things alone so much but it was nice to have someone who could pop out to the shops or run downstairs.  My biggest problem was putting on the compression stockings - impossible to do alone. A very kind neighbour came to do these every day. I hate asking people for help but when I found I had to, everyone was more than willing to chip in. This was a very positive experience for me. Just take things as easy as you can and get as much rest as you can after the op. I wished I'd spent longer beforehand getting my core and upper body stronger and would recommend doing as many exercises as you can now to get ready for it.  Good luck. 

Do u have visiting nurse in your community?  They were great with me, but here in us it is included in our Medicare.  They also sent occupational therapist and physical therapist.  If u could ask for a meeting with one of them, they would tell u if the chair u have is high enough and how to get a high riser for the toilet.....and how to set up ur tub/shower with handles for support.  They probably would have some other useful suggestions.....but they were the best!  Especially the PT

Hi Glyn

We are a bit stuck because we dont know where you live

UK and USA seem to be so different in after care

In the UK....I had 2 district nurses come while my dressing was on.

They checked it and I asked them any questions I was worried about but once the dressing was off that was it.

As for the equipment ......the occupation therapy staff should have done all the measuring {or asked you to} well before your op and the stuff should be there on your arrival home from hospital

Physiotherapy differs even in the UK fron hospital to hospital

Some people have to go for physiotherapy but a lot of people like me ....dont get any...except a few moves in the hospital then a booklet to take home and do the exercises on your own.

Like I say it wouldbe a help to know which end of the world you were in

Love

Eileen  UK

Yes every area is diffetent, I'm in Norwich and I've had no-one come to my home, I had to measure my own equipment and take it with me to pre med where I spoke to an occupational therapist and then was rushed through to a hip info session, so didn't have as long as I would have liked. I then had to attend hospital for wound check and I have to go for physio check next but left to my own devices, but I'm happy with that, I don't expect they can help me anymore by coming to my home.

Hi Glyn,

its it's normal to feel that way. The nurses will be sure u learn all the right moves before u leave the hospital. 

Follow all the adjustments tripping traps in the home. I put everything up on the counters that I will need . So no painful bending. All my cloths went over my head. Long skirts dress stretchy. No stepping I to things. Get a sock helper and I used slid in shoes. 

I got a half some fridge for drinks and ice packs. Prepared foods ahead of time. 

Always take pain meds on schedule it help blood flow and oxygen get to the surgery site foe better healing and helps with home exercises. The stocking I'm not even goin to go there. They are miserable and tight and they help prevent blood clots. 

So be prepared ahead of time makes recovery a lot less frustrating. 

Hope all goes well & many heeling blessings sent UR way.

3 time THR 

Hope