forthcoming hip replacement & acute Anxiety

Hello Amanda

I am 10 days post thr and although my experience is very unusual I can assure you that you do not have to be anxious.

Prior to my surgery I was anxious because I live on top floor with no lift ( 5 flights of stairs) I live alone and most of all the last time I was in a hospital was when I was a teenager nearly 35 yrs ago do you can imagine who petrified I was.

I kept on reading and gathering informations both from this site and other site. I was expecting the worse but to my surprise the only reason I stayed longer in the hospital was due to the medication's which did not agree with me. I guess I was too sensitive to it. Now 10 days later all I'm taking is the blood thinner injection and paracetamol which I have reduced daily.

People react differently but keep on doing your exercises and build your muscle and take one day at time. You will be glad when it's over.

all the best

M (uk)

Just to ease your mind a little, i just had a hip replacement and did not have a spinal.  i had to be intibated because i snore.  I understand the spinal is much better.  It includes a nerve block which will help in pain right after surgery, whereas i had to wait 2 hours for mine and was in a lot of pain. 

Hello Amanda, I cannot say what they could give you to help relieve the stress you feel I know it must be difficult to be relaxed as I had my right THR last july and this was my first time in hospital at the age of 65 so I was a little scared but I like you had the opertunity to have it done at a private hospital on the NHS (BMI Winterborne - Dorchester, dorset) I also had epidural but the anaesthetist gave me a light sedation so I was out for for a short while. Op at 5:30pm, being rolled back onto my bed at 7:pm and did'nt feel or know what had been done. It really good this way, quicker recovery from sedation - I was on FB & phoned my wife 30mins after op, having toast & tea. You should have the opertunity to discuss with the anaesthetist just before you go to the ops and I had brilliant care by all the staff. Just think once you have had the op you will be better for it. There are load of us now and I bet most if not all were a little concerned before the op. Postive thoughs to you.  Best wishes...... Arthur

HI Amanda I had right THR last August with the spinal injection and am due left replacment on 20th Feb. My first one went extremely well. On request you can have sedative with epidural, I did and never felt or knew a thing. I hope  the reassurance from everyone on here helps. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Good Luck..

It's ok to wine or moan.it's normal to have anxiety.

From what I have read on the site they do give sedation before the epidural.

The good thing about the epidural is you won't wake up in pain. That's a good thing.

I was very nervous going into the theater.But one second later I had the most perfect sleep ever.lol

Hi again Amanda

I think i said before.....I had a spinal block for both of mine and it went well

They give you sedation at the same time......depending on what you want.

I had just enough to make me dozey More so than normal but I was aware of things going on around me but did not know what and didnt care

You can get a heavier one that knocks you out....in most hospitals.

What about hubby......have you got care sorted for him yet?

Take care and dont woprry

Love

Eileen  UK

Hi amanda . I had my op just over 2 weeks ago . My only op in cold blood other was apendics about to burst . I had general anaesthetic was told it was better as you come round quicker and get up quicker . Walked to theatre at 9 was back in ward wide awake at 12.45  .had tea and toast about 2 pm. I am also a carer for my 94 year old dad who refused to go to respite !!!!! Can't believe how good I felt bit achy but that's muscle . Walking outside short distances now but extremely tired . Hope you have help with hubbie because you won't be able to do much for him . I think I am getting better because I am beginning to get fed up now . For the last 2 weeks been happy to rest . I was so relieved to be having op after 15 months on list and 2 cancellations that I wasn't a bit scared can't remember going under or waking up . If you are that scared why don't you ask if you can have a general . By the way I am 60 .good luck

Hi Amanda,

This is the best place to moan! We lift each other up!

My THR is this month on the 26th of this month. I too felt very anxious about my first one because it is incredibly major. And I too had the epidural and asked for some sedation while they did it. Worked out well.

Like others have said, you will have a pre-op appointment where you can discuss all of your questions and concerns, and that too can bring you more comfort.

You probably will not even remember falling asleep and you will wake up with a new hip that works!

We are here to cheer you on! Keep us posted ok?

💛 Dawn, U.S.A.

I'm 2days in from my 2nd THR..I had the epidural and mild sedation.

The worst part is the anxiety before the epidural injection,as you have to be awake for the anaesthetist to know it's worked..but it doesn't hurt at all.

The operation is plain sailing,so you don't need to worry,but I'm sure if you tell the anaesthetist he can give you some medication to relieve pre op nerves.

The relief once the ops done is wonderful.

Hi Amanda, I was also very anxious and discussed this with the Doctor at my pre-op session, he prescribed me Ativan and said to take one the morning of the op and to tell the nurse and she would give me something stronger upon check in, which she did.  I went in to the operating theatre very relaxed and happy, had the spinal with light sedation, no problems.  I think it is perfectly normal to be be worried.  I hope you have some help with hubby.  For me the surgery has changed my life for the better am no longer in the terrible pain and am really looking forward to a summer of adventures.  Will be thinking of you on the 2nd, let us know how things are going.

Lorraine.  

Hi  Amanda,

Ohhhh darling you're not moaning, you're just saying. Constant pain is very wearing & gets you down. You haven't mentioned what medication you are on but I would just like to say AMITRIPTYLINE is very good as a painkiller along with helping anxiety & antidepressant. Also Gabapentine works well with the Amitriptyline & can help boost your spirit, at least it has cerrtainly helped me over the years with various pain.

I Live in Berkshire & have just had a THR & honestly there is nothing to worry about. The hospital will take very good care of you. You haven't mentioned which area you are in or what hospital you are having it done. Have they discussed why they are doing the op without a general aneasthetic? Have you discussed with them the situation with your husband & to help settle you down? X