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

Getting home from hospital and support once home

Posted , 14 users are following.

angela61719
angela61719

Can anyone share details of how they got back home from hospital after their operation? I'm a bit concerned about this as my husband doesn't drive and I don't know how easy it will be to get into a taxi. did the hospital provide anything, or did you get back under your own steam.

Also as my husband is increasingly unwell - really bad timing - I'm wondering about how to access support if we need it afterwards. I'm getting to the point of wondering if I should cancel my own operation while hubby has various tests that the consultant has recommended. Quite stressed out! We never imagined being in this situation, but we have no family near by.

Thanks for any suggestions,

Angela

5 likes, 37 replies

37 Replies

Prev Next
  • annedi
    annedi angela61719

    Posted

    The hospital at pre op usually ask you what help you have. If you tell them your situation I am sure they will organise you a help package. You just have to be firm and say that your husband can't do things.

    My partner brought me home in the car. I wouldn't have thought a taxi would be a problem but would tell the driver to drive steadily as you don't want to be shaken by bumps! The occupational therapists will tell you how to get in and out of a car,  go up and down stairs and get things out of cupboards. I would also suggest you make sure you have a cushion to raise the height of the car seat and make it more comfortable.

    • angela61719
      angela61719 annedi

      Posted

      Thank you Annedi. I was asked at pre op, but that was almost three weeks ago and things have got much worse for my husband since then. he is so fit that we never imagined ourselves in this situation, and I'm afraid he will get worse still.

      My son works for the NHS  - a long way away - but he reassures me that taxi drivers picking up patients are used to coping with people who struggle. I had visions of an impatient driver tutting at me while I struggled to get in.

      Thanks again

      Angela

  • ian97093
    ian97093 angela61719

    Posted

    The hospital said I could not use a Taxi, and they provided an ambulance on both occasions, the worst week is the first week, and getting on and off of bed can be painful but it gets easier day by day, sleeping wedged up against the wall is easier than flat on ones back, and keep up with the pain meds, you should be fine.

    I would get the number of the District Nurse for aftercare as they will come out at any time, if the wound get red or hot or leaks, but it again should be fine.

    I have been through it twice now witrh no problems at all, easier than going to the Dentist really...

    Keep in touch  Ian.

    • angela61719
      angela61719 ian97093

      Posted

      Thank you Ian for your reply. I'm hoping that, under the circumstances they will offer an ambulance. I did ask at my pre-op assessment, mentioning that my husband doesn't drive, but they were very non-committal about any help with transport. I kind of understand why, but it wasn't very helpful.

      Easier than the dentists?? Mmm we'll see....

  • philip80747
    philip80747 angela61719

    Posted

    Hi Angela seems like the group have sorted out most of your concerns, do not cancel your scheduled op , I am due thr on the 19th of this month, I have been thru the mill wife my wife who was diagnosed with neck and head cancer back in May she has undergone major surgery, chemo and radiotherapy, I wondered how we would manage but you just do with help from others, plan well and just focus on each day, it can be very exhausting and tiring at times and we are still going thru it but things will get better, the people on this site will help they have given me so much inspiration , good luck Phil 

    • angela61719
      angela61719 philip80747

      Posted

      Hi Philip. Thank you for your encouragement. You have been through a dreadful time and your experience makes me feel like a bit of a wimp, though I am very concerned about my husband's eventual diagnosis. I do hope that your wife is making good progress and that your operation goes well.

      Best wishes

      Angela

  • Guest
    Guest angela61719

    Posted

    My partner picked me up from hospital in his car, bit of a struggle but we managed it smile When he was poorly and I couldn't drive we organised ERS Medical through our doctors. They came and picked him up from home and returned him home after his appointment. Don't give up your operation speak to your GP or the receptionist ther help is out there but you have to seek it out smile Love Gill xx
    • angela61719
      angela61719 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Gill. Can I ask what ERS Medical is? This is one I've not heard of before. As I've said above, I'm contacting the GP tomorrow, so they may know about this. I'm concerned that with an endoscopy - which sometimes requires sedation, and which is scheduled for the day after my surgery - my husband will need not only someone to be with him, bring him home, but also stay with him overnight. He really doesn't want me to cancel the operation, and I can see that the best thing is probably to get it done so I can support him later if he needs it.

      Angela

      x

    • ali2301
      ali2301 angela61719

      Posted

      Hi angela,

      While your hubby can't get home under his own steam, I'm not aware of people needing someone to stay with them overnight. My mum had a couple and I always took her home but there was no mention of having to stay with her overnight so I don't think that's necessary. Again this is something that they should be able to clear up with a call to endoscopy where he is having the procedure.

      Good luck.

      Ali xx

    • angela61719
      angela61719 ali2301

      Posted

      Hi Ali,

      We were specifically told by the endoscopy department that he would need someone to stay overnight, as well, of course, to accompany him home, and that they would not use sedation without that assurance. It seems overkill, but they are insisting. We are just hoping he can tolerate the procedure without the sedation - though he's dreading it.

      Thanks

      Angela

    • ali2301
      ali2301 angela61719

      Posted

      Oh dear,

      I guess all surgeons/department have their own protocols and I think it is a little overkill too but tbh I wouldn't like to have it without sedation although I know that some people do manage perfectly well without sedation. Is there a friend he could stay with overnight? Depending on the sister in charge on your ward they might even have been happy to put him a recliner or comfy chair in your room with you. I've seen it happen on more tha one occasion.

      Anyway I hope you get all sorted and all your worries regarding logistics sorted. Then you can both get on with the job of getting your strength back.

      Ali xx

       

    • Guest
      Guest angela61719

      Posted

      They are a company engaged by the NHS for non emergency ambulance service. They are available from your GP, they should be able to tell you who runs in your area I'm in Norfolk.
    • angela61719
      angela61719 ali2301

      Posted

      Thanks Ali (again!). I'm hoping that he can indeed manage without sedation, but he is dreading it. If he were going to be in the same hospital, we might be able to arrange something, but it's a different one. We're hoping against hope that one of our sons may be able to help us out. They are both under lots of pressure themselves - both within the NHS,  and we really don't want to put them on the spot, but that would help enormously.
    • angela61719
      angela61719 Guest

      Posted

      Thanks Gill. I've tried both the GP and the hospital - nothing doing. The GP can't do it and the hospital won't. This is Hull and East Riding.
    • ali2301
      ali2301 angela61719

      Posted

      That's disgraceful! Just how do they expect you to get home??

      Ring the hospital where you are having your surgery and ask to speak to PALS (patient liaison service) and explain your situation. If they can't sort you out with transport I'll show my bare behind in front of Buck House lol.

      We will get there 😊 

      Ali xx

    • angela61719
      angela61719 ali2301

      Posted

      Hi Ali,

      I'm immensely touched by your outrage, and in stitches at your threat!! So much kindness from complete strangers on this forum. I will take up your latest suggestion, though couldn't face doing it today - I'd had enough of explaining our situation to all and sundry over the phone.

      I hope, meanwhile, that your recovery is progressing apace.

      Angela

      xxx

Back to top
Prev Next

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.