Having Bilateral Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Dear Joyce,

What you are experiencing is perfectly normal...ifyou read back on this forum, 99.9% of us all felt as you do, with all the worries and anxiety, BUT, when we hear from you after your surgery you will tell us as diffcult as it was, it was worth it....I'm sure you will get lots of support and advice in the next day .....

p.s.  there also have been quite a few that have had bilateral, so you will hear first hand how their recovery was

Hi Joyce!

I had my THR done laterally. I was more scared than you and afterwards, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I'm now 6 months out and I still have some pain from the surgery but NO OA pain!!!

I had an epidural with sedation as my anesthesia.

You just have to learn to be patient with yourself and listen to your doctor. 

Dear Joyce -

welcome to our wonderful hippies family ... 

Unfortunately noone can tell you what to really expect, except for the obvious...

I had 2 THR surgeries done within 6 months time, so not much help here - 

Do you have good support at home ? 

I was very anxious before my 2nd THR and my GP prescribed anti anxiety medication ... it really helped me .. took the edge of ...

Please tell us about these fears or dreams ,,, sometimes just to share them, write them down, is freeing ...therapeutic I would say

big warm hug

renee

 

Hi Joyce and welcome. I too remember how I felt before my RTHR which I had done in May this year. I desperately wanted it done but I didn't. I didn't have bad dreams but I was certainly apprehensive. Now 4 months down the line I am a different person no more hip pain and starting to get my life back on track. This forum played a huge part in my recovery, so use it Joyce there is always someone here to chat with and more importantly understand how you are feeling. Good luck for the 8th and I look forward to hearing how you are progressing. Take care xx

Dear Joyce,

I understand how you feel as I was in exactly the same situation a year ago. But I was in such pain, and had such limited mobility, that I felt nothing could make things worse! Apart from some stiffness when bending, I am now pain-free and have my life back to where it was four years ago. I think recovery tends to be slower after a bilateral, but you get there in the end. You just need a lot of patience and confidence that the surgeons believe that this is the right way forward for you, and that you are physically and mentally able to cope with the longer recovery time. i had a general anasthetic, which I think is usual given the length of the operation, knew nothing, came round four hours later feeling totally alert and suffered no side-effects. You will not be allowed to leave hospital until the physios and OTs judge that you can cope with basic self-care, getting in and out of bed, climbing steps, etc., and believe me you will master all these within a few days. Once home, you will probably need some support, not least because you will be very tired, but this should be discussed with you and practical arrangements put in place. You will be given the aids you need or can borrow from the Red Cross. I found on-going physio invaluable in biulding confidence as well as strength. I was able to drive after 7 weeks, which was a great boon after a long period of dependence on others. Anything else I can help with, please ask!

All the best,

Maidlin

Hi Joyce

you are not alone.  I have had many operations under general anesthetic and although nervous not petrified like I was for my hip op.  In fact the anesthetist said "you look like a rabbit in the headlights, scared out of your wits".  I almost pulled out of my op due to hearing people tell me " I was awake all the time etc etc.  My own doctor said you will probably hear the drilling!!!!   My husband encouraged me to have the op and I said to the anaesthetist that I didn't want to hear it, smell it or see it!  She out the epidural into my back which I slightly felt ... Then.  Nothing"........... I woke up in bed.

so I would say make sure you tell the staff about your fears.  If your blood pressure is sky high it does not help the operation.

Talking and being on this site has highlighted that one if the major fears in this op is the s

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Anesthetic. Which can be sorted!

good luck

hilary

 

Hi Joyce and welcome. What is the you are fearing? The anaesthetic? Having both done together? That it won't work? Pain after surgery? The recovery stage at home? Physio? If you can be specific with your fears this group could help you with them one by one. It may be that you could ask your surgeon for the things that could make it better.

It is daunting but also one of the most successful surgeries performed in terms of improvement in quality of life. Concentrating on what will be better when you've done it can also help soothe the anxiety.

Im having mine in november, just keep cryin, will bepratically on my own after 3 weeks tell me i will be ok like you joyce i am having  nightmares.

sue

Hello Joyce

I had been waiting 4 years before the pain got so bad I couldn't bare it any more.

I had my first of two hips done in April this year. I hate hospitals and have a cronic needle phobia. I still got my left hip done because the staff and operating team were so understanding. They found a way of getting the needle into my hand and I didn't feel a thing.

I am now facing having the second hiop done. even though the last one is a sucsess I am again scared and worrtied because I had loads of problems. This time though the right hip has collaped so it will be a releaf to have it done. the pain is worse than before I had the left one done. I promise you won't regret it. Just don't hold back on any questions and make sure the staff are aware of your needs if you don't tell them that will make your experience uncomfortable. So if your in pain after the op make sure you take your meds or ask for them when youy need them don't suffer in silience. Good luck.

Dear Joyce

Its just over 6 weeks since I had my Bilat THR. I have no pain, i have not needed painkillers for over 3 weeks now, been driving since week 4 and this afternoon have been gardening in a full squat position. I never thought that my mobility would be this good so soon. I cant compare bilat with unilat but all I can say is that if both hips are shot then 2 at once is the best option!

You will need help for the first 2 weeks but plan ahead and have things to hand. I got an amazing flask from Costco that kept drinks warm for 24 hours - it was a permanent fixture at the side of my bed. Everything takes longer to do at the beginning but you will see the benefits in no time  at all. See your GP regarding your anxiety but take heart you will get your life back sooner than you can imagine. The physios will have you walking within 24 hours and day by day you will see little improvements. Your body will let you know if you have pushed it too far so just take it steady and do little and often.

take care and best wishes

Barbara  xx