Hip replacement next week and frankly terrified

Hi Yvonne, I am over 2 weeks post THR. I am 53. I can reassure you on the spinal block. I had this and was scared too. But honestly it was fine. You won't be awake and aware of whats going on as you will have sedation to relax you. It is so much better than GA as you will recover quickly. I didn't remember anything about the op. I am also on my own but have sisters nearby. I voiced concern over the stockings as I couldn't get them on and off by myself but have been told to keep them on for 6 weeks. I would stress to the hospital that you won't have help with them etc.

Wishing you every success.

Sarah

Hi Yvonne, contact your surgeon's secretary with a list of your questions and they should get back to you without delay.

If you would prefer to be sedated during the operation, tell them. The spinal helps with the speed of recovery.

Generally you would not be discharged to your own home alone without someone with you. Depending on your circumstances, they may keep you in hospital for a night or two more, then you would be discharged into the care of the district nurses, who would help you with your blood thinning injections, if your surgeon is prescribing them for you. They also should supply you with telephone numbers to call if anything concerns you.

Make sure you have food in that is easy to throw together and pots and pans in easy reach.

I'm 50, I was discharged on the day of my operation. My daughter stayed with me overnight, but I got up the next morning and made my own breakfast, while she was still asleep. Occupational health provided me with a commode to have by my bed and social services, because I am on a low income, provided me with perching stools for in the kitchen and bathroom, raised toilet seats for both loos, a board for over my bath so I can shower, a litter picker, to prevent bending (invaluable for doing laundry!), and a long handled shoe horn. I bought elasticated laces for my shoes, a sock putteronner and a long handled bath brush.

You should be invited to attend hip class before your operation, where the physio will run through all the does and don'ts beforehand.

I am 3 weeks post op today. On day 4 I caught a bus to work, all by myself to give them my sick note. I regretted in the evening as I was a bit sore from the bumpy ride and then I caught a stinking cold with hot and cold shivers. I convinced myself I had a DVT and called the district nurses, who came out and reassured me I was fine. I had the staples out at 2 weeks and tomorrow I go to the gym on a gym referral from my GP.

I work in healthcare, and even I had a wobbly moment a few days before the op, but it has given me a new lease of life. I am going to have the other side done in a few months and I am so looking forward to it.

Best of luck with your operation and recovery. Everyone heals at their own rate. Some people fly, some people take a while to feel the benefit.

Yvonne, I think the surgery will be the last thing to worry about! I had general anesthesia the first time and it was horrible. I couldn't wake up! With my second hip replacement I insisted on a spinal and it was much better. No, I would not want to know what was going on either, but I was totally unaware of anything. Do you have anyone who will be helping you when you get home? I know others on this group have managed alone, but it is so much better to have some help. Here in the US we do not wear the compression hose at all following hip replacement. I can imagine they would be very difficult to put on by yourself. I think the first few nights of having to get out of bed to use the bathroom were the trickiest times. I had a walker and an elevated toilet seat, but my husband did stand by to help me get up and moving.

Hi Yvonne. I had a spinal only. Great experience. Recovered quickly. Having that op was one of my best ever decisions. No pain after 3 days and for 10 months now. No need to worry. For my part and when I look back, the op was enjoyable and I am glad I never had the anaesthetic. You will be fine and very best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dave

HI Yvonne. i feel your fears are grounded and understandable. i am 52, 4 weeks post op. i needed my husband and mum and dad for the first two weeks. i didnt need the stockings as my surgeon didnt believe in them. i injected anti coagulant for ten days, now aspirin for a month. I could get to the loo straight away on crutches, so that helped. for the first week, i needed help with socks, pants, meals and household tasks. i can now use a sock aid and my grabber to dress. can only get slip on shoes on unaided. my mum and dad pick me up and take me to theirs to have a shower as i cant yet use my shower over bath.

i came out of hospital after three days, not one. This felt ok. you can get help from social care and the hospital can contact them for you. you can also self refer and tell them all the things you are worried about. you could have carers for some things.

the hospital SHOULD NOT let you home if you cant manage with no one at home, they have a duty to make sure you are safe, so dont be afraid to speak up.

i had the spinal along with a sedative and i slept like a baby through most of it. if i did wake, it felt like i was a little drunk and was quite pleasant. didnt feel a thing.

take care and try to get some help for afterwards is my advice. if that is carers, then why not, thats their job. i would speak to local social care about costs etc but you safety and wellbeing should be paramount. kay.

Before the op get plenty of food in etc. move any rugs that you might trip over. get a night light or lamp in your bedroom so you're not trying to walk about in the dark. move things so you can reach them without bending over too far. keep your mobile phone with you at all times. seats should be high enough so that you knees are no higher than your hips. have you a foot rest to put your leg up. you'll be tired so take afternoon naps laying on your back on your bed.

i spent 3 days in hospital and 2 in a private hospital before going home. i live alone too. i'm 56.

hope it goes well. Lisa.

Hello I agree with all regarding general anasthetic and a spinal. I've had both hips replaced and spinal is great. I did momentarily wake when I was in theatre but soon dropped back off to sleep again because I was sedated. Hospitals have a duty of care to make sure you're going to be safe when you go home. I would prepare yourself for a few extra nights in hospital. You have to prove that you can get upstairs...if you have them...safely. you also need to be able to get to the toilet safely but they will provide you with aids. I would fill my freezer with ready meals and make sure that I had enough food etc in for s couple of weeks. You are bound to be a bit sore for a few days so take your painkillers if you need them. Good luck

I find it sad that you have not been reassured by the hospital.

Spinal anaesthetic is the best, but there is no reason I can think of that you should not be able to have sedation with it - that will knock you our so you don't see or hear anything.

Discharge these days is very quick, but always dependent on your progress.

Many people manage to cope with the recovery alone, it's not easy, but is 'doable'. Always carry a mobile phone with you if you are likely to get stuck.

Compression stockings aren't easy to get on with, like others I left them on for many days at a time.

There are many tips on my website - the address is in my personal info here ...

https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Yvonne, you shouldn't worry too much. There is really very little pain. They will have you up soon after you wake up. This part isn't very comfortable but it won't be long and it's necessary for recovery. Not the hip but for you to get moving. My memory isn't as good as it could be because my hip joint was first done over 20 years ago. I didn't change my life style at all. It's the largest bone in your body and it's strong. Thousands of people do this every year. You will be fine. They give you things to help with the stockings and getting up and going to the bathroom will be uncomfortable for a few days but not that bad. By the way I just had revision surgery on mine, after 20+ years. Not that bad. Long recovery though. Oh and you wont be awake during surgery. I always ask for some medicine with the anesthesia prevent nausea after waking.