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How Long Did you wait for THR?

Posted , 11 users are following.

ptolemy
ptolemy

How long did people have to wait for their hip replacements? This is a potted version of where I am at the moment, I hope I am not too boring. 

- Two years ago I was in the supermarket and felt faint, the next thing I knew I was flat on the floor surrounded by staff. I then discovered I could not stand by myself, but two burly shop assistants pulled me up and dumped me in a wheelchair. Came home and had terrible pain in top of right thigh.

- Went to an osteopath with GP approval, who worked on my right thigh. She said I might have a vascular problem as I had a heavy leg and it was painful to lift it up, so went to vascular surgeon with GP approval.

- A year ago Vascular surgeon said I had phlebitis in my right thigh and if I did not do something it would get much worse, so I had the main vein in my right leg removed and some little ones. Paid privately for VNUS Closure procedure and sclerotherapy, rather than vein stripping. It did not make a blind bit of difference to the heavy leg and pain, if anything it was worse. 

- Went to physio to try and relief the pain. She said it could be a nicked femoral artery and bursitis.

- Went to GP who referred me to another GP who can do steroid injections. He said it was not bursitis but could be a torn muscle. Suggested I had blood tests.

- GP said there was nothing he could do, but gave me paracetamol. I asked if I could have a scan, he said it would not help. I then said could I see a consultant privately. He gave me a phone number and said phone him.

- Made an appointment with consultant, GP gave consultant a letter saying I was fully mobile, and weight bearing. Minor muscle pain and it was my request to see the consultant! In fact the letter was rubbish. By this time I was in agony and pretty well housebound. 

- This week I saw the consultant, lay on the bed and in five seconds he sad "It's your hip". This was the first time anyone had mentioned the word HIP. 

- Had an x-ray, went back to consultant who said you need a hip replacement NOW or you will be in a wheelchair by Christmas as the whole hip joint is clobbered, he actually used medical terms to say that! I was gobsmacked. 

- I have discovered going privately is very pricey. How long will I have to wait for an operation on the NHS? The consultant is supposed to be writing to my GP. I am not sure what I should say to my GP apart I am not a happy bunny! 

2 likes, 53 replies

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  • CelsB
    CelsB ptolemy

    Posted

    I saw my consultant November 2015 and had it done in March 2016.  I got in on a cancellation though so it may have been longer if not for that.

    I believe NHS guidelines say you should be in within 16 weeks of seeing your cosultant, but of course that isn't set in stone.  There is a waiting list number you can ring, they should be able to give you some idea.  I got the number from my consultant's secretary.  You should get a copy of the letter your consultant sends to your GP.

    Good luck.

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy CelsB

      Posted

      That is reaaly useful to know, thanks.
  • Janilamour
    Janilamour ptolemy

    Posted

    Hi, the waiting time for the NHS should be no longer than 18 weeks. However that doesn't mean that you might have to wait that time.

    I was diagnosed in the December 15 and had my replacement in April 16. I am now 10 weeks post op. I know how you you must be feeling and it's not very nice. You need to rest but you are probably in a lot of pain even when resting. I used to heat up a wheat bag and place it over my sore hip and it used to help. Too many painkillers used to make me very woozy. It is a difficult time and you have unfortunately not had good advice from the professionals, leading up to your final diagnosis. I hope you will hear soon and perhaps if you know your consultants name, phone his secretary to see how long on the list you are. Best wishes xxx

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy Janilamour

      Posted

      Thanks Janilamour, that is good to know. I don't have a consultant yet as the guy I saw was private, as my GP would not refer me. I have a telephone call booked with my GP for Monday, to actually see him is over four weeks! I also have PMR which means I am on long term steroids which may cause problems, which is a bit if a pain, no pum intended. I have one of those wheat bags that I use to relief the PMR symptoms, it is a bit the worse for wear since I spilt orange juice all over it though.
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