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I am due a hip replacement

Posted , 16 users are following.

vanessa88276
vanessa88276

I am due a hip replacement as my arthritis is painful .I am having the right hip done first as that one is the worst .I am in constant pain and can't wait but at the same time I am scared stiff about the operation.... Does anyone have any comforting words or advice please would be very grateful as am very anxious about surgery :-( x

3 likes, 74 replies

74 Replies

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  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 vanessa88276

    Posted

    As a fellow hippie one of the most useful items you can have, probably have to make it up yourself, ask the hospital if they supply, as you don't need two. Its a piece of broom handle about 18 inches long, with a cup hook screwed in the end. and a cord on the other end for hanging up on wrist when needed, or over your crutches. Pants pull-er-upper is one of the first uses for it in the hospital, as you cannot reach down enough to get your undies on without help, you get really good using it after a few times practice, and then find another dozen uses for it. breaking the 90 degree rule, gives you so much extra independence. I was lucky the hospital here makes them up for hippies, in the carpentry workshop.
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK lyn1951

      Posted

      Yes, I would never have believed getting dressed was so hard.  I used my sticks reversed for dressing - they have L shaped handles, just slip them under the offending garment and hoist up.

      Graham

       

    • sue1957Geo
      sue1957Geo Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      I am lucky i have my sister to help me bottom half in getting dressed, my hardest is getting into bed, i push myself bckwards Nd seem to get stuck...oh the joys of hip replacements....rolleyes
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK sue1957Geo

      Posted

      For getting into bed, I have developed my own style - I press my feet together and hoist them up together, I find the good one helps raise the other one up.

      Then just use them together again (along with my arms) to lift my backside up, and swivel straight in bed.

      Let me know how you get on lol

      Regards

      Graham

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      I just said to my wife, how odd it is, here I sit next to my wife, advising a lovely lady how to get into bed biggrin.

      In any other context this would be so wrong, but in this forum, the advice is given and taken in good faith.

      What a wonderful forum this is.

      Best regards to all

      Graham

    • lyn1951
      lyn1951 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Rocketman - tried to explain the other day, and made a mess of it, Your method sounds similar to mine, you turn the getting on the bed into one action instead of two or three.  You will understand when I say, stand back on to the bed, and "throw" yourself backwards shoulders down first, if possible, and lift your feet together all at the same time. Imagine you are a seven year old kid, you do bounce a little depending on bed. I showed them in the hospital, and nurse said I don't think we will be teaching 80 year old to do that, although she was impressed, and she noticed I did not need help getting in and out of bed. Be careful with wall behind you, and or bedside table, you do not want to hit your head.
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK lyn1951

      Posted

      sounds similar, except that I take it much more slowly - I sit down on the edge first, then just 'pair' my legs up together, then lift and swing in one go.

      Adjust position, and there you are.

      As you say, not for the over 80's, and don't want to bang into anything/anyone.

    • cathie38426
      cathie38426 lyn1951

      Posted

      To Lyn and rocketman, 

      hang on there, change 80 year olds 

      to 90 year olds please. I have swung both legs into bed from day 1

      post op returning home day, and I bet most 79 year old hippies

      can do it. We are the new 60 year olds.

      If you read their posts they come home and look after themselves

      with little or no help. 

      Here's to the older hippies, tell us what you can do.

      Cathie

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK cathie38426

      Posted

      Cathie,

      Good for you smile, I am sure neither of us meant to restrict this method to us youngsters lol.  It is amazing how some people can just cope with anything thrown at them, but then they have been through greater hardships in the 1930's and 40's than those of us born in the second half of the 20th century.

      Regards

      Graham

    • cathie38426
      cathie38426 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      You are correct, we were underfed, with dads at war,

      not much money, outside loos, but I wouldn't swap it

      for my grandchildrens life.

      I hope your wife appreciates you, and I was only joking,

      but there are some tough hippies, my 94 year old 

      neighbour was a kinder transport child, 2 hips, 1 knee

      and cancer in the last 6 years.

      Cathie

  • renee01952
    renee01952 vanessa88276

    Posted

    Hi Vanessa,

    Great that you found us and as you can see, so many beautiful responses and tips already given ..

    I had two THR surgeries and both times requested General Anesthesia - I did not want to hear or smell anything - not even a little pull, nothing .. I took a deep breath, next I opened my eyes and was done ... Surgery usually takes about 2 hours ... I had no side effects, just woozy - no catheter or numbness in leg - pain controlled with medication ...

    Do you already have a date for your surgery?

    Come back any time when you have questions or concerns - 

    big warm hug

    renee

    • carolann
      carolann renee01952

      Posted

      Hi I am due to to have my hips done said will be just before or just after Christmas. I have to see consultant again as was due to have surgery 2 yrs ago papers were mislaid I just thought was waiting list . I am worried about spinal so much so unless I can have a general I won't have it done. So keep fingers crossed for me
    • cathie38426
      cathie38426 carolann

      Posted

      I have had both, don't worry they are both ok,

      G.A. Or spinal.

      I wasn't consulted either time.

      Cathie

    • ginger54698
      ginger54698 carolann

      Posted

      I had spinal - I was also freaked out- but it was totally fine. I don't remember anything- and recovery was a breeze smile
    • renee01952
      renee01952 carolann

      Posted

      Hi carolann, 

      That is not good honey ... you do have a choice, right and if that is general they have to  give you general --- 

      So sorry that they put you through all this - 

      please let us know when you have the date, okay and try not too worry too much about the anesthesia (I know, easier said than done)

      big warm hug

      renee

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