I keep thinking of questions - sorry!

I wouldn't be worried about the age of the surgeon.  Being young he'll know all the latest techniques and anyway, everyone looks young to me these days.  My surgeon looks young to me too.

I believe you can get a leg-lifter.  Not sure how effective they are but I'll be getting one because I'm on my own and will have no-one to lift my leg for me.  I'm sure I'll find a way to manage.

I bought a recliner chair, stupidly I got a manual one and the leg support needs to be pushed down with your legs - not sure if I'll be able to manage it as it's quite stiff.  Idiot me for not giving it enough thought.

As for the rest, I'm pre-op - the same as you so can'lt help.  I think all these thought churn around in your mind - wondering if you can cope with this and that - and I'm sure we all find our own ways. 

My op is supposed to be in March/April, but I reckon we could be having ours at around the same time so we could be hippy twins, yay! 

Cels xxx

One thing I implore you is be careful with your Knee whichever leg it's on!!!!! Mine was two and a half years old ( it was the opposite leg to my hip) and the strain from using that leg more ( coz of hip) and it not being as strong as I thought muscle wise , I damaged it and ended up housebound unable to walk for 12 weeks!!!

The moral of my tale of woe is build up your knee muscles as much as you can before your op!! Etc so you don't do what I did!!

When I had my knee done my surgeon insisted I have 6 weeks intense Physio before my op to prepare the knee muscles in readiness!

I thought when I had my hip done I had nothing to worry about!!

The hip op is a doddle compared to a TKR !! It's so much easier!!

Just go with the flow( you have no choice!) & rest .

Good luck.! Xx

if you get your other 1/2 to bring a hospital chair up to the ward of course you will be able to go outside. 

As for your dog. I know how you feel about that. I was separated from my 3 for 5 weeks and it was awful. I had to send home a t shirt every couple of days via my other 1/2 I had worn  for one of my dogs because she stopped eating and became very withdrawn after she got the first shirt she started eating again and was almost her old self. 

dont worry about all the questions that is what the forum is for. 👍

I have an electric recliner and it makes life so much easier , so definitely consider getting one . The hospital gave me a leg lifter , it really helps with getting in and out of bed , took me a couple of days at home before I could get in and out of bed without my partner helping me lift my leg ( but that's mainly down to not having the courage to move it myself ).

The only thing that might be an issue for attending the wedding is your own energy level , but only you can decide nearer the time .

Warm wishes and give the dog a hug for me

Hilary

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃

No problem ... we are here to answer any question or concern you have - 

Great advice are already posted - 

I really have nothing to add .

My friend took me outside in a wheelchair to get some fresh air (and smoke a cigarette  - more her desire than mine, but still) - Maybe you can have someone wait outside with your puppie ... Not sure if pets are allowed on the ward - 

When everything goes well (and it will), you'll probably go home after 3-4 days - 

7 weeks should be Okay, but as said, it is all up to how you feel - Is it a long drive, an all day affair ?  dancing??????

can't help with the recliner as I didn't have one ...SOunds good to me though !

come back anytime okay 

big warm hug

renee

I am 11 days post op so I can give you my experience.  I had the done at the Spire Murrayfiled in Edinburgh but I was a NHS patient referred privately. For the first 2 days or so I needed someone to lift my operated up for me to get in an out of bed in hospital but after day 3 I could do this myself.  What approach are you getting?  I got a posterior approach which is an old fashioned way of doing this I gather - and to be honest i wsnt very happy with this but I had no choice.  My surgeon was in his late forties I think and I was a little worried as I am relativelry young to be getting this and I had heard that an antorior approach is normally done in younger patients.  However that said it went well but the main damage I have  is to my gluts.  My hamstrings were very sore and weak though as they get manipulated around during surgery but with the physio you get inittially this goes quite quickly.  Keep up the excercsies that is my advice.  Re the wedding of course you can go.  Take a cusion in case the seats are too low or even ask at the venue if they have a slightly higher chair. I am sure they could oblige.

About spending money on a recliner, if you have the money and want to then go ahead.  I didnt get one but I must say the worst thing about the op at the moment for me is not being very comfortable sitting.

Good luck for a speedy recovery and look after yourself.  Will hubby be taking time off when you get back from hospital? xx

Its great to be able to ask (and answer) questions here. You already have some very knowledgable people giving some sage advice.

Surgeons, like policemen, appear to get younger and younger. It must be them!

I had not expected the inability to lift my operated leg. And there are many 'tricks of the trade' such as a long towel or a dressing gown tie (belt) which you can loop around your lower leg to lift with. Well, that was what the nurses told me. I found it easier just to ask my wife  The leg started co-operating after a few days.

Regarding recliners, electric is the only way. I use mine all the time (sometimes all night) and use pillows to elevate my bum to keep within the 90 degree rule. I also use cushions behind my back to help with back ache and getting in/out of the chair. And they are very useful for when you need to rest your eyelids.

I would ask for a wheel chair to get outside and to see your dog. There is clear evidence that human/dog contact is very beneficial. Unless you are a postie.

Finally, if everuthing goes according to plan, the wedding should be fine. Mind you, you may have to resist the urge to breakdance.

Michael