medication /preop

Check that the ward has wi-fi. Mine didn't. If I'd known, I'd have taken a pocket wi-fi with me. You can get them really cheap at supermarkets now. I had a puzzle book that my daughter got me at the hospital kiosk. Finished it within about 12 hours and was then bored witless until I paid for a TV service...

Hi Michael

The hip class is really useful isn't it. One of the ladies I was chatting to when I went was actually in the bed next to me in hospital!

Not everyone has to stop their meds it depends on what they are and if they have any other medical condition. I was on co-codamal before the op and I could still take them. Have you had your pre-op assessment yet as they should tell you then.

Linnet x

Don't stop your any tablets you are on unless you are told too by hospital chemist.

What are you on, I was also on Xarelto, (clot buster, blood thinner), as i had developed a clot a few days before surgery, (surgery cancelled) when I mentioned Dr still had me on a small dosage as pre-caution, in pre-ops class, they hit the roof. I also had to come off that thinner a week before surgery. Husband also recently had kidney stone removed, with sound wave machine, he aslo had to come off his aspirin a week before, and then go straight back on aspirin after surgery.

Only comment I would make as you haven't mentioned it, is if you are on Fish oil capsules, they should be stopped a week before your surgery.

I was told that by the hospital chemist, both times before my hip surgery, didn't like the idea very much, as the fish oil helps my other joints with arthritis, but told it is essential, apparently acts somewhat like a blood thinner.

Regards Painkillers, I was on pain patches, Norpsan, I was in so much pain, they were taken off in the operating theatre, and they asked me the dosage, as a final check, the hospital chemist was aware that I was on them, as well as Panadol Osteo, no way I could have done without my painkillers.

I waited about 10 days between pre-op and surgery. I took a couple of books, didn't even end up reading them, but did read some magazines.

Rest of time, is taken up with sleeping, or dozing, remember you are on alot of painkillers past surgery to keep you comfortable, makes you pretty sleepy, and just the physical exhaustion, remember they have stolen a large chunk of you red blood cell making marrow, takes your body more than a few days to heal that, physios twice a day, nurses coming to check on you, visitors, morning tea trolley, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, its surprsing just how fast the day goes past.

When i go in i plan to take laptop, dvds, colouring set and my phone and ipod. I struggle to concentrate in hospital so it will probs get wasted but still haha. Better to have to much than to little

Sorry michael, If you are a public patient, I am leading you astray, here in Brisbane, hip class, pre-op physio, occupational therapist, chemist, junior Dr, swabs in mouth, just a q-tip, and down below, q-tip to butt, they are trying to find out if your are carrying any really nasty baceteria, ECG, all rolled into a really big day, with about 6- 8 others, chest x-ray ordered up if they think you need it, called one at a time, you are also given booklet about surgery, includes physio exercises post surgery. crutches not given to you until you are on the ward, except me, with second surgery, bring in your previous crutches.

well if my husband is anything to go by you wont have time to be bored.  Once he was awake and feeling ok he was up and walking the same evening as he had the operation midday.  Next day discharged home!    Bit of practice on the ward first to make sure he could do the stairs etc.  Good luck with yours.  Hope they dont keep you waiting.

Hi Michael, 

At my pre-op appointment I had to bring in my medication as well as supplements etc ... when I received my letter with surgery date, the medication I could take and the ones I needed to stop were listed - 

wonderful tips to handle boredom ....I agree with Linnet - physio will be at your bed making you do things,. the lovely people who are asking what you want to drink, lunch, dinner being served - ..... visiting hours ....

in between trying to take naps !!!   

big warm hug - it is getting closer

renee

 

Hi Michael, I didn't have a hip class (I am in Cornwall, UK). The pre-op was aboout 6/8 weeks before my surgery (one last June, 2nd one due in 4 weeks).

The pre-op test results (MRSA etc) can last for about 3 months, I think but they seem to have you in a processing queue.

I was also worried about my pain relief that I take for arthritis all over the place and also take tabs for high blood pressure! I emailed my consultants secretary and she passed on the answers. It depends on what you are taking.

I haven't got any real tips for you as I am one of those annoying people who is never bored. I took sewing, music and colouring but found the days went quite quickly as it takes you about an hour to get to the bathroom and my first shower was a day trip!!