Please talk some sense into me..

Posted , 23 users are following.

I am getting really confused and could with some advice. My surgery is booked in two and a half weeks and I am having huge second thoughts. 

I am 43 with children and I have already had one THP! So you would think I would be much more decisive than I am. Please tell me at what stage did you have your THP:

I can not get out of a chair properly, I struggle to get in and out of car (it is quite big) I can't really shop because I can't walk far and fear I will run out of time and my hip will lock up. I can't exercise because it hurts too much. I can get up and down the stairs much more easily if I have had a quiet day. I finding sitting or standing too long quite sore. Lying down is the worst so I am struggling to sleep well.

On the upside I can still walk, I don't limp until the early evening and if I reduce my activities down to very little it still hurts, but it is not unbearable like it can be. I am still alive and well and if I do very little I can get by. Maybe I could even live like this for quite a while.

What do I do? Shall I put off the surgery until I can no longer bear to walk at all (this is what I want to do, but don't want a disorderly operation as I need to be organised with the children) and then I will be glad to go. Or shall I just go in a few weeks and get it over with.

I acknowledge I am (very) fearful of this operation and it is clouding my judgement. 

2 likes, 68 replies

68 Replies

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  • Posted

    Why do very little at 43 when you can get this hip fixed and live well. And why have one shiny new hip and one that is so limiting your life. Get it done and you will be glad. I am having my second soon and am doing the same second guessing lol
    • Posted

      I have had the right hip done and glax it is over. My leg seem to be longer than the left but family said something about an extension was done. I go to doctor tomorrow to find out. I have not started PT yet. I was told not to do weihht bearing on surgical side. I start to pain close to 30 minutes before the 4 hours mark to take meds. I am feeling better day by day.
    • Posted

      Strange because both replacements required full weight bearing the day following my surgery.

      Cheers Richard

    • Posted

      Required full weight bearing? My doctor limited me for a few weeks after surgery. My pups were not happy when I wouldn't pick them up.

    • Posted

      Full weight bearing starting the morning after the surgery. I understood that in the UK where I live that this was normal. There are bound to be situations where this may not be appropriate but I'm talking of normal cases.

      Good luck, Richard

    • Posted

      Of course now, at 8 months post THR. not an issue. I do, however, avoid it when my dear husband will lift something heavy.
    • Posted

      I am glad I am not the only one. I am really struggling. I am amazed I feel this way it is my second after all. This week hasn't been easy as I have been in hospital this week with a blood clot. 

      When is your next THP?

    • Posted

      I still am not allowed full weight baring on right side but when I had my left hip in January there were only the required restrictions. I will start PT soon and they will let me know. I wish you all well. My strength is coming better and can move that side much better. I have difficulty sleeping in bed and chair some times. I am thankful this time seems to be much better. I have more energy, no swelling just itching. My blood pressure has not elevated at all. I still have slight leg discrepancy but this Friday will be 2 weeks pos-op. So far so good. I hope andvpray every one will be strong soon.
  • Posted

    Thanks and now today would have been first post-op appointment nut had to cancel. My daughter's husband brother died of massive heart attack. I had to reschedule.

    • Posted

      I am so very sorry for you and your family. You must reschedule though ASAP. It Is very important your surgeon sees you, especially with the leg discrepancy issue, and I would have thought you should’ve been doing PT by now .

      good luck

  • Posted

    Rose, I felt exactly like you for about a month before my thr!

    Convinced myself that I was much better and that maybe

    i didn't need the op after all!

    I was kidding myself....it's normal to be like this said my GP. Panic sets in and we are naturallu afraid of what lies ahead!

    I had my hip three weeks ago, and honestly it's the best thing

    I've done. Down to one crutch/walking stick already! No pain like before the op - obviously do have pain but it's a different pain, because your muscle has been cut to get at the hip joint, but honestly it's bearable and all I am taking now are paracetamols! 

    Go for it! I'm certainly glad I did! Good luck, and let me know how

    You get on! 👍🏼😊

    Pat xx by the way I am 60 yrs young and very active! (Have a retriever that needs lots of walks!)

    • Posted

      Yes maybe the panic is setting in. I keep telling myself I am okay. I am limping like hell. My other hip is now really hurting. I am sorry to say I am getting into a bit of a state.

      I have started planning holidays instead of my THP I am that desperate to avoid it. 

      Thank you for your posts, I feel extremely lost and alone 

  • Posted

    See my post above. Do this! You're still a youngster. And the longer you walk with pain, the more bad walking habits you'll develop to compensate. I was waiting for my surgery for 7 months, and my walking form is now my biggest problem.

    • Posted

      If I had been cancelling this operation one date after another as I am so worried. I wish I wasn't. I know I will be happy when it is done, but I am honestly so seriously anxious.

    • Posted

      There is really nothing to worry about. You will be amazed how well you can move around after the op. My sister came to stay for a week and decided to spring clean the house, so any idea of me resting went to the dogs! She took me out to lunch the day after I got home as well. 

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