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Post-Op Left Hip Conversion to THR

Posted , 13 users are following.

pammyw
pammyw

Evening everyone

Thanks so much for all your messages of support.  This is the first time I've been on this site since my op on Friday 15 April 2016.

Anyway, all went well.  I had a spinal (they put me out first because I was scared of having a needle in my back).  I think I must have only been in theatre for just under 3 hours, because I went down at 1:45 pm and was being woken up in recovery at 4.45 pm.  I did think revision was going to be a lot longer, but it wasn't the case for me.  I was told that the hip resurfacing implant had to come out because the smaller part was wobbly and just moving about, hence all the pain I was in!  Plus there was some fluid that had to be sent to the labs for testing, hence I was put on antibiotics until the results came back (lucky clear).

I had to have a catheter on the Friday night because I had trouble trying to 'wee'!  They said they didn't want me to go more than eight hours and I was having so much difficulty (also having to use bedpans)!.

The staff were so lovely all the time I was in hospital.  A much better experience than my two previous hip operations, where the staff pretty much made me feel like I was a nuisance.  I do understand how short-staffed they were, but there was no need to be made to feel like rubbish when you feel rough after an operation.

I came out on Tuesday evening.  I really had trouble getting into the car at hospital then getting home, could hardly get out of the car, plus because I was having bladder problems, well, you can imagine!

All is progressing well and I am trying to exercise as much as possible, rest as much as possible, etc, and not to over-do things.  I feel quite well in myself.

One question I would like to ask is that the hospital gave me my discharge medication which will be running out in two days time, but on my paperwork, it says that the GP does not need to continue with a repeat prescripton for most of the meds.  I am on paracetamol, codeine phosphate and ibuprofen.  I phoned my doctor's today about a repeat prescription for these, but they say they won't be doing one because the hospital have not requested one.  Surely, you cannot just stop taking all the painkillers in one go once all the boxes are empty.  The doctor's receptionist said that I should see how I go after they run out and if that if I am in pain, to phone them for a prescription review. 

Obviously, I don't want to keep taking the meds but worry what the pain wihen they run out in two days time.  What do other people think and what is their experience on this?

Very best wishes to everyone and your continued recoveries. 

Lots of love and hugs from Pammyw.  xxx

 

4 likes, 26 replies

26 Replies

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  • AnnieK
    AnnieK pammyw

    Posted

    That was horrid advice from the receptionist. She is not a medical professional! She has not had a THR! Certainly you should have all your pain meds so that you can take them round the clock and stay on top of the pain. Otherwise it can be so much worse. I hope you immediately call everywhere you can, make a loud noise, and make sure that you get your medications! Many of us are on opioids for weeks and weeks. I had them for 5 weeks, including tapering off time. Whoever is responsible for this situation should not have put you in this mess. So sorry!
  • angela1988
    angela1988 pammyw

    Posted

    Hi pam.

    I was just given 5days post discharge meds and got gp review.

    Some were continued as she agreed that you cannot go from all to nothing.

    I find two weeks on needing less naturally.

    Ask for gp consultation

  • Lorna020247
    Lorna020247 pammyw

    Posted

    Hi Pam y, Sorry to hear this my GP had no probs giving prescription as soon as reception new just had hip op they said not a problem.  As Annie says they should realise it's not a picnic and you need pain meds,  IHAVE reduced mine as I am 10 months in but had couple of problems so still need a couple a day for a while longer.  Do so hope you get on okay can you send partner or friend to GP reception and pick up prescription for you make a big fuss so sorry you have this to worry about.    

    VERY BEST OF LUCK HOPE YOU GET SOME AND GLAD OP WENT OKAY.

    Regards Lorna x

     

  • bini31328
    bini31328 pammyw

    Posted

    Exactly same scenario as you - conversion from failed resurfacing to THR - I'm 7 weeks post op - buying my own paracetamol and ibuprofen but still taking codeine 15mg - only taking a dose each morning but yes still needed ! Spoke with practice nurse at GP,s who arranged script for codeine . Would suggest you need a discussion with GP as the response you got was unfair and unrealistic ! Good luck with everything xxxxx

  • Meg1216
    Meg1216 pammyw

    Posted

    yep that was the same advice I was given . My follow up w surgeon was on the 11 day after surgery and they gave me meds to last 4 days. When I called they told me to stay with my pre-op prescription and if I needed soemthing else to talk to the Dr when I came in. So a week w/ out " the good meds". When I told him I was walking w the walker but having groin pain,he gave me a prescription for the med.I only take as needed so its been 1 a day instead of 1 2-3 xs a day
  • renee01952
    renee01952 pammyw

    Posted

    Hi Pammy, 

    Weird ... why don't they write a refill ? Are these meds included in your insurance ? I am just asking, because I had many surprises about this not knowing the system here in Holland ... 

    I don't understand why your GP won't prescribe you the medication ? DId you talk to him personally ?

    Good luck darling - and let us know how you are getting on okay?

    big warm hug

    renee

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK renee01952

      Posted

      Here in the US they are not allowed to give refills for opioids. A new prescription must be written each time, and they cannot be sent to the pharmacy, but must be picked up by the patient or patient representative from the doctor's office.
    • renee01952
      renee01952 AnnieK

      Posted

      You are right, Annie ..didn't realize that we'Re talking about opioid. .

    • bini31328
      bini31328 renee01952

      Posted

      Same here in UK , opiates are usually under the controlled drug classification so there are strict rules around prescribing - which doesnt mean your GP cant write a new prescription if you need them but usually has to see you to be sure they are justified xx
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK bini31328

      Posted

      There's still no reason for the receptionist to put you off and not be helpful and offer you an appointment to get your pain relief.

      Pain is not good - it doesn't help you recover.

      Graham - 🚀💃

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK renee01952

      Posted

      I don't know for sure if she IS talking about opioids, but is there any other kind of strong pain med that helps in the early weeks? I just assumed...
    • AnnieK
      AnnieK bini31328

      Posted

      This may be true for chronic pain type issues, but in the first few weeks post-surgery, you don't have to be seen, at least in my surgeon's practice here in the US. You had hip replacement, they KNOW you need them!
    • bini31328
      bini31328 AnnieK

      Posted

      In the UK you are back with your GP ( family doctor) once discharged from hospital so its up to the GP to prescribe painkillers once the hospital TTO,s  ( To Take  Out ) have been used up - most hospitals (NHS) are only allowed to give you one or two weeks supply ( im not sure what current rule is but its no more than 2 weeks) - that enables the hospital to maintain its pharmacy budget in limits . Further prescriptions from GP comes from the community pharmacy budget . Regardless , as others have said NOONE should be in pain and if over the counter meds ( paracetamol / ibuprofen etc) are not enough then GP,s shouldnt be refusing to prescribe ( although I think its usually the receptionist gatekeeping rather than the actual GP) . If you need higher level psinkillers they will usually be opiate based ie codeine , dihydracodeine , codydramol, morphine, diamorphine, teamadol  oramorph etc etc etc to name but a few ! Maybe works better in US where you stay under your surgeons practice for everything  
    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 AnnieK

      Posted

      Yes, I did not need to see my doctor, they knew I had just had THR.
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