Re hip replacement

I'm now 6 weeks post op and i didn't have a catheter, I'm not sure that everyone gets one unless it varies from hospital to hospital xx

Hi sylvia, i had my op. on left hip just under 4 weeks ago and i didnt actually have a catheter, they dont always bother with them these days, depends where in the world you are, i am in England, i did need a pee shortly after the op. and they gave me a bed pan, was slightly difficult to go because i was still numb in that area, but i managed by pushing down on my bladder area, result !, you can also ask for a bladder scan to see how full you are, i think each hospital have there own mrthods, but im sure if you said you didnt want one they would oblige, good luck, chris

Hi Sylvia,   the secret is to insist that a qualified  nurse inserts the catheter!  Some kind of auxiliary TRIED to insert mine, putting it first in my vagina,  then trying again until I was crying, when she finally went to get someone else to do it.

My hospital only uses them if you can't pass urine post-op.  I've now had a THR and a TKR with spinal and no catheter. Only one of the people in my bay ever had one and that only overnight. There was one older lady down the ward who had one but she was rehabbing very slowly and had other health problems.

It is a possibility, I get the impression that if you can't pass urine then the catheter comes as a relief.

Good luck when you go in for surgery

I just had a THR Sylvia and several people on the ward with me; as well as some friends previously too. None had any catheter inserted other than an anti-biotic drip for 24 hours while still on the ward. Are you sure you will need one?

Couple of tips I found mega-useful:- (Others will have plenty more I'm sure!!)

Use extention leads to make sure all plugs in your house are at waist level, esp. if you live alone.

Buy a plumbers belt (or money belt) with lots of pouches to put items in while walking around as carrying anything - even smal litems - in your hand while using crutches is very tricky.

Wrap cling film round your operation dressing to keep it dry while showering

Before you go to bd every night, have a check list of things you might need in the night and make sure they are next to your bed and easly accessible.

Almost all of us experience sitting difficulities through bruising. Have really good cushions available.

Buy TWO "grabbits"  so you have one in one area of the home and one in another, cos they are always in the wrong room when you drop something!!

However uncomfortable, be as active as possible (sensibly) as soon as possible or you will stiffen up badly.

Good Luck

John

I think another reason they use catheters is so they can monitor how well your kidneys etc are functioning after the op. I did have one for the first day, and as I glug water all the time and pee a lot, found it helpful! Afterwards, wrhen I had asked for yet another bedpan for a pee , the nurse said Well, nothing wrong with YOUR kidneys is there! in a slightly harrassed voice. But if you are prone to infections, and that is the last thing you want with a brand new hip, let them know - they don't want you to have an infection either.

Hi Sylvia. Am now almost 4 weeks post op. I did not have a catheter. The hospital I had my op in does not use them routinely due to the risk of infection. Also did not have surgical stockings. Was allowed to have shower etc. I think each surgeon has their own preference. Good luck.