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Self referring physio.....

Posted , 11 users are following.

Chloeparrot
Chloeparrot

Like quite a few people I was not automatically offered physio on discharge from the hospital (much to my surprise). Just a booklet which isn't particularly good.

Despite seeing my GP at 8 weeks, and mentioning that I was having some difficulties, nothing was said about receiving physio.

So, imagine my surprise, when on a recent subsequent GP visit, I found out that I could 'self refer' (or in common English - request) physiotherapy.  I duly completed the online form (not difficult, just some fairly ambiguous questions) and started my physiotherapy on Monday.

As I'm now nearly 18 week post op, I'm somewhat miffed that I wasn't made aware of this 'self referral' system.  I could have been receiving needed physio weeks ago!! 

So, if you weren't offered physio, it might be worth investigating to see if your Health Authority is offering it on a 'self referral' basis.

Good luck

3 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

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  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Chloeparrot

    Posted

    Usually physio therapy is included in the heeling process. 

    I am glad you got it sorted out and your surgeon should have told you this in the beginning.

    also if water therapy is available it is very good and much easier to build muscle water resistance training.

    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot hope4cure

      Posted

      It appears to depend (in the UK) which Health Authority you come under. Unfortunately mine does not offer it as a matter of course!cry

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Chloeparrot

      Posted

      If you have access to a heated pool see you tube for THR  water therapy.  Just walking in water and knee bends leg lifts helped for me.

       

  • maureen44782
    maureen44782 Chloeparrot

    Posted

    Good grief!  When so much money has been spent on hip replacement, it seems absolutely crazy that they don't look after you afterwards!

    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot maureen44782

      Posted

      Totally agree Maureen.

      It really is ridiculous that I have had a really expensive op and no automatic follow up!!

    • junegro
      junegro maureen44782

      Posted

      Maureen that is what happened to me, they were not particularly interested in giving me physio as soon as possible, I had to request in, but was delayed due to my knee issue.  unreal I know.  Seems like they do these replacement as quick as possible and discharge you with no after care.  Have to go back to GP for help, very sad in deed/
    • maureen44782
      maureen44782 junegro

      Posted

      It really does seem down to which health authority.  Shocking - there should be a uk wide protocol
    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot maureen44782

      Posted

      I totally agree that there should be a nationwide protocol, but I can't see that happening anytime soon.

  • adamjackman
    adamjackman Chloeparrot

    Posted

    It surprises me how variable the provision of physio can be. I was booked in for physio as soon as my hip was done. So far I have had four half hour sessions. On Wednesday I started a six week hospital gym course, to improve strength and stamina.

    I am now nine weeks post thr and have ten physio sessions. If I still have issues at the end of the gym course, I have been told I will be booked in for more.

    This seems to be the standard approach at my local NHS trust. I haven't had to make use of anything from my health insurance.

  • anna87839
    anna87839 Chloeparrot

    Posted

    Hi Chloe glad your getting the physio you so

    deserve,I myself had to fight for physio I'm 14weeks and go for my 2nd session this week I was

    told you don't get physio after hip replacement

    anymore WHAT I fought for it we need it after

    major surgery good luck with physio I'm having

    a can't sleep or get comfy moment that's why

    I'm writing at 2.17am o man.I wish you well😴

  • Motaung
    Motaung Chloeparrot

    Posted

    Wow that's crazy. As soon as the drugs wore off after surgery, the PT person was there to get me moving. I know that if I don't move around every now and again, I stiffen. This was the case as I had back surgery (fusion of the last 3 vertebrae) and had a different surgeon for that who did not want me to have PT until 6 weeks post. I disobeyed and did the exercises taught to me just so I didn't regress.

    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot Motaung

      Posted

      Hi Motaung Oh yes I had PT whilst I was in hospital - twice a day in fact. My issue is that once I was discharged I received nothing.  I was just issued with a booklet which had pictures and descriptions showing the exercises.

      Not much help really, especially as I found out (eventually) that I was actually not doing all the exercises correctly!

  • renee01952
    renee01952 Chloeparrot

    Posted

    hello chloeparrot , 

    so interesting ... I remember working at a Home health Care Office in Los Angeles and PT was included for 6 weeks in home ..

    I live in Holland since 2014 and was asked at pre-op which physical therapy I was going to use after surgery ... I do have a supplement to my basic health insurance though because I was told I would need more than the 6 that is included ... 

    how are you getting on otherwise darling ?

    big warm hug

    renee

    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee

      Lovely to hear from you.

      I'm getting on ok.  My operated leg is surprisingly weak (it wasn't pre op) and I find that really frustrating.

      Also, being self employed, I had to go back to work very quickly and I have found it difficult getting into a exercise routine - mainly because every day is different (which is good normally, but a bit difficult for routines).

      Oh well, I suppose I'll just have to work out a way......

       

  • barbara76734
    barbara76734 Chloeparrot

    Posted

    thanks for this - I was referred to OT by my surgeon and listening to other people so sorry you had a delay
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