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Staples or stitches??

Posted , 9 users are following.

ann19982
ann19982

so many of you talk about staples.  I only had one long stitch. Wonder why different surgeons do different things. You would think that with a routine operation all would be the same in the Uk.  I live in Surrey.  Wonder which method causes less scarring and is quicker to heal.  Stitches out on day 14 and no showering till then.  Think the staples must be more painful. Bet it hurts to have them out. My wound still tender but quite neat. 

 

2 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • mic71403
    mic71403 ann19982

    Posted

    Hi Ann,

    And to add to this -

    Why did I have, thankfully, have no elasticaticated stockings but junior asprin instead?

    Why no physio after op at all, when some folk have?

    Why me told squats & baths were OK after 6 weeks and others not?

    As you say, it's aroutine operation!

    Mic

    x

    • ann19982
      ann19982 mic71403

      Posted

      Me no socks either my surgeon said there was not enough evidence to support their use. Have daily aspirin for 4 weeks. Physio twice a day while in hospital and matched to my style of home. For me I had to prove I could manage a flight of stairs with crutches as well the necessary exercises before being signed off by their department. this of course gave me confidence when I returned home on day 4. All this on the NHS.
    • amanda03012
      amanda03012 ann19982

      Posted

      Hi Ann, I had no stitches either just one long stitch with steri strips and no shower tillthis was out. I am 6 weeks post op on Saturday and told today I can try a bath and try moving my leg to 90 degrees as every day the risks reduce. All surgeons different I agrre and I had mine done in Surrey at The Royal surrey in Guildford.

      To top it off I had to wear surgical stockings for 6 weeks and asprin for 28 days!!!!!

      I had physio just in the hospital.

      x

    • ann19982
      ann19982 amanda03012

      Posted

      Hi Amanda me to at Royal in Surrey but even here there are differences. I was the only one on ward without socks. I am on a 8 week recovery. My surgeon is Mr Rosson. Maybe thee differences depends on state of bones

      Was delighted with my care

    • amanda03012
      amanda03012 ann19982

      Posted

      Oh wow, the stockings were so tight and uncomfortable. My surgeon was Mr Acton and I cant complain re with the care but very frustrated with their appointment times and being there for 2 and half hours each time!!!!

      I had the furlong evolution , how about you?

    • ann19982
      ann19982 amanda03012

      Posted

      My apps were always on time but had to go to xray each time. Not sure what the furlong is. The other patients in my ward were Mr Actons
    • mic71403
      mic71403 ann19982

      Posted

      Hi again

      So even at the same hospital there are differences...Thank goodness no horrible stockings for me! Some one here had self administered injections in their tummy daily which sounds even worse!

      NICE advisory body gives uk wide drugs advice...so why not surgical best practice advice too?

      Mic

      X

    • ann19982
      ann19982 mic71403

      Posted

      Maybe it depends on your state of health and blood results, smoker or non smoker. My surgeon is older than the others so guess he has more experience and done more hips. Anyway he has done a good job and hope he will not retire before my next one - would like a match. Suppose if the method works why change it.

      Dread another sleepless night

    • amanda03012
      amanda03012 mic71403

      Posted

      Hi Mic, I had the injections as well in the stomach, slightly unfair to go along with the stockings and asprin lol
  • jason42777
    jason42777 ann19982

    Posted

    Hi Ann,  all, Not all hip ops are the same at all, not all surgeons are the same at all (depends who trained them) , there are often different accepted practices for different proccedures, not all hospitals have the same deals with suppliers eg some have good deal on stockings, mine had claxane injections instead, depends who gives hospital/ surgeon best deal. Also what surgeon thnks best for given patient i.e less likely to use superpath and ceramic implants in 80 yr old retiree than 40 yr old working person, depends on recovery the patient looking for. I had dissolvable stitches nearly all gone now leaving 4 inch line on side of my butt smile
  • tracy54947
    tracy54947 ann19982

    Posted

    I had staples which came out today on day 12, not sore and have a lovely

    Neat wound. I could shower from day one as had a waterproof dressing on but can change it as needed. Every surgeon has there preferences,

    used to be a theatre nurse and trying to remember which one preferred

    what and when was a nightmare! New research coming out all the time and I guess if the surgeon is up to date and in the know will use

    whatever method is current evidence based practice?

  • beachbum1957
    beachbum1957 ann19982

    Posted

    Hi ann19982,

    I also had staples on my incision.

    Took 14 days to remove. Also the nurse indicated they also used some glue.

    However, it all healed properly and after the staple removal i was able to shower.

    Felt good. Surgeons all work different which i rather had the surture instead the staples. It was a bit painful being removed but held the pain so the nurse can remove them it was about 25 - 30 staples.

    • mic71403
      mic71403 beachbum1957

      Posted

      Poor you...hope all recovered and you can shower and also bath now!

      Bestest

      Mic

    • beachbum1957
      beachbum1957 mic71403

      Posted

      lol I'm 7 months post op.All went well.

      Thank God I'm feeling great. Now is time to bodybuilding and try to stay fit.

  • ali2301
    ali2301 ann19982

    Posted

    I had staples, removed day 14 with no problems and then able to shower. Came home with aspirin but no stockings. Most surgeons base their decision on an individual basis, ie previous level of fitness which indicates possible mobility post op, size, age and what they describe as 'wetness' during the surgery itself. This means how much blood there is present during the surgery which indicates the risk of a bleed, weighed up against the risk of a clot or stroke. This is why there is no set pattern to it. 
    • mic71403
      mic71403 ali2301

      Posted

      Dear Ali

      Interesting thoughts

      As an ex nurse tutor tho...The individual profile seems unduly over emphasised here with hip operations.

      Many other aspects of nursing and medicine are research based and evidence proposed that changes and challengeS practice...like not many hospitals use leeches any more!

      DVT is a case in point....my local hospital say research now suggests stockings after surgery are both unpleasant and not proven to work. Ergo junior asprin and foot pumps for 24 hours for me.

      So sure listen to individual patients...but professionally I feel the current research is not being listened to as well.

      Bestest

      Mic

    • ali2301
      ali2301 mic71403

      Posted

      Hi mic,

      I'm senior medical secretary to 3 consultant haematologists and asked a lot of questions of them regarding anticoagulation as obviously it's something I'm familiar with. The overriding opinion was that I should insist on something, though they weren't particular about which one. The new ones like Rivaroxaban don't seem to be proving that much better than aspirin so I had a chat with my surgeon prior to surgery and he said he would be happy with me on aspirin and I was happy with that. I had the ankle pumps for 2 days but the stockings were really pinching at my ankles so the view was that they would be causing more harm than good with regards circulation so I was let off, much to my relief.

      My age was a factor too as in the world of surgery, I'm still considered to be a bit if a spring chicken (I wish lol).

      I'm having my 6 week check today and I would say I've had pretty much a textbook recovery and therefore can't fault any decisions that have been made with regards to my hip replacement. Opinions in the medical world change that often its sometimes hard to keep up, with new techniques and drugs being discovered every day by the pharmaceutical companies.

      i just want to be able to sleep on my side. Hopefully when I see my consultant today that will be allowed as will driving. Life is good 😊

    • mic71403
      mic71403 ali2301

      Posted

      Hey Ali

      Good conversation and glad life is good for you..

      Still feel there should be more consensus...

      6 weeks for me today....and my first drive! Tomorrow and more scary first bath (even if some on this sire think it's too soon!) !

      Take care of yourself...push hard and relax hard!

      Mic

      X

    • ali2301
      ali2301 mic71403

      Posted

      I must admit, I'm not sure I'd risk a bath, even if I was given the go ahead. I love a good soak but there's a bit much bending and strain on my muscles to be trying it just so will refrain for now. I've seen lots of people posting they have had baths at 6 weeks so go for it, just be super careful. A slip could be catastrophic at this stage.

      Enjoy your soak, preferably with a glass of the old oil of negotiation 😉

      I'm looking forward to be able to drive but know I won't be allowed in my own car just yet (Mazda MX-5) and it's killing me but I will be a good girl and do as I'm told as not about to risk it at this stage.

      Take care 😊

      Ali xx

    • mic71403
      mic71403 ali2301

      Posted

      Thanks Ali

      Driving went well...and as instructed will take a glass of wine into bath tomorrow too. Sweet wife on hand too..Also with a glass of wine...

      If you don't hear back from me ive fallen down plug hole!

      Mic

      X

    • ali2301
      ali2301 mic71403

      Posted

      Hi mic, 

      I had my first drive today and it was fine. 

      So so you didn't go down the plug hole then 😉

      Ali xx

    • mic71403
      mic71403 ali2301

      Posted

      Hello you

      Nooo.....first bath and first drive just fine.

      Have a nice day

      Mic

      Xx

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