Surgery is six days away...how bad does it really hurt..

Everyone is totally different. I was ok, others aren't. 

I have had no pain since the surgery. And I have been managing pretty much on my own since two days after the operation. Some help from friends, but a lot of preparation ( and on line shopping) went into being able to do that. But others have not been so fortunate. So it's impossible to predict. Hopefully you will also have an easy time of it. But I'd recommend stocking up on soups, breads, fruit and juices, and having some frozen meals in stock. You may not have a lot of appetite, but eating is important. 

If you can enlist some friends and neighbours, use them wisely. Some household tasks will be beyond you no matter how well you feel. Vacuuming is usually recommended as avoided. Anything that requires bending and stretching too. If on your own, use texts too- people need to check up on you for a bit to ensure that you are ok. Accidents can happen, and there are some potential risks from surgery even a week or so later. DVT, for example. 

I'm sure others will have more suggestions.

Good luck with it. It is possible to manage alone, and many of us have to, but you do need to be very careful, and you may need a fall back plan. In the UK we would have some social  services etc., to help, but I'm not sure what is available in the USA.  - and I think it is mostly available with insurance. 

I got an infection so was knocked back a week. Am now 8 weeks post op and just walking without a stick.

Sleeping at night is hardest thing

Good Luck!  You have to think passed the first few days and first couple of weeks. First of all what approach is the dr using anterior or posterior?  While you are in the hospital they should keep you well controlled with pain meds.  I had my husband to help me, the first week was tough for me, ok two weeks but everyone has their own pre op and post op experience. I had to use a step by my bed to shimmy into bed ( our bed is very high) and hubby had to lift my leg the first few days to get it on bed. Be prepared to sweat at night and pee a lot. I wish you well, so many will be coming with input and rocketman has documents to help through all phases, a collaborative effort of experience from many he put together, it will help you. 

Make sure you have all the equipment you will need and if you are alone you may need the " grabber" in each room.  Tell people where you are from that helps as well.

You will be amazed 2-3 months out how well you are doing, I know it sounds like a long time but once the healing really progresses you will be amazed!

All the best!  xoxx Annette

Hello morningangel, I for one can tell you that when I got to my room after surgery they had me get up out of the gurney and walk to the bed. I was a little bit scared to but when I got up I couldn't feel the pain I was having in my hip for so long before surgery, nearly brought me to tears and I was amazed. I did hurt from the procedure after all it's a major shock to the body. Will you have anyone else to help you and check on you ? Do you have a walker and how will you get the meds and groceries you will need ? Hopefully you don't have any stairs.

Everyone will be different. For me the pain is very manageable. The referred pain to my knee is gone. I sleep well. My orthopedic surgeon told me that less is more for the first 2 weeks.

I opted for the anterior approach which is less invasive. Which procedure are you having? Are you in good relative health? Do you have a good positive mental appraoch to the surgery. If you answered yes, you should be OK.