Under 40 and booked for op - what do I expect?

Thanks all, great advice! I have a great surgeon now who I specifically asked for as I know he specialises in working on younger patients. I'm in uk so prob anterior not available, I have a date for 'hip school' in September when I'll hopefully find out more. My op is booked for 6th October, which actually is a 'good' time as we can have summer and then hopefully I'll be recovered in time for Christmas!

I need to get it done as the pain is relentless, waking me at night etc and I just can't do much physically which is v frustrating. And yes I will be tasking the kids to help out much more post op! Xxx

I was forty too and have two children, similar age...so I know the fear you have for the operation and also for your children. I got the point of no return, and the pain became impossible trying to live a normal life.

My best advice would be to max out on help and childcare for the first six - eight weeks. When is your operation? For the first four weeks you are going to need help with most things, cooking, cleaning and  basic needs. After three weeks you will be able to cook and get around much more, I started driving at this point but I do have an automatic car and it was my right hip (check the insurance and emergency brakes before driving)

I prepared the house in the same way I did for the birth of my children. Spring clean the house, get the birthday cards and presents sent, spares of everything, many cooked freezer food, lots of things that your children can prepare themselves. Plenty of fruit, yoghurts and cathedral city crackers that come with cheese and can be made by your little ones themselves safely. Download tons of films for you to watch, and for them when they are with you. I made a basket full of crafts and things to do so they were not bored when I did not feel up to much. A freezer full of healthy ice lollies. 

Do not arrange to see or do anything for the first month. I went out for the afternoon around the end of week two, but you tire so easily and feel exhausted alot.

Who will be looking after you? Do you have a plan? Perhaps a timetable so you have lots of help.

The important thing is to remember your recovery is more important than almost anything, once you are better and well you will be able to enjoy motherhood again. You will be active and pain free and happy. So just focus on the end result, keep doing your exercises every day (my girls joined in with mine) and try to rest as much as you can. You will want to to hurry the recovery, but in my experience it takes time. But it is SO worth it in the end! I am so happy I had mine done.

Keep in touch with the forum it is a wonderful source of reassurance, support and information.

Wishing you the best Jane