Advice on how to keep a truly knackered hip going for another seven weeks

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi all, 

I am looking for advice please to our wise and wonderful lovely forum, and everyone that supported me so much with my last one.

So my left hip is on its last legs, and I was originally going to have THP in May, but wanted to spend the summer with my children and not in bed.

It seemed like a good idea until the last week my hip keeps locking up, as in I just can not walk at all on it at all. Has anyone else had this? Do you know why it would do this? I was on an eight hour flight and they needed to call assistance from the aircraft as I couldn't walk from the plane or even from my seat to the door no matter how much I tried, it just locked up and would not budge and it was very very embarrassing, although everyone was so kind to me. The pain is pretty relentless around the clock now any tips on best ways to sleep? I am trying to get to October the 16th the date my surgery is booked, but I am finding it really really hard going. The pain is at times reducing me to tears, and although I know the hip replacement is no walk in the park nor is this to be honest. I also feel I have to keep explaining why I can't easily get out of a chair or walk up the stairs. It is all becoming really quite tricky. 

 I would love to hear any advice at all you have on how I can keep going a little more comfortably, I am beginning to worry I will not make it to mid Oct. Anyone been in that position? 

Thanks all! 

2

Dear Rose

I'm so sorry for you. I think your best course of action is to have your doctor write to your surgeon to try to move the date of your surgery forward. If you have access to your surgeon's office then try talking to his or her secretary.

Good luck, Richard

3

I am not sure which part of the country you are.  I am in the South West and the clinic where I had my hip op on the 17th was an op date around three weeks from referral.  It was a cancellation, but I had my first op there, and was in and out very quickly for that one, too.  Can give you the name if you wish via private message.

4

The same thing happened to me. I had to give up swimming, then driving, I was then effectively housebound and needed a wheelchair. I just could not wait for my op, while everyone is nervous about them I would have given anything to have it the next day. I was worried silly when the day came that the op would be cancelled. I don’t know how people manage who have to lose weight before their op, they must be in agony.

5

I was the same for the last 2 months before the surgery - it was so bad I would have been heart broken if the op hadn't happened.

Just take it easy and get plenty of rest. No point in wearing yourself out. 💐

6

Hi there! I hope you are well? My surgeon is going to be in Australia in September for three weeks, so that is why it is set for October. I had a bit of a mixed experience with my last op and really trust the surgeon. 

7

I am in the south west too. Yes please 

8

I don't know how you lose weight when it is impossible to do any exercise the pain is just agonising afterwards and then I am awake all night. Swimming is still okay but I find it hard (and somewhat embarrassing getting in and out of the pool easily)

I am 43 so people don't expect me to be in this condition and it always follows so many questions as to why I am limping etc.

I am worried about being housebound as I have two children to care for...

9

Yes I know what you mean I have gone from dreading the operation to 'almost' looking forward to it. That is the silver lining.

10

If you are still swimming you are doing well. I had to wait four and a half months after I stopped swimming. I was able to choose a pool with proper steps which made life a little easier.

I agree I feel really sorry for those people told to lose weight or no operation. I don’t know what I would do.

11

My hip locks like this too, but usually only for a short time then it frees itself. When it locks it’s excruciating and I can’t move at all usually does it when attempting to stand so I get half way up then can’t stand or sit and am stuck on one leg till it’s over. Triggered by sitting on a low seat usually. I am booked for November. Good luck maybe crutches would help till your surgery good luck