I,m a qualified nurse/midwife with Theatre experience, but I was still a bit wary of having a THR under Epidural. I had this 14 days ago and I just want to reassure anyone who is nervous, that this op can be a good experience.
the epidural was painless and I laid on my good side. I was told I would just drift off to sleep and I did! I heard or felt nothing and woke up as normal. No nasty side effects from a GA to cope with! Ladies, if you are asked if you would like a urinary catheter.....say Yes! It's fitted when you are asleep and you avoid the unpleasant business of having to pee in the bed, even with the pads provided. I had one uncomfortable day and am now pain free and walking around the house without crutches. I take one crutch out with me, in case I slip. I was home within 48 hours, which is pretty speedy! Please.... If you need it doing, go for it! It will change your life.
what type of approach did youy got
Sue are you in the UK? I'm having mine done next Friday and am frankly terrified. Not sure if having GA the surgeon said it would be up to the aneathesist. Good to know too that you are making progress. How old are you? I'm 54 and have had mild dysphasia all my life - although I have only just found this out
Yes, I live on Romney Marsh. Please don,t be terrified. This is why I posted my experience, so that anyone who is terrified is hopefully reassured! I am 66 and have always had OA, RA and Lupus!
when you go in, ask the Sister if you can discuss the Spinal anaesthetic with the anaesthetist. They would probably come and see you anyway.
i,m sure you,ll be fine once you are in. It's the waiting that makes you nervous. Good luck! If I can help any more I would be happy to.
Hi Sue,
Glad to hear you had a positive experience. Totally agree re the catheter it was great being able to drink as much water as I liked and it took care of itself 😉
Jennifer, uk
Just a standard lateral, but it is minimally invasive. A short 8" wound with no sutures. Brilliant.
I will ask Sue I went to an enhanced recovery session at the hospital -a highly regarded orthopaedic hospital in London and no mention was made of a catheter said would hav to use bedpans. I did wonder how I will manage given the 90 degree rule
What is a minimal invasive please and do you know if they do it in London uk?
Yes they do aerobics. I'm having it at Stanmore orthopaedic hospital next week. I think it's standard almost everywhere now
Sorry auto correct changed your name from Veronica to aerobics!!!!!
Thanks Sue going to see the specialist on Monday. this sounds good to know up front...
It's nearly impossible to use a bedpan, which is why the nurses pack the inco sheets and pads around you. It is the most sensible way to do it. I just could not face being soggy as you can,t have a shower! It's worth asking about the catheter. You are the patient and unless there is a good medical reason why you can,t have one your wishes should be respected.
Best of luck! The catheter discussion bypasses you! Men are so lucky!
It just means that they operate in a smaller area really. The incision is smaller than normal too. That,s all I know about it really! I am in Kent, so I would imagine it's done in London also.
my surgeon is German and is an expert in hips and knees, so a lot depends on who does it for you.
I had an epidural as well and a catheter fitted. It was all great. I was told to drink lots of water and I did because there were no worries about bedpans, commodes etc. Besides that I find hospital air is very drying and you need to drink more, so it worked out very well for me. The catheter was taken out after 24 hours and I was able to walk to the toilet myself then. Good job all round. Best wishes to you.
Doing it that way is all good is,nt it?! I would not hesitate to have it done again. Best wishes to you too.
Hi Sue, My Name is Amandah, and as I write this, I am going through a very bad time with anxiety. I am due for a hip replacement on march 2nd, in the nuffield in woking, but under the NHS !! I am a carer for my Hubby , who is not well at the moment. And I have got a bladder infection and throat and a sore toe.!! an infected corn.I am on antibiotics. And have to go along to the Nuffield on wednesday for a Blood test etc, when they will check me over to see if I am fit enough to have the op, or if they have to delay it. I have been advised that I will be having a spinal injection. I have never ever been so terrified before!! YUK. But they have said I can put a Blindfold on and have Music going eg my walkman. Will I be able to hear anything? Help help help I am so scared . I have not slept for months.! Cant stop weeping my eyes out. regards Amandah
Oh Amanda please don't get upset. I was meant to have my opinion on January 28th but I caught a cold - sure it was due to stress. They had to postpone mine till next week and this time even though I'm scared I'm in a better frame of mind having had an extra month to face up to it. If you are having a spinal injection I'm certain that you can ask for sedation especially archivists nervous then you won't be awake as such and having this as opposed to a general means you recover quicker. You take care
Dear Amandah, Please, please, don,t be so terrified. There really is nothing to be scared of. I,ve had lots of operations, but I can honestly say that this one was great! You know, we imagine all sorts of horrible things, it's our nature, but when you have had it you will see there is nothing to be alarmed about. You must ask for sedation and you will truly sleep through the whole thing and not see or hear anything. I am sure, as you are so nervous, the anaesthetist will agree. Please contact me anytime if I can help you I will. Best wishes, Sue.
Dear Sue, Thank-you for your sweet message. I have to go on wednesday for a Blood test, and then they wil check me out for this bladder infection, and also check this infected corn, to see whats going on. And we will then go from there. The Matron was very nice indeed, & said she thinks its anxiety/stress which is having an effect on my immune system. I can also take down my walkman with headphones to theatre, and what ever else makes me feel to be relaxed.I will update you again on wednesday. Thank-you again regards Amandah