First impressions almost one day post TLHR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi everyone

Yesterday at 2pm I was taken to the operating theatre at BMI

Sandringham for my hip operation. I am now officially a member of the hippy club. These are my initial thoughts which may be of

use to those who are due to have their operation.

Firstly, the staff of BMI Sandringham are all highly efficient, caring

people. This ranges from my surgeon, Dr Sunil Nair, to all the

nurses who looked after me so well. So hopefully you will

experience the same care at the hospital where you are having

your operation.

Secondly, I had an epidural as part of the prep for the op and I

was also sedated. What an experience. To be paralysed from the waist down for about 5 hours is a very scarey experience. It

makes you appreciate how lucky most of us are.

Thirdly, when the spinal effects wore off I wasn't prepared for the pain I was about to face. I have a low pain threshold so started to feel the pain from my 'war' wound quickly. Last night I lost count

of the different painkillers that were given to me ,and still as I sit

here waiting to try out a Zimmer frame I am still in severe pain.

This, together with the plastic bags that inflate and put pressure

around your ankles every 10 seconds (to ward off blood clots),

and regular visits from the lovely nurses to check your blood

pressure means you could be devoid of sleep in your first night in hospital.

I have been told that after the second day everything gets better.

Good luck and best wishes to my future fellow hippies.

2

Well done David!

Congratulations, things will get better, first 2-3 days are the worst. Take all the painkillers they give you,

Hope you can get some sleep.

Veronica

3

Hi David

Great post for all Hippies-to-be and welcome to the land of Hippies!

Take care and best wishes,

Linnet x

4

will be following your progress as im am due my op on 17th feb,hope your days get better 

5

David,

Congrats on becoming a hippy.  Good luck in your recovery, read everything on here, and you will know exactly what to expect.

suexx

 

6

Congratulations David I have had both hips done, one in May 2015 and my last one Nov 2015 and both mine were done at spire hospital Norwich as u say the staff and aftercare is superb, where do come from I am in Cromer norfolk

7

welcome to this side, David ... I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain -

keeptelling them okay- you don;t have to ....  Don't let anybody tell you (not even yourself) that you have a low pain tresh hold .... 

Sending you light and love - hope you can get some sleep ...

big warmhug

renee 

8

Congratulations David, welcome to the Hippy club.

Things only get better from here on - take your painkillers regularly, ask for more if you need them.

Yes, not much sleep the first night is there  what with the constant blood pressure checks, and needing to use the 'mens room bottle' every hour !

They'll have you up and about in no time now, and you'll be strutting up and down the ward like the rest of us.

Best wishes

Graham

9

Hi Dave hope you are feeling slightly better toda.  I shall watch your recovery closely as I'm go into hospital 2 weeks today, for my right hip, I'm very anxious still x

10

Hi Graham

How goes the recovery?

Linnet x

11

Congratulations David!  And, welcome to the Hippy Club!

I had my total hip replacement on Monday, and I found the 3rd day the worst.  I was sent home that afternoon, and I found everything took so much energy.  Getting in to the house was horrible - 3 or 4 steps to go up with crutches, and I was so weak and wobbly - my blood pressure is quite low, and I blamed that for the feeling of weakness. I'm still feeling exhausted, and am going to take it easy for a couple of more days.  I do the bed exercises, and get lots of exercises getting in and out of bed to go to the bathroom.  I've been getting in and out of bed by myself since Thurs. This afternoon, I'm going to walk to the front door and back. And, on Monday, I'm going to try sitting in an arm chair with a pillow for a while. My whole body is feeling so exhausted, that by the time I finish my bed exercises, and the many walks to the bathroom and back, I'm ready for another snooze.....lol

My hip is quite swollen - about 3 times it's normal size, and am hoping that this swelling soon goes down.  

Before my surgery, I was doing Aquafit 3 times a week, and the surgeon, nurses, and physiotherapist have all told me that they can tell that I was working out because of the strength I'm showing when I walk around with the walker.  I can hardly wait to get back to my classes, and my surgeon says that as soon as the incision is healed that I can go back.  He also says that this is the best type of exercise for my rehabilitation. So, this acivity is something you can think about trying in a couple of months.  It's wonderful, and so much fun.

Keep on trucking David!  ...............Terri

12

Excellent post David. I shall be following your progess avidly as my operation is next Thursday. You shall be my "trail-blazer". :-)

Michael

13

Hi there,

Waiting for my clips out on Tuesday, then when the physio sees me I should be able to do a bit of walking out again.

How are you?

14

David - we are all totally with you. Completely understand every word - it WILL get much better almost hour by hour.

Keep on top of the pain relief - keep the faith. You will turn a corner and soon you will be zipping around amazing the nurses!

We are all here and feel really proud of you - WELL DONE you did it!! You are now on the road to recovery - big hugs x

15

How are you rocket? Xx

16

waiting ... waiting .....

So odd, I can do some things much quicker,others not.

Dare not bend over 90 degrees ... as the muscles have not repaired again, yet I can stand on the operated leg for a minute at a time as the pin is firmly into the femur.

I have groin pain, but no 'front of thigh' pain this time.

Could be worse ... I could be in pain like Hailea and others, or waiting for a postponed operation ........

How are you Rose?

 

17

When you say waiting - are you waiting to feel better? Waiting to see how it is after your last operation? Or are you simply tired of waiting full stop! I can understand all of those sentiments. It is so trying at times!

Standing on your operated leg is impressive - I definitely can not do that for a fraction of that time - so that is progress.

I do not intend to break the 90 degree rule either - for at least 9 months. It is good practice, and a cautious approach in this situation can not be underestimated. My surgeon said most dislocations happen in the first six months so that is my bench mark.

I really hope you are feeling okay in yourself - you have certainly been through it, but out the other side blinking in the sunshine.

I am okay rocket - better for a weekend and having an extra hour or two in bed to rest. The madness will begin again on Monday!

18

Waiting for everything it seems .... just want to progress, to get to where I was a week ago.

I was always pretty good standing on my op leg - and it hasn't deteriorated.

there is a sort of 'dislocation risk' graph which I will be adding to my  website, showing how long you are at risk. As you say, at least 9 months.

Best wishes to you.

Graham

19

Hi David, it will get better. The first few weeks are a struggle but everything will settle down very soon.

Everyone seems to have a different experience and whatever we were expecting doesn't seem to materialise.

I had a spinal and full anaesthetic. The pain I had before was worse than after.

I wish you a better day tomorrow but always remember that nothing lasts, the body heals and before long you are getting a new lease of life

20

good morning David , 

checking in with you to see how you are doing - Hopefully you had some sleep without too many interruptions and relativelypain free, and will enjoy a nice breakfast ...

be gentle with your self -

big warm hug

renee