Getting nervous now

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi to all the post op hippies.

I am getting very nervous now as got date for surgery...11th april.

Had phone call today from OT for aids and already done the preop assessment for swabs ecg and bloods.

Got booklet for my enhanced recovery and carbohydrate drink to have prior to admission.

Bought travel size toiletries n wide leg pyjamas.

Slip on trainers for use as slippers.

Any other top tips for use postop or to pass the time will be useful.

Most worried about being awake during op and after getting in car and in/out of bed 😯

2

You won't be awake and highly sedated & you won't remember a thing, I'm waiting to get my second one done and I am 4 months post op from my first.

Good luck 😃😃

3

You can ask for sedation during the op.

My main tip is not to get your hopes up to much. I was so excited for my op and on friday i got a phone call to say it had been cancelled. My op was supposed to be yesterday.

Have your OTs been out already? X

4

Are you having general anesthesia? I did, and was totally out for the count. I think it's very rare that you wake up in surgery when it's not intended. Also, you won't be driving for awhile, so you will have the person who is driving you to help you get in and out of the car. Will you have anyone at home to help you? My husband helped me in and out of bed for the first week or so. I had some PT and OT at the hospital, and those people made sure that I was ready for the initial challenges at home. If I hadn't been ready, I would have gone to a rehabilitation facility until I WAS ready. Hope that will be the situation for you as well. Check with your surgeon's office to be sure. 

5

You can ask for sedation during the op.

My main tip is not to get your hopes up to much. I was so excited for my op and on friday i got a phone call to say it had been cancelled. My op was supposed to be yesterday.

Have your OTs been out already? X

6

Hi Angela

I am sure you will get many tips from others. The biggest thing I learned was that my wife was so engrossed with my care (especially whilst I was in hospital) that she negelected herself. So, I would say if you do have a partner, please ensure that they have enough food to start with - something they can heat up when getting home from hospital. 

Michael

7

see my website - details at 

https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

Graham - 🚀💃

8

No they did assessment over phone and send me a booklet in mail to complete n send back lol

9

Thats odd. They usually come out to your home but i suppose every area is different 😊

10

I wont see the anaesthetist until the day. I have spinal arthritis so a little anxious about that route. Would prefer GA to be out of it. Esp as im a nurse and dont want to hear see or feel owt haha

11

I wont see the anaesthetist till i go on the day.

I hope to discuss sedation as i have spinal arthritis so dont fancy failed epidural. Also i am a nurse so prefer not to see hear feel anything lol.

I am lucky to have hubby at home as he is retired.

12

Hi Angela

I was worried about getting the car a nurse came down to the car with me and showed me how to do it ( there are some really good videos on you tube on how to get in and out of the car and the bed ) . I had sedation with a spinal block so I was fast asleep . I am 6 weeks post op and things are progressing steadily .

Hope all goes well

All the best. Hilary

13

Thanks Hilary.

I think now my date is due I am just starting to run away with my imagination so any obstacles seem huge.

I am certain if help is needed i can ask.

You have made good progress so get well soon ❤

14

Best wishes to you Angela!  Make sure your shoes are new ones so that old wear patterns will not conflict with the new wear pattern you will have after the op.  I used mine as slippers too.

Think about your "nest", that place where you will spend the most time resting.  Think of everything you would want to have near you.  Phone, charger, tablet, laptop, a place for medications and water and other drinks, pillows, books, magazines, music, etc.  Good to have extra pillows.

Get your bathroom ready with extended shower chair.  I liked having a bed side toilet for the first three weeks and then it doubled as my toilet lift also but there is another kind of toilet lift you can get too.  

Get a grabber, or two, because this item will be your best friend!  Line up your walking aids.  If you need to use a walker, get a basket for it so you can carry things.

Move groceries around in your kitchen to make sure that you do not have to climb or reach too high for anything you might need. Stock up on all your favorite foods and drinks. 

Make sure your pajamas are not too long, for you do not want to trip and fall down.  Personally I preferred gowns so that I would not have to try to put on anything with legs.  Robe should be knee length.

This is all I can think of right now.  In and out of bed is not as difficult as getting in and out of car, but you will be trained how to do it and will rely upon the strength in your other leg and your arms.

I hope all goes well for you and please keep us informed as you can so that we can encourage you!

Best wishes, again.

Dawn, USA

 

15

Hi Angela, 

Good news then, right?  You have your date and plenty of time to get organized - the bad news is that you also have plenty of time to worry - eek

You mention that you already had your pre-op assessment - was there anything about anesthesia discussed ? I wanted GA and so I had - twice - Did not want to take any changes with hearing sounds, feelin pulling or anything - 

And yes, getting out and in to bed will be taught in hospital and there are many aids to lift your leg in to bed - as for the car, that is a bit more challenging but there is a great youtube video on how to get in-and out of a car after THR -

Try to not worry too much, which is easier said than done - we have been there, all of us - so come here anytime you have a question or concern, okay ?

warm big hug

renee

16

Thanks i bought some new skechers yesterday. They slip on and have elasticity too

17

Yes i had preop and when i asked about anaesthesia was told it gets sorted on admission .

I am nervous but sure what will be will be and have read thru your forum to see lots of help and positivity to keep me going.

Will keep u posted too.

Thanks so much 😊

18

I took a mini fan and an eye mask and ear plugs into hospital.  It was very hot, noisy and bright.  I got a bit of sleep but not much.  Be prepared to catch up on your sleep when you get home.  

 

19

I have started using a pair of shoes that were almost brand new, and it has made such a difference to my walking - my comfortable old shoes must have my old walking pattern worn into them.  Who'd have thought it would make such a difference ?

Graham - 🚀💃

20

That brand is exactly the brand I purchased too and they are perfect.