rang surgeons secretary today to see if there's any word on op date & was shocked & stunned to hear I can be taken on 11th August. Don't know if that's reassuring or not. Maybe it's because I'm going privately. He had me down as a patient waitingsince I saw him since my consultation at end of May & he was waiting TOM ear back from me with my decision. I just hope it doesn't turn out like poor lynne & left so upset a few days before the op. So glad she's sorted with a date now too. Now for getting everything in place at home before my op. Bit where to start...... Naturally I'm terrified but can't wait to be rid of this god awful pain. Not sleeping & not being able to get around has me worn out. Hope my age is on my side at 49. Any tips pre op would very appreciated. Roll on 11th August. Pre op assessment week before it.
Hello Gossip ...
That is good news !!!
I am going to bed now but i am sure that there will be a load of tips etc.responses coming .. you have plenty of time -
wishing you a good and peaceful night for now ...
warm hug - all is well sweetheart -
Hi Gossip,
I found the last months wait the hardest, like you I am young (45) and was very debilitated, on strong pain meds and every day/night was hard. I think this hard period made me see I had no choice really but to go ahead. On the day I felt optimistic that I would feel good and pain free one day and that the surgery was just the beginning.
Im 3 weeks post anterior THR now and for me the relief of my joint pain was immediate. I have no regrets and am very happy. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel and some days when I'm out walking feel younger. My problem is that I was very active and things aren't happening quick enough....I have a tendency to over do things.
I remember the lead up, it was hard to think straight. I'm sure your preop assessment will help you prepare, take a list of questions. I was given a sheet on what to do to prepare, I thought it was funny really....recommending freezing meals, cleaning the house...I couldn't clean the house!!!
I wish you all the very best.
💌🌈💌🌈💌🌈
Heres to nearly getting to the other side not long to wait now and we'll all be here waiting for you xxx
Hi Gossip
For now, just look forward to your op- I was so glad when I got my date because I knew there was an end in site to all the pain and exhaustion
Don't be scared I am 63 and sailed through my op
You are younger and you will be absolutely fine! - just try to be calm and take it in your stride
The medical people are wonderful - you will be in the safest hands and our guardian angels are always there looking after us
Sleep tight and don't worry
Kind wishes Linda xx
Thank u Linda. It's rare that a person wouldn't be nervous. I'm just so looking forward to living relatively pain free after years. It's so hard to be so young with an active husband & adult children & not being able to take part. My son is in a band & they're doing really well & he keeps wanting us to go see them play but I can't stand or sit comforably. I should be at all the festivals rocking like a teenager so told him today to hold those vip tickets for next year. I can't wait. I'm so glad Ur doing so well. Ur still a young lady & have many years of fun ahead of u too. X
so excited/nervous but the posts on here keep me so positive & focused. Need to get myself sorted now with the right clothing to wear. and footwear. Laces or slip on?
thank u Georgia. That really helps. I don't want my mum taking over as she's 72 & not able herself to get around due to arthritis & cardiac problems. So it would be great to have a lot in place before I go in but am not able for normal day to day tasks anymore. I think I'll do a big load of shepherd pies, lasagnes, etc in next few weeks in preparation. My husband works in uk mon-fri & is at the busiest time of year for him. My son doesn't live at home as he's a full time musician & busy recording. I don't want my daughter lumbered with looking after me either as she's waiting to start college to do nursing in September. Even though she's really helpful I want her to enjoy her summer. I'm such a determined person & always have been. I find it very hard to ask for help but I know I have people who will be there for me but I'm stubborn & would try to manage on my own. Am I mad to think that way?
Thank u renee. Ur right lots of helpful tips. I'm so delighted I joined this forum. I'm ready for this now. I could be sorted by this time 3 weeks x
How exciting for you! You will probably find that you feel better after the op than you did before. Provided your chair, bed and loo are high enough, you won't need too much help when you get home. Fist few days it's helpful to have someone making tea and food for you, not because you can't make it but because you can't carry it if you're on 2 crutches or sticks. You will also need someone to help you to put on the TED stockings. I tried my normal sock aid and it just couldn't cope with the TED stockings. Whoever helps you needs strong wrists. Otherwise , I found that I could wash, dress and even prepare meals etc. please make sure you have checked the height of your armchair, your bed etc.
No laces. You can't bend past 90 degrees for a long time so Velcro or secure slip ons. My physios loved my Sketchers- lightweight and with excellent grip. Loose clothing including loose pants.
Dear Gossip,
I am happy for you...now you can plan your life. You will feel so much better after the op, don't worry!
Big hugs
Ella
Hi you will need some help the first few weeks but not all day if someone can't stay.
Try to wear a dress as easy to put on u can't bend forward to put on trousers. If u can't shower then strip wash is ok might need someone to put a chair behind u til u feel ok to stand through whole wash. U will need two crutches probably first few weeks so have things like cereal close at hand for breakfast and stuff for lunches too hot drinks are problem but maybe make up a flask and have it where u are going to sit in the daytime if no one around. If your daughter is going to be a nurse she is a caring person and let her help if she wants to its also really good practice putting on teds washing etc! I was lucky as I had my aunt stay with me and do everything but I needed it as hubby had started new job and couldn't take time off bar a day or two. I'm 43 had school run to do walks and so help was essential. Don't over do it concentrate on exercises eating high protein well balanced diet for healing and rest it such a short time in the whole scheme of things and it goes by quicker than u think I had so many projects I was going to do none done ! But still off work til sept that will be 14 weeks walking around house with no crutch but one outside home in Ireland on holidays so have lots of people to see and will enjoy the rest and sea air and walks. I know once back at work it will be crazy . Good luck you will be fine just think about yourself for now your family will survive. And be a help when they can and let them its your turn to be looked after.