Hello Everyone:
Looking for some feedback on length of hospital stays post op. My initial enquiry when I contacted my hospital of choice was "three nights." Since then, and having read the various postings on the site, it appears that some patients are being kept in for several more days than that.
Does this depend upon age and general state of health? I would think that this would certainly come into the equasion. In my own case, I live alone, and have no outside help. However, I am in general good health, other than the bad hip. I am a very youthful 74 years of age, and have been taken for mid 50s! Keep very active, and used to jog, but I know that post op, that is not recommended - high impact, is out! GP states that I am healthy.
I cannot, and do not want, a prolonged hospital stay, but am aware, that my personal safety is the main issue. Surely, there is some provision in the UK for outside help under these circumstances, even if it is just to check that a patient hasn't taken a fall at some point!
I have lived most of my life in the US, so am not too familiar with the UK system. Any feedback on any of this would be very helpful and reassuring.
No family to speak of, and my daughter doesn't drive. She works in Bath, and I am in Wiltshire. She would be dependent upon her boyfriend, who lives in Bristol to bring her here! So, not much help there, I am afraid.
Susie
I was wondering the same. Im 19 and due to get a vwry complicated thr. I think the time depends on whether or not you are recovering to the standards, e.g no infections, able to weight bare and so on.and on help im pretty sure its something to do with district nurses who come out and help you with things like cleaning ans washing and so on and so forth but i could be wrong and not sure how you would go around recieving that help.
A straight forward THR is normally 3 or 4 nights. Admission through the surgical admission lounge direct to theatre on day of op. Out when you can manage to walk to loo, wash, and climb stairs if required. Rare for aftercare supplied by NHS but nothing to stop you paying for help. After a knee replacement my mum had careers in twice a day for a couple of weeks.
longer hospital stays for more complicated procedures and any post op complications
I had my left hip done in September. I'm 50 and very active. I was in the hospital for 2 nights., three days. I live alone but I had several friends come and stay with me fur the first week ... And then check in on me a few times a week until I could drive. I could not have taken care of myself well without help those first 5-6 days.
Mine at 62 was 3 nights. I was the first on my ward to be released of people operated on the same day. As soon as I passed all the tests - stairs, going to the loo that was it. By the time I left the sitting room at the end of the ward there was someone else in my place! There should be a discussion of your needs pre op and a post op care package if needed. I have a partner so it was not needed. I think they will keep you in hospital depending on how you recover. If all goes well I think 3 nights are the norm now. I could be wrong but I don't think they will keep you in just because of home conditions. Help will be sorted for that. Make sure your needs are known at the pre op!! They are desperate for beds!
Two nights for me in the UK. I had a carer, my wife, and could climb the stairs. Came home with a bag full of medication, my home has aids, ie. a raised chair and toilet and a bed at the required height. Good luck.
I left hospital on the third night instead of following morning. But as your on your own stay that tiny bit longer. Good luck. Xx
I think I am healthy and fit and am 66..but was told I would stay in as had no one at home to help. I didn't mind in the end as was so much better at 6 days than at 3 that some are discharged.
If it is offered I would suggest you say 'yes please' and get a nice person to look after your cat for 6 days..someone is looking after her for three aren't they?? I am sure they wouldn't mind......
Night Susie.
Ali 2.
I'm 67 no 68 my birthday today and had my op on a Thursday and came home on the Sunday. Because you are on your own you may well be kept in for longer and if I were you I would stay in for as long as possible because the first week is difficult without help.
Putting on and taking off the elastic stockings is problematical for at least 4 weeks. best stock up with provisions as well because you won't be able to drive for 6 weeks so it's internet shopping. Make sure you get a raised toilet seat. The hospital may provide it for you as did mine. Another useful aid would be the device that helps you get into bed ask the physio for it. I was ok I had the wife to help lift my leg into bed
My cousin was in a similar position to you with no help on a daily basis and he was kept in for a week came home and had a fall and had to be taken back to hospital so take care when you get home. Make sure you always keep your mobile with you just in case because if you do take a fall you won't be able to get up. Please don't let me give you second thoughts because you will be so glad you have had the procedure after a few weeks.
very best of luck to you
I was booked in for 4 days, I could have been discharged after 3, but I had gastric problems, and a leaking wound, so I managed to be kept in for the full 4 nights.
The overriding factor in my hospital (in UK), was to be able to manage the stairs.
I am 63, and have a retired wife to assist with dressing etc at home.
The wound was still leaking, but my surgery arranged to get a district nurse to come out and dress it for me - the foot-long wound was a bit much for my wife who is not normally squeamish about dressing cuts.
I think, like everything else about THR, the answer is "it depends".
Regards
Graham
Good evening susie, i had my operation last friday and i was back in my own home by 6 on the monday. So just 4 days in total. Where i was if you lived alone you had to either make arrangements, or tell them anthey will arrange with social services. Good luck hun.
Hello Susie,
Your time in hospital will depend on your general health and fitness. The average is 2-4 nights. I am 62, generally fit and healthy and was discharged after 2 nights (NHS call it enhanced recovery i.e. do the walking, toilet, stairs etc.).
English hospitals are always short of beds and basically want "rid" as soon as possible. At the pre-op and also the 'hip school' before your operation, please make it VERY clear that you live alone; they should arrange daily help for you. No one should be left to fend for themselves after such a major operation. Also make sure you are asked the height of your favourite chair and the toilet seat. You will get a raised toilet seat if necessary.
I am 6 months post-op and doing just fine. Do not try to jog or run too soon! I want to ride my horse again but not too sure when.... he is very w-I-d-e.
Wishing you good luck and speedy recovery!
Warm wishes,
Alison
Hi Susie
The general guide is 3-4 nights but can depend on the individual, your recovery and health (bp etc) after the op. First hip I was in for 4 days and the second one (5 weeks ago) I went in at 11am on Wed and was home by 6pm on Friday but then I have my husband to help me.
I know you dont want to stay in hospital too long but you also need to to be feeling well enough to go home.
If you contact Occupational Health they can give you info on agencies who can provide help for you (carers etc). Or could you stay with your daughter or a friend for the first days after you leave hospital?
Will you be wearing TED stockings after your op as you would def need help with those.
Linnet x
Hi susie
When I was in for my left hip in April.
I was asked to come in on the monday. Op was on Tuesday. I was in hospital till the following Tuesday. No Idea as to why that long. But it will be the same again this time.
As for outside help.
You could get in touch with district nurses via your doctor or social services for help with housework or cooking for you.
Hi susie
Thr on monday and out in thursday but had hubby at home and definitely needed help for a few days. We have a local agency called home instead who will come for as long as you need them and do anything from put on compression stockings to shopping. It is a franchise do you might find them locally.
If i had been at home alone i would have stayed an extra day in hospital
Take care
Kate x
I can see why riding a wide horse would be a problem, that's where my pain first showed up, riding our 'horse' - an enormous (2300cc) Triumph Rocket III motorcycle which we loved riding out on, we had to sell it as it was just too painful for me to ride.
Regards
Graham
Susie,
I can only echo this advice, especially about the dreaded TED stockings that you have to have to prevent DVT.
My wife cannot get them on me and we are not allowed to bend to help at all. I have to get my (very strong) 25yo son to pull them over my ankles for me. There have been suggestions about using an old carrier bag, but nothing seems to work for me.
Regards
Graham
Hi Linnet:
Many thanks fpr yur comments. I will make a note on Occupational Health.
Impossible to stay with my daughter, as she lives in a small one bedroom attic apartment in Bath, and that would mean leaving my cat alone even longer. So far as friends are concerned, they are mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. No one around here, as it is an ever changing population. I am somewhat isloated.
Recognised that I had made a mistake buying where I am now, and attempted to sell, but the recession kicked in and the value of property plummeted. Very mixed socio economic population, and there is a lot of crime, so I have to be very careful, as I have been a victim several times over. Police are not particularly innterested, and will twist my information/intelligence to suit their own purposes, same goes for our local council.
Have never heard of TED stockings, so do not understand their purpose.
What is in my favour is that Iam otherwise very healthy and heal very rapidly.
Kind regards,
Susie
Hi Alison:
Many thanks for your feedback.
I know that UK hospitals want "rid" ASAP. My daughter will not be able to be of much assistance as she is in Bath, and I am close to Bradford on Avon. She doesn't drive.
I am in good health in general, but of course, the hip problem has impacted pon what I am now able to do. Judging from the researh I hav done, any high impact sport, such as jogging is out. We are near the towpath, so that will probably be my beat" for a while. I am quite a keen photographer, but that too has been put to a stop, because of my limited mobility.
My GP is very good, and I have been looking at the social services sites, etc.
Fortunately, I am in a ground floor flat with an en suite, and a further, larger bathroom just across from the second bedroom.
Hope you can get back on that horse soon. What about side saddle....!!!!
Following this Forum very closely, as it full of really good information and support.
Many thanks,
Susie