any good advice you can give me in preparation. I am feeling quite anxious at the moment. I am 59. Many thanks
Hi Gaynor ,
first of all try not too worry , I had my op in jan , just turned 60 .
it won't be as bad as you think .
where do you live as treatment seems to be very different in different parts of country let alone world .
There are already lots of posts on here about preparation but I will get back to you later I with mine .
mary
south wales uk x
Hi Gaynor. I am now 8 weeks post op. I was very anxious about the op but it really was far better than expected. Every day gets a little easier. Pain was well managed in early days. Just make sure you get the balance of exercise and rest. Exercise is def the key but always listen to your body. I went for walk every day, trying to go further each time and then I would go to bed in afternoon for hour or so to stretch out and sleep! Night sleeping was difficult in the first few weeks mainly because you have to sleep on your back so only slept for couple of hours at a time. But again, having sleep during day helped. If there are any concerns you have that I can help with, let me know. It really is an amazing operation and life changing. Good luck xxxx
Try not to worry about the surgery. We tend to be focused on whether or not we will survive, but the success of the procedures is exceptionally high.Become familiar with the equipment you need. I am taller so needed a high toilet seat that fits over the top of the installed one. No screws required.It's hard to go pee just after surgery, you may need a container to capture urine. Since we're on body functions, pain medicine causes constipation. Eat prunes and loads of fruit and veg or that first poo is going to be a new experience.Grabbers to reach stuff and help get dressed. I am blessed with a wonderful wife who is very helpful, but very quickly you may want to do this yourself.There is a soxon device for socks as well.I had an exceptionally invasive third procedure and opted to stay downstairs. Arrange your surroundings to support mobility if this is a variable. I also bought a table to eat from the chair and bed. Check that the size you choose is suitable. You may have to wear compression socks. I also bought some socks with some rubber on the sole.Come up with a list of things to do for the first couple of weeks that you can keep yourself busy, getting cleaned up and doing basic exercises will only eat up some of the day.If this is the first time, you should recover reasonably quickly depending on your health. Recommend you quit smoking. Ask which implant they are going to be using. Recommend against any that are metal on metal. Success rate should be verified, 90% or better. Look it up on the Internet. Not inclusive list, but covers some of the basics. Hope your recovery goes well.
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Don't be anxious ! Although th op is major surgery you will not feel a thing. Recovery is speedy but do not try and push yourself as you may experience two steps forward and three back but use the basic thought that if it hurts, rest !! Yopu will find this forum invaluable for thoughts, help and advice as we have all been through it. Good luck
Hi Gaynor, Dont worry, its over so quickley, I felt better the next day being able to stand without the pain, its a slow steady recovery, but it gets easyer day by day. I an very active 68 year old. and 14 days post op.
Keep your chin up kid.
Brian
Thanks Mary. I am having my op at the Spire, Sutton Coldfield. It's a bupa hospital but having op under Nhs.
Gaynor
thank you Linda. I will take on board all you advice . My op is on April 18th xx
many thanks, this forum is awesome. Didn't expect such a quick response
Hi Gaynor
This certainly is a brilliant forum with lots of help and advice. I am 60 and live on my own. My sister picked me up from hospital and stayed a couple of weeks. I am 5weeks post op but the main thing I remember was making sure that everything I needed to use on returning home was at waist height. Organized my freezer so I could reach things I wanted without bending and made sure I got all the shopping I needed. I was so scared but everyone on here reassured me. Make sure you get all the aids from occupational therapist that you need, I got 2 perching stools, making it easier to have a wash and prepare meals etc. raised toilet seats and a grabber which was invaluable. Its amazing how many times I used it. It helped me put my underwear on and even my leggings!! Picking the post up and lots of other uses.
Good luck and Happy Easter.
Glyn x
aw thanks Brian. Love the kid bit ha ha.
I really didn't expect such a quick response this forum is brill.
My op is April 18th so the countdown begins
Gaynor
Hi...I am now 2 years post op...the best thing I ever did I should have had it years earlier instead of suffering. Pain free straight away it was like a miracle! It's difficult at first I will admit but mire fear of dislocating than anything but as long as you follow the rules you will be great. I am 55 and 4 months after my THR I was paragliding in Tunisia. Before I went I had built a whole new wooden pallet seating area in my garden. I know I'm one of the lucky ones but I refused to be beaten and just pushed myself as much as was healthy. Good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery and hope all is well with you x
Hi Gaynor,
I was getting more nervous as my op date was approaching. I am 57 had THR left on 24 Feb. so have just had my 6 wk check up yesterday. All ok and I feel I am doing well.
All I can say is I had an amazing experience, like most people nowadays I was awake and listening to music through the whole thing. Afterwards make sure you ask for painrelief if and when you need it. I was given a certain amount but told I could have more if I needed it.
Once home try and have someone with you the first couple of weeks as this really helps and make sure you are geared up with equipment from the OT's.
Most of all though be kind to yourself have a few treats ready you deserve it.
All the best to you, and heres to the next 25years+ of the rest of our lives. Yippee!!
Jane x
Hi Glyn , I am also 60 and strictly speaking I don't live alone as I care for my 94 year old who thinks he is looking after me!!!
i organised my hose to make it easy for me and had Wiltshire farm foods delivered .
10 weeks post op and doing well . Good luck to you
Mary
south wales
Us Hippies may be slower at walking but certainly not slow to respond
x
Thank you Jane. All the positive remarks are making me feel more positive.. I have my daughter with me for the 1st week and my sister for the 2nd then aiming to go alone after that..
I think treats are important!!
My op is on April 18th so the countdown begins
Gaynor x
Hi Gaynor, I'm 19 days post Op from THR. I was afraid but when I work up in recovery I was actually feeling very good. The post Op surgical pain was well controlled and the awful hip pain I had was gone, yes gone which I found amazing after suffering for years. You will do just fine.
Thank you Susan my op is on April 18th so the countdown begins.
Wish I had asked for advice earlier instead of getting more worried every day.
The responses have been brill
thank you so much
Gaynor x
Many thanks John
Lots of valuable advice which I will take on board..
My op is on April 18th so so will put your advice to good use
Gaynor
Hi, don't think I can add much more to what has already been said, don't forget to cut your toenails as you won't be able to for at least 6 weeks. Its 17 weeks since my op and I was 71 then and now 72 and feel great so I am reversing the age now and being 27 again. Don't be nervous about the operation, they will look after you and the nurses are very helpful. Hope all goes well and let us know how you are afterwards.