I have been waiting for 10 years to get a hip replacement due to no insurance.
I got insurance Nov 1st and exams, xrays and MRI's moved fast. I was told that surgery would probably be before Christmas...I am ready and the pain is so bad it brings me to tears.
Now I was told that they will call me with a surgery date but it may not happen until the end of January.
I don't know how I really feel.....disapointed, peaceful or numb?
I guess in a few more days I should get an answer....and to think I was alreday putting my hospital bag together?
Time goes by so fast, your surgery will be here before you know it. The best advise I can give you, (that is after choosing a surgeon that has an exemplary reputation for this kind of surgery) is to prepare your house and to make sure you have everything for your recovery. I'm sure they gave you a list. I got my own walker, crutches and raised toilet seat myself from places that lend them out so I didn't have to pay what the insurance didn't cover. Everything looked brand new and saved me hundreds of dollars. Plus, I felt good when I returned them. I also bought a "sock assist" from Amazon, boy does that come in handy. I don't use it anymore but it was great if you don't have someone to help you dress all the time. It also makes things easier if you engage your abs when you lift your legs while getting into bed and the car. It takes the pressure off your hips. You may not be able to do this for about wk after surgery, until all the anesthesia is out of your body. But it really works great. I am 10 wks post THR and doing good. Everyday things get better, but it does take time. Once I was off the drugs (two weeks post THR) the sun came out and my recovery really sped up. I was able to drive again and get out of the house. You still have pain, but it's a different kind of pain. Recovery pain, and the more you walk the better it feels. At least that has been my experience.
I was on a list for two years here in Canada. Once about a year on the list they called and wanted me to go in like two weeks, A year later I was in. Seems to be big demand all over! Good Luck
Evelyn, have to give you credit for enduring such an ordeal for so long. I am glad that your surgery date is within reach. Definitely do as much as you can as was mentioned to prepare your home and your mind, spirit for the event. Perhaps, there are people you can talk to who can help with making meals or doing laundry, doing some errands for you, too. Often the doctors do not like to do surgery doing the holidays and there are many distractions during that time, so waiting till Jan is in your best interest. I was a former nurse so saw how they alter the schedules around the holidays, focused more on emergencies than elective cases. I, too, am waiting for my surgery. My hip problem came on quickly and cannot imagine waiting as long as you have. I live out of the country, so need to pay out of pocket, not sure what that will amount to, but have to trust it will work out, somehow. The physician is excellent, so that part is not a concern. Not sure if you are doing any activity, but read an article last night regarding being physically fit for surgery, for me means back to swimming some, at least to strengthen the upper arms and do some movement. If anything, it helps your stress level and mental outlook. Just a suggestion, if able. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. Wishing you the best possible outcome and future of unlimited opportunities and activities!!! Jody, Costa Rica
Evelyn, you must feel very disappointed. But really it's not too long until the end of January. Just think that by the summer you will be feeling good. Can I ask you how you it has come about that you are able to have the op now after waiting for so long? What happens in the USA if you need a hip replacement and don't have insurance?
I can't imagine being in that kind of pain & waiting years for a replacement. I am so sorry; for what it's worth at least you are seeing an end in sight- We hope.
Here in USA it can very state to state as how insurance and government health assistance works. Unfortunately I live in a state-Georgia-who has a total idiot for Govenor. He refused to accept Federal assistance for Georgia so our millions went to another state. That meant that people living much below poverty level that would qualify for aide won't get it.😧 Usually tho a program called Medicare helps people over 65 and another program called Medicaid assists families with children living below poverty level and other conditions. If you have a job the employer may cover a percent or all,of your insurance. It gets pretty complicated but a new Federal program is supposed to insure that coverage is available for everyone at reasonable cost. I personally have Medicare plus a supplement policy that pays what Medicare doesn't. Of course there is a deductible and a monthly premium for this supplement. Hope this makes some sense to you, I know it must be quite different where you are.
Hi there, thank you for writiing and I also am in the USA so I understood what you were saying. I am now on Medicare and also have a supplemental so I received my Medicare on November 1st and I am thankful that I now have insurance after so many years. So now I am getting help.
Thank you Jody your words are a blessing. I have tried to do excercises but I am so bad I can't even walk without a walker or two canes at a time. I can only make it to the kitchen or the den. So much pain and my back pops all the time.
I hear your words that drs. don't want to do surgery's during Christmas and as a patient there are many distractions. I hear what your saying. I have been praying and I know God has His perfect timing on this so I have peace. Might be in pain but have peace. Thank you so much for making it more clear on this. My left leg also has groin pain but nothing compared to the one on my right. At this point I am staying home as it is too hard to go out except for dr visits. Or if I go to a friends home it is still very hard. Tonight went to a xmas party but I walked in with a walker and my husband took my chair that I cold sit on. People served me food....wow. I do have people who offered to help. When I get a date I will let people know of ask a close friend of mine to schedule people for meals and some light housekeeping, vacume and dust. that will be a help. Thank you so much...apreciate your input from a fellow person who cares and a nurse.
Hi Kathee, Good to hear from you. Intresting I was looking for a sock aid. My poor husband has to put my socks on every day and if I had a sock aid it would help him and help me of one more thing I could do for myself. Since I am in so bad shape I wold feel better to get something to help me put my sock on. I did buy a raised toilet seat and my MD doctor let me borrow a walker from his office. But if I can get one from the insurance then I can return this one. What do you look for in a sock aid? There are different ones out there.
Sorry to hear that your surgery has been put back, but it will be worth the wait, believe me.
Like most people here say, use this time to prepare your home for your return from hospital, and try to prepare your body for the surgery. If you can manage any exercise, even a little it will go a long way to help you recover.
Just be positive and remember by the time summer comes around you should be well on the way to having a life without pain. You won't believe the difference this op will make to your life.
Keep us updated on any progress. In the meantime enjoy the festive season with your family and have a merry christmas and a happy new year.
Hooray the time has finally come. I got a phone call today from the orthopedic surgeon. My surgery for my hip replacement will be December 22. So it looks like I will be in the hospital during Christmas eve and Christmas day, but I'm okay with it I had said all along if that's what it took then I was at peace with it.
Great news Evelyn, your Christmas present. We will be thinking of you during that time and anxious to hear how it all goes for you. God bless and Merry Christmas early. Hugs, Jody