Hi
Did all of you that have THR get given and told all the information that you required.
I did to a certain extent but wasn't told about sore backs of feet 👣 from laying on your back nor how difficult it would be to have a hair wash with out a shower. Also about travelling on public transport and when restrictions can be lifted
My hospital care was excellent I cannot fault it. But found that the above would have been useful to know.
After the first one I am more prepared for the second
What did you find that may have helped you but wasn't mentioned.
Jane (London)
Hi Jane,
Totally agree with you i was so unprepared for so many things, i have struggled. I only have an over the bath shower so i have only just managed to have a shower 5 weeks post op and that wasnt safe!
I have had lots of times i wish i didnt have it done!
Michelle x
Hi Michelle I am the same have one over the bath. My partner has helped me wash etc. We have been together along time but still embarrassing on my part. Even if you go out by car and are still under the restrictions you still have to worry about the toilet etc so you have to take toilet seat with you. I even found disabled toilet low. Another thing I had problems with is my boots anyone got suggestions on how to get on.
Read a great tip on here about problem of sore heels die to sleeping on back.
Place something like a folded towel underneath the back of your knees/calves.
It's worked a treat for me.
Hi Jane
I was given a long handled shoe horn when I was in hospital and still use it now, try one maybe it will help with your boots.
I had my THR 18 months ago and still wish I had never had it done but I can't turn back the clock
I managed to get sheep skin lined little boot things that go round ankle they helped and pillow under calf. These things I wasn't told about.
Have tried shoe horn long handled still can't do it maybe its me😃
My feet and ankles are still swollen so can only get my trainers on with loose laces.
My teenage son and daughter had to help me getting dressed and still have to put my socks on.
I didnt realise the recovery would be so long and im only at the beginning.
Michelle x (bedfordshire, UK)
Jane:
The reason I joined this site/topic was exactly because so much had NOT been explained to me before I was discharged.
I was caught by surprsie therefore by such things as swelling, foot pain, heel pain etc. It was a great relief to me to learn from the site that others were in similar positions and to take comfort from that.
So why are hospitals apparently so reluctant to give a proper briefing as to what to expect in the weeks after the Op.
My guess is the answer is in the word "accountability". No one wants to be held accountable any more for fear of litigation/being held responsible. But that leads to the confusion and often fear when pain starts.
Thank you to the owners of this site therefore for providing a great forum that has given so much comfort for those like myself who were never briefed properly.
John (London)
Thanks john.
I am glad I joined this site to. Loads of information and lovely people to.
Hi Jane,
I was given an exercise sheet to follow along with toilet seat raiser, shoe horn, something to help get my socks on and crutches. Everything I tried to do was extremely hard and I had to rely on people alot, more than I realised (and still do). I think that actually seeing a physio after this surgery would be far more beneficial than being given a sheet of paper with exercises on, especially if you start experiencing problems.
Sue I have seen a physio twice. All they did was check I was doing exercises and if I have any problems to let consultant know when I see him. Which I will as ankle and foot keep swelling and sometimes feel tight. 😊
Hi Jane, you raise good points ans we can see from all the responses. I was told about the things you were not and how to try and avoid (e.g. pillow under knee to avoid heel pain, public transport etc). But what I feel was missing was any real indication of just what you have to manage more emotionally with the protracted nature of the recovery. It was like here's a list of things that you need to think about plus the pain relief will be instant and total (which has been true for me but not for everyone) but this other aspect was not addressed at all. I think this is also a failure. But as people on this site say: thank heavens for the shared and compared experiences here. Really helps.
thank you everyone
blessings
You raised a good point about emotions. I know all of us have had mixed emotions before and after surgery.
Maybe a little handbook with everything they tell you and everything you should know but they don't tell you.
Starting with pre surgery etc.
Jane,
I did get a booklet telling me what equipment I would need to rent and have in place before I got home, and also to have premade meals, and put clothing, etc. on a top shelf so I would not need to bend to get anything.
But it was a shock that I could not even bend over to brush my teeth! I could not take a shower until 20 days and it was very nerve=racking as the bench I rented was so wobbly I was sure I was going to collapse.
The hardest part and most people here agree is the night...I have notes in my journal in cap stating "I HATE THE NIGHTS"...I dreaded around 7pm as I knew night was coming and even with a sleeping pill the burning in my heel was so intense.
But I finally asked my physio what it could be and she said it was the back and to put a small towel folded under the small of my back...not too thick that I could feel a lump but enough to fill in the space....well this worked for me but went 5 weeks before I asked about it, so I know your pain!
I too am having my left one done next summer so I will be so prepared this time...all the little things that you don't think of!
Will be watching out for your progres and keep on this forum as many people gave me such good advice and support.
Patricia from Toronto
Maybe we should do one from all the points and collective experiences on this forum!!
best wishes
Hi Jane
The best information i have received has been from this forum, i am so glad i found it and am grateful for all participants.
i was given a booklet when i left hospital with a few exercises but no advice when you could progress to them. I have been loaned shower stool, raised toilet seat and a grab stick for picking things up. I am lucky that it is summer here in nz so i haven't had to worry about getting socks on, but the grab stick has been invaluable for pulling up the drawers! Didn't have any idea how hard that would be! There is no aftercare from the hospital here, they just assume that you have somebody to care for you on your return, but i am so lucky that i have a good network of friends who help me shower and wash my hair so there has been no problem there. My son has kindly come to sleep over and go to work from here, he also cooks dinner in the evening, or i don't know what i would have done. My booklet suggested you fill up your freezer but i didn't realise how hard it would be to carry things from there to the oven. A friend brought me a bar-b-que apron which has been great as i can put things in the pockets to carry from room to room, but still haven't managed to carry a cuppa!
I am now 15 days post op and after having my staples out yesterday feel much better. I get frustrated with the time it takes to do things but am also conscious that you need to take time and concentrate on everything you do 100% as a fall would be fatal. I just live day to day finding that each one brings a bit more relief, my goal now is to reduce the pain meds as they make me feel so sick, but i am not game to do that yet as i could bear to go back to the awful pain. I haven't had problems with my heels, but a tip from the forum suggested the pillow under the knees helps with the pain during the night and i found this works. I haven't found any way to get off the loo without cramps in my buttocks though!
all in all i have to say that the procedure was a big shock to me, i had no idea that it would be so difficult and traumatic, and it's a pity that nobody tells you until after you have had it done, and it's too late then. I am due to have my left hip done next year and am well prepared now, but I am undecided whether to proceed.
thanks again to everybody taking part in the discusssions, it is so nice to find that you aren't in the boat on your own.
jennifer nz
It seems to me that it doesn't matter where you are in the world info on what to expect after has been sparse or non existent.
I was just given a book on exercises and shown a couple in hospital.
I brought a portable toilet seat ad couldn't get on with one I had been given in hospital. It felt unsafe.
I thank everyone for their input. Also seriously thinking of starting a discussion so we can list things that have helped us.
Hi Jane
In Gloucestershire we were given a booklet at our pre-op assessment called "Your new hip handbook" which is published by Glos Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Pfizer Limited. Glos NHS also provides a 2-hour pre-op information school. They don't pull any punches! Tell you it will be painful and check that you have someone to help when you are discharged. Physios and occupational health are at this meeting and they tell you to come with any questions. At these pre-op meetings you are told about all of the aids that are provided to help you cope ie grabbers; shoe horns; toilet seats etc and they check to make sure you can manage your bed and armchair (height etc).
Briefly the booklet covers -
These meetings
Pre-op blood test
Be prepared: organising help; preparing your kitchen; transport; etc
Day of op: What you can eat?when; medicines; packing your bag; what will happen at hospital
After your op: On the ward - pain relief; getting up and about; physiotherapy
Exercises: sitting, standing,stairs, balancing
At home: Leaving hospital; walking; sticks; getting in and out of car; in the bathroom; dressing; in the kitchen
Final section is for faq's and explanation of anaesthetics and side-effects, complications and risks
Sounds as if we do get more support but there's still lots of other valuable information which I have only gleened from this forum. As everyone has said - it's invaluable both for the support and the information so willingly given by fellow sufferers. Thanks to everyone!!
I was fortunate not to have the ankle problems, just very swollen legs and feet. I agree with everyone that I was not prepared for the after care that was needed. All anyone told me that had the op was to be sure to do rehab. Rehab was more informative than the hospital, but the best part was having the visiting nurse association follow up with me at home. I had individual one on one sessions witha registered nurse who monitored my blood and Coumadin, an occupational thermistor visits to review sshowing and dressing and best of all a physical therapist who has worked with me three times a week for the past 5 weeks. I a, completely mobile, and I think this is because of the physical therapy. Thank goodness for the visiting nurse assoc. they are the best!
Prior to my THR i was told and also given pamphelets with information pre-surgery and post-surgery. I already knew what i was about to undergo and was ready for it.
All the precautions was mentioned several times and i had to recite it for nurses, and doctors when they ask, "what are your restrictions". So i already knew, my ankle and feet may swell up, change colors which is normal. But maintain a watch on my calf if it gets hard then i need to go to the emergency due to blood clots. I was given Lovenox for blood clots and DVT. They have taken care of me very well. I had to do my part with my physical therapist and also had a nurse visiting me at home.