Pre Assessment

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi Everyone,

I have been given my pre assessment date (27th April), how long after would you normally get the operation date? I am in the UK.

2

Hi Richard i only waited 8weeks after my pre op but could have been in within 4 weeks suppose all depends where in the country you stay good luck with your operation

3

Well my pre-assessment appointment came together with my date for the actual operation. It was approximately three weeks. 

4

The date for my pre-op assessment arrived with my date for the operation, it was two weeks.  I am in Devon.

5

Depends on where you live . I live in wales and had to have 3 pre assessments as they run out . I was on list for 15 months . Good luck

6

I had my op 3 weeks later. I think a lot depends on what part of the country you're in. Good luck, hope it won't be too long.

7

Hi when you go for your pre assesment they will tell you then they dont leave you long are you will have to go though it all again good luck ,,,,(,it took my from going to the doctors to having op 6 weeks (Barnsley South Yorkshire )

8

Hi,

When I had my pre op assessment I was notified at the meeting I would be contacted about two weeks later. After two weeks no such notice came through so I phoned my hospital directly to chase up a date. Ths was given over the phone. Following this I subsequently heard from other 'hippies' that they had to chase up a op date.  I would suggest that you be prepared to do the same and not await notification. Good luck

9

Hi, forgot to mention I have had my op in Darent Hospital, Kent.

10

Hi Richard slightly different for me as I had my op date first then pre op appointment though my op was then cancelled twice because of black alerts so I was then given a date in private hospital as they had to do the op within so many weeks of pre op. My op was about 5 weeks after pre op.

11

Hi Kevin,

My op will also be at Darent Valley, how did it all go for you?

12

Hi,

Thank you all for your replies.

13

Hi Richard,

I have copied and paste an earlier reply I created regarding my time in Darent for my op. If there is anything specific you wish to be told then I am more than willing to help. Good luck.

Hi,

Well done for plucking up the courage to go for THR. I was extremely nervous when I started off.  My name is Kevin, aged 53 and have just had a total hip replacement last Tuesday at Darent Hospital, Kent.

Following sport and injuries, my hip became severaly arthritic to the point my mobility everyday was restricted and painfull in many areas of my left leg, hip, groin and back and as expected my quality of life was poor, although it did excuse me from certain dance lessons and classes with my wife. I had my first X-ray/scan which confirmed a ceramic operation however 6 months later after a further one I had deteriorated so I had a titanium one.

My pre op briefings by the hospital team were excellent and took great care in all questions asked and concerns, and before I knew it the day had arrived. Arrived at 7am, preop chats completed, sent down to theatre at 9.30, had a epidural and one and half hour op which I felt nothing, sedated and although scared, felt confident in my care team.  Was sent to recovery where I stayed for half an hour and so well cared for. The epidural wore off after about an hour duringwhich tiime I was sent to my care ward Cherry Ward for three nights.

Pain relief was quickly given which I will still take for as long as It will take and only had two small bouts of nausea about three hours after the op.My appetite has been normal, in fact eating more, and taking plenty of fluids has helped slight constipation.

The following day of the operation I left my bed and sat in a raised arm chair with no problems and th following day walked small distance around the ward on crutches and released for home last Friday following checks by occup health and physio to confirm I was ok to be released.

Since release I have experienced a heavy leg weight feeling and slight swollen knee and ankle, which I was informed would be expected but with on going pain killers and one self injection per evening of Fragim I am experiencing a lot less pain than before the op.  I will say I am very relieved having gone through it and will take time and perseverance each day to get mobility back but so far so good.

If you wish any info in much more depth I am more than happy to help, but you are doing the right action and send you my best wishes and regards for a successful op.

14

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the reply. I sounds like your all went well for you.

My right hip trouble is also from playing to much football, to competitavely at a young age.

 I am 50 this year and did not think I would be getting a new hip for my birthday.

Do you get the choice of an epidural or can you be put out?

15

Hi Richard at Glasgow Royal Infirmary you get a choice if you speak to your surgeon they advised spinal block and sedation it was marvellous as you feel great as the day goes on highly recommend it good luck

16

Hi Kevin,

Would you recommend buying any items before the op like grabbers and toilet seat extender, walking stick etc?

17

Do you have to buy this equipment occupational therapists supplied me with all of the tools

18

Hi Richard,

Same reasons for my bad hip....lots of competitive sport and suddenly the left hip just went. Wear and tear the quacks said. Sport good for you....ha ha...sometimes not especially when clobbered by a tackle eh !!!!

At the pre-op meeting and assessment they will discuss with you what you desire in regard to epi or knocked out so you will have a choice. Risks for both and I have had both now as the hip was my first epi. I decided for the epi following advice from friends but also to minimise neausea post op which I had badly when given full anaesthetic .  I found the epi so much better that if my right hip requires replacing in future then I will choose the epi.

Cheers

Kev

19

Hi Christine,

As I have not had the pre op yet I am unsure if i need to or not. I have read on here about only sleeping on your back after the op but I never do, so somebody said about pillows under or between your knees which I thought i could try to get use to.

20

Hi,

Pre op assess will start arrangements for NHS fitting of raised toilet, chairs and beds which will be delivered to your home. Be warned you may ave to chase the fitters up, I had to for the raised toilet.  Crutches supplied by hospital and would purchase a grabber which I found very useful as you won't be able to bend and pick up.  

Cheers