Pre-ops all done this morning took 3 hours. They told me I will be having LTHR next Thursday morning (21/05/2015). Also said they don't use the stockings at QEH Kings Lynn they use leg pumps I think she called them. Also said they would probably use a spinal as it kept a bit of pain relief there after the op. All in all good to go now....
Hi
They are leg pumps - bit like a big blood pressure cuff and a lot better than stockings.
Small drawbacks is someone has to disconect them so you can get out of bed and they can be a bit noisy.
Spinal block will be good - strange feeling when it starts to take effect as feet go numbe then it works its way up your legs -
Pete ( Gloucestershire UK)
I didnt hve the stockings but had the pneumatic leg warmers...a bit weird.....I also had 28 days self injected Fragmin to stop clotting which was a doddle!
As Pete said downside of leg things is pneumatic noise and having to be disconnected to go to the loo!
You'll be fine!!
Hi Gill,
thats you all sorted, then!
Just think, this time next week it will all be done and the rehabilitation begins.......😄😄😄😄
Wish you well. Unlike some who had spinal I was given slight sedative before the spinal was put in and had no recollection of it. Did not know I had gone to theatre. Me no socks or leg pumps and only tummy injections for 3 days and 75mg aspirin for 4 weeks. Time to go get your treats x
Hope all goes well. I had spinal and a sedative and slept through all of op, felt so much better afterwards. Did have stockings and am self injecting for 28 days, but as I am quite active have ditched stockings, they made my legs swell, nurses said surgeon was not too bothered. Did remarkably well in hospital, only in 3 nights am now 12 days post op and can manage quite comfortably on 1 crutch and can go up and down stairs properly. I was still quite fit before op though. Being 64 I was cemented in which makes recovery quicker. The most difficult part is remembering the 90deg rule, oh and sleeping on my back at nighttime, nightmare! Do the excercises!
Seems to be all down to the hospital, am still a bit bothered about the self injections but will have a go, she also said if I really couldn't do them they would get district nurse to., Just want to be the other side of it now
Hope they give me a sedative too, I really don't want to see or heaar anything at all .
Think with the patients first charter they should ask or at least listen to your request. My hospital wants patients to be as comfortable and stress free as possible- easier for them in the long run
Advice post op if you live alone think about your electrical sockets as you will not be able to bend down to reach them. I moved all chargers on to kitchen work top.
Ask for the sedative Gill , I did and never saw or heard a thing it was great .good luck
Hi
I used to pass out at the sight of a needle when I was younger so I was not to happy about the thought of stabing myself but I managed ok. The young lad in the bed next to mine was 28 and he had to get his girlfreind to do them for him he went white just looking at the box.
We were all given a sharps box for the used syringes and a CD with a video of how to do it - typical bloke I watched it after Id finished.
Pete (Gloucestershire UK).
had to laugh at that Pete cos I don't read instructions either lol
Dear gillcat - It all sounds very familiar! I had the combined spinal block/GA and I'm sure it helped the post-op stage enormously. 9 days on and I'm already believing it's all worthwhile. I've gained in confidence so much from the friends in this forum. It's very reassuring to know that others are where you are, and though every case is individual, there are obviously so many shared similar experiences. The leg pumps are great - they wrap round your legs rather like cricket pads, and they contract and expand for you - I felt very secure with them on. All the very best for next Thursday. Grace 🌺
I am glad edverything went well for you gillcat. I wish you luck for next Thursday.
I am sure you will be fine. 
Thanks for that Grace, it's funny but after today I think I feel a bit more confident, I just want it over and done with now. I will go for the spinal as everyone thinks it's good. I also suffer with Arterial Fibrilation and am sure it will help that too. Those leg pumps sound great.
Thats great youve had your pre-op and your date..not long to wait now!! I had spinal for my THR and it definitely gives that extra pain relief after. Staff were very quick at topping up the meds too. Good luck 😊
I had the leg pumps and spinal, from what I've read and heard, much better than stockings and recovery is quicker. I took all the pain relief offered and slept a lot the first two days which also aids recovery so here's hoping the same or better for you
Hi gill
Glad to hear you've got your date, it will all slot into place and you'll understand what we've all been on about. Its a new life on the other side, have patience with yourself and it will all be worthwhile.
You will be offered a sedative either slight or all. Glad to hear you've got leg pumps, I liked them and didn't find them noisy at all.
Look forward to hearing from you on the other side lol !
Hi Gill. I am so pleased for you. .Not long to go and we will be hearing all about your recovery. I am due mine sometime in June so am very interested in the different advice given on this very helpful sight.
Wishing you well for the coming days
Best wishes
Westie 😊
Count down has started !!! Pretty soon you will be one of us, post-ops, and happy to share your experiences with others .... this forum is priceless ! didn't have stockings or leg pumps but had to self inject Fragmin for 6 weeks !
take good care and have a lovely day ...