Hi folks,
I'm seeing my consultant (Marcus Bankes) on the 26th September to discuss hip replacements. I've read quite a bit of this forum but there's a lot of information! I'd really appreciate some help re what questions do I need to ask him?
Thanks in advance :-)
What are my restrictions after surgery..following those restrictions is the most important thing you can do along with what excercices and physical therapy. Ask what aids you will need. I started with walker moved on to 4 prong cane and raised toilet. Get a reachet stick too. Good luck. Glad i did it..both hips. See doc today..7 wk check. Denise
How long in hospital
Restrictions post-op NB in UK 6 wk minimum for driving using the operated leg
Aids supplied by NHS -varies across country
Exercises to build up muscles pre-op
Any post-op physio - often next to nothing or arranged by GP
Transport home if you don't have a family car or good friends - usually arrange it yourself but NOT black cabs because of method of getting in and out
If you live alone type of anti-coagulant therapy post-op - most people struggle with compression stockings, help available for personal care and meals.
Good luck
Hi Jennifer I am going for a pre assessment on the 7th,a friend who works in theatre and assists with hip replacement ops all the time and also had one himself last year is going to e.mail me a list of things to ask when i go,so hopefully should have that in the next week,if i do will pass it on to you if you would like.it is your hip and I think the key is to be well prepared and i am sure like me you will be more confident.good luck
Thank Denise for the tips. I had to Google reachet stick as I had no clue. What a great idea that is, could actually do with that now!
Thanks 007 especially the tip re getting home! Black cabs are a total pain now (literally) so no use for after a hospital stay.
That would be fantastic Sylvia, thanks!
Ask about the different approaches to having THR. Then ckeck out each one on line to see which is rt for you.
B/c each has its pros cons. This is a major surgery make sure you are prepared for it especially at home.
Hi Jennifer, 1st question I would ask is which method he uses (Anterior/Posterial) as there are lots of different reviews concerning both methods on this forum, all very helpful though, I'd also ask what sort of prosthesis he uses as there are quite a variety on the market, also the success rate of said joint along with his success rate performing these surgeries, aftercare is worth finding out about also, not sure if your in the UK or not? It's well worth attending the hip clinic before surgery if there's one being run, as you get to ask any questions you might have along with meeting someone from Occupational Therapy who will let you know about all the equipment you'll need after surgery, the raised toilet seat is a must, long handled shoe horn & a grabber for reaching things, I'm 8 wks post op now after left THR & it's all going pretty good apart from a pulled hip flexer muscle where I got a bit carried away with the excercises, really important you follow your excercise plan post op along with trying to build up strength in your leg before surgery (if your able to) as this really helps as well on your road to recovery, hope this has helped a little? Good luck with your op, hope all goes well 😉
Reacher...sorry.lol
hi jennifer
you need to no how many hip replacements he as performed what type he his thinking of of giving you such as cemented or uncemented who's doing your hip him or his register r if this is your first one i can assure you its not as bad as a second one.
how long for your recovery will be dont sign any forms unless you understand excatly what you have been well informed of what complications such as how long dose the hip last ,loosing nerve damage, choose how good any surgon is things can go wrong i no i have had two in seven months through only a fall no atheris but both as left me crippled
also you don't need to ask him about any aids after you have had your op the ocypational therepist or for short OPT will asses you on what you need the physo will tell you what excersice you need after the op hes no say in what you need its up to these two to decide also if you need a follow up apointment thats up to your surgon.there are lots of questions but its up to him if he as the time to ask him ask him about foot drop i have it but was not informed about this and its very painfull belive me i have my leg in a cast two months after my op in may 2014 i wasent informed about this one way to find out how good your surgon is google his name i wish i had have done this on both my ops i had 2 different surgon's and both were not that good your putting your life in there hands then you have to realise this is a false fogrin body part that may only last a few yrs provideing its done correctly not every one as the same recovery time as another person my reply to your question is related to my own experience but everything as gone wrong for me but dose not mean it will happen to you at least i hope not but you do have the right to have second opinions till you are satisfied with a surgon you feel comfertable with especially if they listen to you i got both one that i couldnt ask nothing the other i never saw him from my first op back in october last yr from start to finish he caused me to have the second one he never did my op last but not least hope you have a speedy recovery and hope it all gose well for you google up on what you need to no as every one person is not the same on healing there are plenty of web sites that tells you what to ask your surgon.
good luck hope you keep us informed don't take metel on metal hip replacement.
christine
Jennifer if you have the posterior approach, then after surgery you have to keep you hips and knees in a straight line. Like, no recliner, no crossing feet or legs. No putting feet up on coffee table or foot stool. Because of dislocation.
I'm five months post op. I had the anterior approach.
With this one there are no restrictions.like with the lateral or posterior approach.
However you really do need toilet riser. Because sitting low hurts and getting up is hard at first.
With the last two approaches you cannot bend over or cross the 90 degree plane.That's why you need reacher. Slip on.shoes really are a help.
One more consideration . What are you going to eat when you do get home. I bought thing I like frozen so I could just pop them in the microwave . You might need can goods. Especially if you are expecting snow after you get home..
if you have physical therapy at the hospital ware something that covers your bottom.
With the anti or approach I had to light my legs and I didn't bring pants or shorts. O things can get a little embarrassing at physical therapy. I wih I had known what to take to the hospital.
Sorry to hear how much you have suffered with your surgery. I hope your healing well now
Hi Jennifer,
I am also going to have THR right hip by Marcus Bankes, so please let me know how you get on with your questions and after that, with your op.
er
I could have missed it but I didnt notice anyone saying ask for a trolly
I'm in the UK and didnt know about these until someone on another forum mentioned them.....sure enough....none was offered so I asked....no problem I got one.
It was excellent.....mny husband was at work during the day......so Go with crutches to the trolly, push that into the kitchen, using that instead of crutches.....make a cup of coffee or sandwich and push it back in again. Set food on table, push trolly over to where you left your crutches and come back to the table LOL
It was a blessing.....it was lso used to push things from one room to another.
Love
Eileen
Hi Jennifer. I am 5 weeks to the day THR right hip. As you will be, I was apprehensive and nervous. My consultant discussed every thing in great detail and made me feel at ease. I have managed using on line shopping and lifts from friends to appointments. Compression socks are impossible on your own. Great point about the trolley. I prepared food supplys only to find I couldnt carry it to the table (had to sit at kitchen bench). I have an upstairs bathroom and stairs with one handrail. You have to leave one stick down stairs only to find when you get upstairs you cant manage with one stick ( I borrowed another crutch which I left at the top of the stairs). I have my six week rewiew on the 26th and will be discussing my left THR. I am in no way concerned about my other op as the improvement in my right hip as been fantastic. Good Luck
I'd start by asking about the type of new joint he uses and what is its record. How long has it been in use. Is there a better product (there are about 400 types produced and many of them are inferior). Why is he using the one he describes.
When satisfied about the actual joint then proceed to the op and how he does it. For example the latest approach is from the rear but the old style from the front is still better in many cases. What support will be available while in hospital. How good is the physio facility and does he have any additional recommendation(s). What does he advise for recovery - up next day and a pattern of daily physio increasing as possible.
A lot depends upon the nursing support you get. But most important of all is to have a positive attitude at all times and to be determined to do the very best you can. There is no point in being timid, over cautious or afraid. The healing process and the use of your limbs can be much improved by how you respond to treatment.
Hi Ginger, Very good advice from Christine ask questions ask about nerve damage as this is risk you take from surgery get 2nd opinions , I wish you the best
Jackie
You are very smart. I wish I had done forum & internet research before getting my THR. What i did not know was the specifics of the implant put in my body (type, manufacturer, serial # etc..) you think you will never need this info but it will come to haunt you someday and then you'll have to contact your doctor which may not be easy anymore