Hi everyone
Firstly I just wanted to say that this forum is fabulous. I have just gone for my pre operative assessment on Friday and am now waiting on my date for my surgery (right hip replacement)
Does anyone have any tips on anything that would help prior to surgery? I'm fairly mobile, 37,in the UK.
The nerves are certainly mounting...
Thanks!
It's useful and worthwhile to do some exercises pre op to build up your strength. Also spend a little time working out how to easily make a cup of tea etc. Depending where you are in the uk will determine how much advice you get- and aids.
The main thing to remember is ot is wortb it in the end-
Hi ,keep your self ocupaded. Read the books, watch movie, talk
To friens. I know its easy to say but hard to doit. I went for operation Monday and i worked till Sunday. You are fairly mobile like sad. Try your self ocupaded. That what i did.
Good luck hug Madlla 💗 ps all will be fine
I had my op on 8th November and had a better than textbook recovery - the surgeons words, not mine. No pain, even from the surgery; the odd minor twinge and ache occasionally from the healing, which is to be expected. I can't guarantee that my run up will give you the same results - everyone is different - but here's my tips:
Prepare well. Think about everything you need to do and work out how you will do it after the op. In the event, given how well it went, I was over prepared! Practice with your equipment now so that it becomes second nature. You'll find that everything takes longer to do anyway, but there is nothing worse than, for example, feeling rubbish and not being able to get your sock on! Little things are frustrating post op and Bering confident helps.
You're lucky to be mobile. I was almost immobile. But as much strengthening exercise as you can. Both hips! The other will have to pick up some slack while you recover. And the spine too- a lot of people find that they get aches in the lower spine area as they recover.
Recovery stations - that means some boxes of all the stuff you will need to sit and rest comfortably, and that can be placed easily around you. And by that I don't mean just medical items. Pamper items like face mask. Books. The remote controls. Prepare these in advance, and use them - that way you will discover the items that you forgot!
Stay positive! It really isn't scary despite what it sounds like.
If you work, don't rush back too fast - and think about what you need to go back. My employers got me a sit / stand desk that I can adjust (i need ankle surgery now as well, and need to elevate the ankle, which you can't do with normal desk heights) and gel cushions to make my chair more comfortable.
Talk to your nearest and dearest about expectations. Some people think you will be back to normal or better the minute you come home, and others will think that you are desperately sick and can't do a thing for yourself. You want a healthy balance. And the same goes for you! Get used to the fact that you will need some help, but equally don't think you are incapable. Your hip won't be fragile, and you need to try to do things for yourself, without overdoing it. Again, balance in all things!
I was lucky and could get out of the house immediately. But not everyone can. And even I found the four walls drawing in, especially in the first few weeks. Make sure people visit you! And try to plan a few easy trips for yourself - go for lunch somewhere with a car park so you don't have to walk far, for example.
Hi Caron
Oooh yes the wait - how long is a 'wait' - well, it is always going to seem like a lifetime, no matter how short actual length of time it is.
As others have said, take the waiting time and use it productively. Make sure you are as fit as possible - lose weight if you need to and get mentally prepared.
By that, I mean consider who is going to take care of you for the first 2 weeks - you will need someone believe me. Are they able to cook, if yes then that solves that problem, if not, can you cook for 2 weeks and freeze the meals? A more expensive option is to get your meals sent to you - there are a few companies that do that now. Don't do what I did, which was to rely on ready meals from the supermarkets - unless you like Indian meals, which are ok, the rest are terrible (sausage pasta - hunt the sausage, which turned out to be the grey sludge on the pasta) and the portion size is tiny.
You also need to work out if you will need a pee bucket in the bedroom - if you have a bathroom upstairs then you'll probably be ok - otherwise buy a bucket with a lid (I got mine from Amazon). You will also need long reach grabbers too - I got 3, so that I didn't have to keep carrying them about - crutches + grabber = potential disaster (also available from Amazon).
Your local Health Authority will lend you a raised toilet seat(s) and frame(s) (as 1 unit or as separates) for the number of loos you have. The HA is also able to lend you lifts for your bed and favourite chair - however, not all beds and chairs are suitable for lifts. If your chair isn't suitable buy a 4" deep cushion to sit on (and yes again from Amazon).
Work - if you're employed make sure that your employer is aware that you are going to be off work for at least 6 weeks, and probably longer. What is their policy - are you entitled to Occupational Sick Pay or just Statutory Sick Pay? If you are not working you may be eligible for Employment Support Allowance - this will involve jumping through quite a few hoops - so make sure you start the process before you go into hospital. You certainly won't be up to jumping through those hoops afterwards.
If you're feeling brave you can always watch what actually happens during the operation on YouTube - this is not for the fainthearted. But if you like to know (as I did), then I would recommend it. Just remember, you will have to be sure that you will be alright with what you might see - you can't unsee it!
Finally, as I'm sure you have read on this forum, everyone heals at a different rate, so don't compare yourself with anyone else - it's not a race! Be a patient patient!
Good luck with your impending op and hope to see you on this excellent forum again.
Welcome, Caron! You might want to check out "A laymans guide to Total Hip Replacement from one of our users - Rocketman54", which is the last of the resources listed in the pinned discussion at the top of the thread page called THR-Useful Resources: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147. Graham (Rocketman) created this page so that many good ideas regarding pre-op post-op and recovery issues, based on his experience and those of other users on this site, would be in one place.
All of this advice is fabulous. I wish I had worked out the pillows. Had to lie on my back for about a week. You need a great pillow for your legs. And once I started sleeping g on my side I needed a pillow and it took a while to find the right one. Get those core muscles as strong g as possible. I mean it. You will be glad you did. Stay positive.
How did you position your pillows when you started to sleep on your side?
Thank you, Sue.
I will do!!
Thank you Madla, I will make sure to keep occupied!
I hope you have had a good weekend
Caron
Hi Beth
Thank you so much for your response and all your experienced wisdom. I'm feeling more secure from all the help on this forum. I'm also comforted to read about your text book healing...
Yes, I'm mobile, but I was born with hip displacement - and suffered pain for a very long time. This is a happy conclusion to a hard and painful journey.
I appreciate your time and thank you again for the details!!
Best,
Caron
Thanks Chloe,
I'm lucky enough to not only have a willing husband, but one that can actually cook! (I am sure his special meals will become soon boring!)
I'll look into everything you suggested on Amazon... Thank you, thank you.
I've watched the surgery, I think it is interesting rather than off putting. (I do not think that I would be able to watch my own however!!!). I am glad you mentioned it, I thought I might be the only crazy one!!!
Thank you again for your help - I really appreciate it.
Best wishes
Caron
Thanks Annie
I will look at this.
Best wishes
Caron
You aren't the only crazy one - I watched one too! I also watched one of the ankle op I need. Now that one I had to close my eyes a few times! It's far worse!
I used a special pillow designed for hip replacement - obviously it can only help if you have one dside done. The wonderful thing about the design is that it is cut out to fit the body and held in place so that you cannot dislodge it, and the size prevents any chance of you crossing your legs whilst asleep. It was definitely my best buy!
What does it look like? I've had both hips done one at end July and second mid Dec - sleeping is a real problem- even though I can lie on the first side it's just not comfortable
Thankyou for your help
When I told people that I had watched the operation on YouTube I was universally told that I was nuts. My primary reason for watching was that I couldn't work out how the surgeon got the stem into your femur - so I found out. I always feel that ignorance is nuts and that I needed to know!
hi caron,
great detailed responses !!! I have not much to add to them ... will you get the anterior or superior approach ? that might make a difference post-op as well - have your grabbers close to you, they will be your friends for a long time ..
great to have your husband with you too ...
is your bed the correct height? and do you have a good chair/ raised toilet seat?
all these things will make it a bit easier after surgery ... you will find out for your self ...
and of course, always come back here any time ...
let us know when you get the date of your surgery ....
big warm hug
renee
I'll message you. Not allowed to post the link on the site.
Hi Beth, could you message me too please! I'd be really interested in that. Thanks, Kirsty