Where to start? TLHR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hello everyone

I just registered after reading for a couple of days. After months of knee pain, followed by hip pain and sciatica I was told on Tuesday that yes I needed total hip replacement on my left hip.  The right one also has some arthritis but not as severe. 

My op is scheduled fir early October, I am lucky to have had insurance in place to cover so I chose the date baded on not wanting to cancel a holiday in September and also to allow me time to get my head around it all.  

I am 61, and the only other members of family with hip ops were all in their 80's.  Self inflicted, I carried foar too much excess weight for too many years, though I was always very active till recently. 

Can I admit, my mind has frozen  ?  I am normally a person who researches stuff to death and always has more questions ready.  So explain to me why on Tuesday evening I sat there and asked virtually nothing?  Now am not sleeping because of all the questions swirling through my head. 

Yes I have an op booked and yes the surgeon has a good reputation, Mr Dominic Meeks via Ross Hall BMI.  But, i do not kmow what type of op, what type of hip...  Nothing.. And even if I did do I juts go with thah or should I be asking for certain things.

i have a nickel allergy I never mentioned, should I ask for cernamic, titanium, whats. Is the difference between approach ? Cemented /  uncemented? Arggghhh.   Yep brain freeze.

I would really appreciate any pointers as to where to start so at least I can make a list of questions that I understand.

Discombobulatedly yours

Kristin  from Glasgow.

 

2

Ps sorry for the typonese :S 

3

Hi kristin

First thing to say is that this forum was the best source of information I found but take care because there do seem to be some conflicting areas of advice from the professionals.

Don't worry about type of hip etc. Your surgeon will recommend the correct one for you. The immediate consideration would be having someone to take care of you for a couple if days when you get home. Also get the equipment you need ready. Just basic things but flat shoes that slip on, something to help you get up from the loo and although I was sent home with crutches and can manage these easily i did buy a zimmer frame for upstairs during the night on my many trips to the loo.

I hadn't expected to feel so traumatised afterwards but this lasted a few days and now on day 9 post op I get supper ready for the family ( ok sausages and mash) but have been out a couple of times and manage stairs easily

Take it a bit at a time and don't panic about not asking all the questions. There is plenty of time for you to ring and speak to the consultant at bmi

Take care

Kate

4

Hi Kristin,

You can get all the answers you need in this forum and you have still a lot of time to talk to everyone involved in your care for this op.

I am sure you will get a lot of answers, and if you read past posts you will learn lots of things. The thouight that helped me in the beginning was that this op is noe of the most successful of all, with 95% success rate.

All hip implants are made of titanium, but the top is now covered in ceramic to avoid problems with metal on metal . Your surgeon will decide if for you it's better cemented or un cemented.

Well done in joining this forum

Big huga

Ella

5

Dear Kristin from Glasgow ...

Welcome to this forum of the most caring, supporting and loving fellow hippies - 

We share our personal experiences, victories, rant and rave and so much more ... 

So you are a wee bit overwhelmed?   Just let it all sink in for now ... 

I didn't even think about asking any questions as I was in shock and denial ... 

and I did not find this forum until 3 weeks post-op ...

You will have plenty of time to prepare - practical tips about the after care and what you need is probably what you will need the most ... 

Ask away, we are here ...

for today, take it easy and try to relax cool-

Warm hug

renee

 

6

Thanks for such a speedy reply Kate, much appreciated.

 I looked after my 89 year old mother in law, after her first THR last year, so I did pick up a few things but maybe didn't notice others. You said shoes, not slippers? Yes she wore shoes but I never thought about why.  I couldn't tell you what type of prostheses she got but her op was posterier. She was provided with a frame for over the loo, a support cushion, grabber etc.  She was NHS and received excellent pre and post op support.  I am not sure how that works given I will be private, past experience tells me you lose support from NHS in a ot of ways but I do have an rxvellent GP.  Guess I will find out but at least I know what I will need. smile 

I am still in shock but thats natural. Not looking forward to another major op as I dont do too well on anaesthesia and also I am allergic to a lot of  pain relief, for instance I cannot take NSAIDs.  The pain I am experiencing at the moment is a constant reminder I need the op.  Currently I have Tramadol and CoCodamol, both make me somewhat whoozy amd sleepy.   

That plus paracetamol is the lot I am afraid, I hope its enough.

You are so right, this forum is really helpful I am chuffed I found it.

Thank you for your helpful advice and I hope your recovery continues smoothly smile 

Kristin

 

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Thank you for the warm welcome Ella.   I think you are right I do have plenty of time.  I'll probably calm down once it has all sunk in and will continue to read the forum in the meantime.  Knowledge is power as they say smile   I also want to be well prepared physically and mentally for what is ahead. 

Have a good day

Kristin

 

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Wow, you are all so welcoming. Thanks Renee. smile

Overwhelmed, oh I'll say.  Worried about a few things, definitely.  But I think I will take your excellent advice and relax today as I have been working myself up into a frazzle, oh and looking calm on the surface for the family which is exhausting in itself.  

Thanks again and have a good day.

Kristin

 

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Hi Kristsin

As the others have said - welcome to this wonderful forum and stop worrying - we've all been in your position!

I'm also 61 and overweight but fit and live in Aberdeen. I'm 10 weeks post op. Although I had my hip done on the nhs, by the time I was offerred the op I was utterly fed up with being in pain and would have agreed to a head transplant if it had been offerred! Both my mother and my sister had had thr before me though, my mum (slimmer and fitter) at 72 and my sister (fatter and more sedentary) at 50!

I ended up with a lateral approach, titanium stem and plastic cup, whch I think is fairly standard for my circumstances. The scar is about 12 inches long and runs from mid thigh to mid buttock. I'm not a vain person so having such a large scar did not upset me and the only time it will be visible to anyone other than my husband, who is just glad I'm out of pain, is once a year for a few days on the beach! I was admitted to hospital the afternoon before my morning surgery and discharged 3 days afterthe op. My husband took a week off to look after me, though I was pottering around on my crutches from the minute I got home, and my son took a week off to help the following week. This was a luxury, but did mean I didn't have to struggle with crutches and cooking. Happy to share more of my story if it helps.

What I would suggest is that you spend the next day or two writing a list of things you should have asked, then contact your surgeon's secretary to ask if she would forward the questions to him or ask for another appointment pre-op to discuss things. As you're going privately, this shouldn't be a problem.

Oh! one other thing - I had a spinal anaesthetic. I was terrified and if I'd been given a choice i would have said a resounding NO but in actual fact it was wonderful - I slept through the whole thing but didn't feel groggy or sick after so if you're offered one, do say yes even if you're scared.

Anyway, good ;lucj and keep in touch

Rosie xx

10

Hi

I also had left hip replaced this year 1st june 2015 and never even been to hospital before in my life so all was unknown.  However if I had known what I know not I would have rushed there sooner.  all the pain has gone and I am going to have my right hip done 5th october now and hopefully my life will be back. you cannot believe the difference and you wont regret it.  I recommend also you dont have aneasthetic but have a spinal injection it helps recovery so much better apparently.  I had a ceramic hip but not sure about whether it was cemented or not (sorry never asked) but after 5 weeks was driving and 6 weeks fully able to walk unaided.  still a bit penguin like but getting better every day.

I also was lucky and had insurance so able to do the dates hence why I have asked for second hip as early as possible. however my surgeon was not listed for second operation as his fees were too high but was not happy as wanted the same surgeon and the insurers agreed without charge.

let us know how you get on

maggiex

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Hi Rosie

Another lovely welcome, thank you so much.  

My husband and son will be there to help me post op so that is all sorted.  We still have the spare bed up on bricks from my MIL so I think I will go into the spare roo initially, maybe sooner as the pain wakes me up and sometimes my hubbies knee sad 

I will definitely ask about the spinal anaesthesia, just as long as I am out of it, I couldnt bear to be awake or semi concious.  Too much of a feartie smile

Like you I am not bothered about scars as long as they heal well.  My weight hasnt been too bad over the last few years though I did gain quite a bit last year due to other health problems. I have tackled some of that and hopefully lose some more before October. 

Taking a shower is one area that worries me, we only have one over the bath and I struggle getting in and out now because of the pain. Will need to discuss with hubbie if it is feasible to upgrade it in the next few weeks.  

I was tempted to stick with the NHS as my MIL got such great care but my husband quite rightly pointed out if I can get it done sooner why wait.  I will broach things like a toilet frame with my GP, she is usually really helpful.

Is there anything I can do pre-op to prepare myself physically? Exercises etc. 

I can't tell you how helpful it is to have people going through the same things.  Really helps put my mind at ease. smile

thanks again

Kristin

 

12

Hi Kristin,

Welcome to the wonderful world thatnis this place

I'm 43 and will admit that my brain too went 'splat' when I got told. No questions then, some serious Google-Fu when I was home again though

Many questions beforehand and many answers here, but maybe even more after, and again many answers here. We're a bunch of all sorts, youngsters, oldies, the lot. But all in the same boat!

Be welcome, ask away, rant away when you feel like doing so (most of us do, just follow the lead and just think of one thing: you're in it to get better

BTW: I'm a family first. Thought I 'd do it right by being early enough :p

13

Hi Kristin53 and welcome to the forum! Having read other replies you seem to have answers to most of your current queries. I had my LTHR 16 May 2015. Recovering well, just a few little niggles remain, hoping they are just healing muscles etc..

Do opt for spinal anaesthesia as they offer you a sedative as well (I promptly fell asleep straight away and woke up feeling great, no nausea or grogginess, just ready for something to eat!). 

As for pre-op exercise, I did quite a lot of cycling, walking and other muscle strenghtening exercises. If your muscles are strong before the op, it will take less time to recover. Simples. Good luck and don't worry, you'll be fine!

Best wishes,

Alison

14

Hello Alison

I have gonefrom overwhelmed with thoughts of this op ypto overwhelmed by the amount of support here. You are all lovely warm people. :D

Thanks for the tip on the exercise.  Its painful walking at present though I do it till it hurts iyswim.  Its been a long time since I cycled even though I have a decent bike in the shed.  Might convert that static bike I have from a clothes horse back to a .... static bike wink lol  Will give it a shot this afternoon.  I am pretty sure the last few months of inactivity have left my muscles in dire need of a kick start.  No excuses now.  

The spinal certainly seems popular, so thats on my list of questions. 

Thanks again

Have a great day 

Kristin

 

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Hi and welcome Kristin,

first of all try not to panic, you have found the best place to be for answers and support, we have all been where you are, I agree with all my fellow hippies, you have plenty of time to get youself sorted, yes it's a shock at first, I likened it to being hit with a freight train!! like you I was 61 when first diagnosed, living a very active life as a working musician/singer, lugging pa's around setting up etc. then this nagging pain in my groin started one day as I was getting in the car, and the rest was history, I am now 64, and 17 days out from my 2nds opp. first was in nov. last year, I put it off untill I could no take the pain, anyways I live in stirling and if it wasn't for the fact the national waiting times in scotland are so quick I was concidering Ross hall, but I eventually went to the golden Jubilee in clydebank, (the centre of excellence for hip and knee repkacements) all went great, the surgeon Mr jason Roberts did both my hips, it's a great hospital ( built as private back in 2000) so all the rooms are single , with wifi and fone.

I found that you will need a grabber, a raised loo seat, and a portable foam filled loo seat for when you are out,you can get them on ebay uo to 6in thick,a trolly for walking and carrying things like a snack to and from the lounge etc.I put a second mattress on my bed to make it higher, works fine,I have a rise/recliner chair which is a god send,you will need a walk in shower, no getting in an over bath shower for 3 months!! yes I know horrific thought, so the first thing I did was get one installed!! lol,a perching stool for cooking and kitchen tasks I find that very helpful as I love to bake,as for the opp. your surgeon will advise you on the best approach, mine were bth posterior, titanium with non cemented ceramic cup, I had a spinal and sleepy meds, I felt and heard nothing, ( although they asked if I would like to watch!) erghhh no! so the sent me to sleep via an IV. not a GA. when I woke up I was feeling great just like I'd had a refreshing nap, the spinal takes around 2 hours to wear off, and your back in your room.

Hope all this helps you,

wishing you a great holiday in sept.

we are always here, you will have many more questions as your trip through hippydom continues,

Love and best wishes,

Lynne x

16

Hiya and thanks gor all the info Lynne. 

My MIL lives down inAyrshire so she also was sent to the Golden Jubilee for both her hips. They are indeed excellent.  As I live in Glasgow I would most likely be sent to the Southern General. Tbh I'd be fine with the NHS but the insurance is all paid up plus the parking is a hell of a lot easier than the Southern G.   Its the worst place on the planet for visiting.  Also I wanted to choose my timing, having a wee holiday in Turkey in September so it will be done just after I return and hopefully I will be a lot better and pain free by Xmas.  Pain free, imagine that. 

I hope you are recovering well, do you regret putting it off for so long? 

Kristin

OK so we have decided we can get the bathroom refitted to a walk-in shower asap smile.  A bit rushed but hope I can find someone who will do it before then. 

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hi am6ft8 

Thankyou for the warmest of welcomes. Nothing to rant about just yet but there's plenty of time.  smile  getting better snd being more mobile is all I ask. 

Have a good day 

Kristin 

 

18

Hi Maggie

5th of October is the same day I have for my left hip. Reading your progress certainly helps calm my fears, so thank you for the insight smile

My right hip is also affected but nowhere near as bad so I dont know how much time I would get out if it before it too needs replaced.  One thing at a  time for now smile  

There is a lot to think about but such a wealth of info on this forum.  I expect the time will fly till October.  

Hope your recovery continues smoothly.

Kristin

 

19

Hi Kristin

Welcome to this forum. You will be very well supported here by these lovely, warm hippies.   Much like you I was shocked and terrified at the prospect of surgery.  The only time I had been in hospital before was 46 yers ago when my son was born and that was a disaster due to poor response to anesthesia. I have multiple drug allergies and had to be tested pre-op for some of the drugs used for surgery.  I had a spinal(was told they use less drug than the dentist) so if you can tolerate being numbed for a filling you will do fine.  I was also given some light sedation which was great.  Talking in Or one minute, awake in the PACU post surgery within an hour after surgery ended!  No nausea,grogginess or very little pain really.  I could not take any of the pain meds except paracetamol.  Off all pain meds now day11 since day 7. The pain was minimal compared to OA.  Do let your surgeon know about your nickel allergy although I'm sure it won't be an issue.  I agree that you have time to phone your surgeon with any questions that arise.  

Hugs,

Jeanne

20

Hi there, welcome to the Hip Club. I haven't got much to add except to say that the first two weeks are the hardest but after that it all gets much easier. I had my first on 30thJune and am walking, swimming and driving. I get tired but am still healing.

This forum has the best people in the world with crumbly hips and someone is here night or day when something weird pops into your head.

In a few days you will be more focussed and looking forward to the op to get rid of that gnawing pain.

Love Kate at the other end of the country in Cornwall x