OH *!*!

speedalong
speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
edited 16. Apr 2010, 10:20 in Living with Arthritis archive
Oh *!*!

I rang the hospital yesterday to see if they had any idea on where in a "few short months" my op might fall. They confirmed I was marked as urgent and they would be in touch in the next few days ... I thought they meant with info on when my op might be and they have called me for pre-op appointment tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!

Am in shock!! From posts on here I'm thinking this means the op date could be very soon?! What is the usual gap between pre-op app and op date???

This is a real juggling act for me! My friend is moving in to look after S, (my foster son with autism,) so she needs to sort out her work committments.

The earlier the op - the more recovered I will be for the summer hols and caring for S when my support network will all be taking their summer hols and be away. However, my friend is already having S for the first week of his half term (end of May) because in theory I would still be working that week, he is also off first week of June - (in theory we would both be off together) but no good him being home all that week if I'm not long out of hospital ... as I will still be very early in my recovery...

Ohhhhhh......


Speedalong
I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
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Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Speedalong,

    Sometimes the quicker the better as less tie to worry. I really hope it goes well and your date comes through soon as well. ((( ))) Cris x
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Cris.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Speedalong :shock:

    Oh double EEK! indeed. Sounds like things moving at a pace there for you. Hope you soon recover from the shock and can get the home support in place. Must admit I would prefer this speed once the decision made as less time to worry. Really hope all goes well at the pre op. tomorrow. Hopefully you will all be done and on the way to a good recovery for the summer.
    Am thinking of you and sending hugs ((( )))
    Chris xx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,901
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Speedy :shock:

    Oh scary!!!

    But if I were you - would be best over and done with. The sooner it's doen the better .....then you'll begin your recovery.

    Good luck and let us know when...

    Love

    Toni xx
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Chris,
    Oh double EEK!
    that really sums it up!!
    Hope you soon recover from the shock
    So do I as then I will get into practical mode and started writing lists and getting organised!
    Must admit I would prefer this speed once the decision made as less time to worry.
    This is very true ... just a few IFS and BUTS to iron out ... it was much easier for my last op, just needed to sort out care for my cat ...
    Really hope all goes well at the pre op. tomorrow.
    I hate needles ... so probably best with no time to think about it... Though must try and still my mind and think of what questions I need to ask tomorrow.
    Hopefully you will all be done and on the way to a good recovery for the summer.
    Now that is a lovely thought ... feel like I have been like this forever!!
    Am thinking of you and sending hugs ((( )))
    Chris xx
    [/quote]
    Thank you - they are very welcome/needed.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Toni -
    The sooner it's doen the better .....then you'll begin your recovery.

    'Tis true. Thanks for that.

    I need to see the bonuses... all I'm focusing on at the moment is the worries ...

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I hope your pre op stuff goes ok. They really check you out thoroughly.

    Good luck with it all.

    Sharmaine

    speedalong wrote:
    Oh *!*!

    I rang the hospital yesterday to see if they had any idea on where in a "few short months" my op might fall. They confirmed I was marked as urgent and they would be in touch in the next few days ... I thought they meant with info on when my op might be and they have called me for pre-op appointment tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Am in shock!! From posts on here I'm thinking this means the op date could be very soon?! What is the usual gap between pre-op app and op date???

    This is a real juggling act for me! My friend is moving in to look after S, (my foster son with autism,) so she needs to sort out her work committments.

    The earlier the op - the more recovered I will be for the summer hols and caring for S when my support network will all be taking their summer hols and be away. However, my friend is already having S for the first week of his half term (end of May) because in theory I would still be working that week, he is also off first week of June - (in theory we would both be off together) but no good him being home all that week if I'm not long out of hospital ... as I will still be very early in my recovery...

    Ohhhhhh......


    Speedalong
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Speedalong, and breathe

    Hot sweet tea or perhaps something stronger just now :shock:
    You know you do need this op asap, but I can understand the current head spin you must be in. Others will be along to keep your chin up when they see this. Any questions for tomorrow seems to be the highest priority here. Then tackle one other worry at a time eh!
    Hang in there. ((( )))
    Chris xx
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 15. Apr 2010, 09:54
    Hi speedalong, bet you wished you had never given them a call now! :lol::lol::lol: I should think your BP went up alarmingly for a minute or two.

    Best not to have too long a wait. I am sure everything will fall into place with care etc for S. Those who were going to help you out, sort of knew that the time would be in the not too distant future.
    Pre op will be fine tomorrow. I am sure they will give you at least a week or two.

    I wish you well, it will all turn out ok.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Speedalong
    Wow I can only imagine what you are going through, all I can say is ..less time to worry and like they say it will mean you can enjoy the summer.
    Please keep us updated, I do hope everything goes well for your pre op.
    Good Luck and lots of hugs((((((((()))))))
    love
    Barbara xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Sharmaine,

    trying not to think too much about what treats they have instore for me tomorrow!! I shall just switch on my hospital-persona!!

    Apart from my joints - I am pretty healthy - though did intend to start taking regular iron in prep for my op - as mine can sometimes need topping up and last time I lost so much blood I had to have transfusions.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    chris7 wrote:
    Speedalong, and breathe

    Hot sweet tea or perhaps something stronger just now :shock:
    You know you do need this op asap, but I can understand the current head spin you must be in. Others will be along to keep your chin up when they see this. Any questions for tomorrow seems to be the highest priority here. Then tackle one other worry at a time eh!
    Hang in there. ((( )))
    Chris xx

    Yes - I think a cuppa and some late lunch is a good idea now. Can have wine tonight .... Questions for tomorrow must be a priority - so shall start my list after lunch ... hopefully will think of some!! Probably think of them afterwards ... so any suggestions from anyone welcome ...

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Perhaps your phone call helped to speed - sorry, no pun intended! - things up.

    Look on this as a positive, for all the reasons you said. Great time of year to be having it done. My TKR was exactly 3 years ago. I didn`t choose the time, but it couldn`t have been better. Had a wonderful, pain free summer, for the first time in years. Also, all the planning and organising helped take my mind off any negatives that I was dreaming up.

    My pre-op was one week before the surgery, so should be quite soon for you too. Go for it, you won`t regret it........Ange.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elna,
    Hi speedalong, bet you wished you had never given them a call now! I should think your BP went up alarmingly for a minute or two.

    This very thought did cross my mind!! Oh what have I kick started!!!

    Have planned for this event - but the timescale has dramatically changed as I was going on NHS statistics - and thought best case scenerio end of May, worst case scenerio end of June ...

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you Barbara a painfree and active summer would be GREAT!!!

    Will be glued to forum during recovery (except when I'm doing my physio!!!)

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey Speedalong, :D

    Perhaps when you called there had JUST been a cancellation for a pre op assessment and YOU got it :D Peeps do cancel!

    I think it was meant to be :D

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Ange
    Perhaps your phone call helped to speed - sorry, no pun intended! - things up.
    Most certainly did!! As there wasn't even time for them to send out a letter ... just scribbled info on a piece of scrap paper by the phone ... which I mustn't lose!!
    Look on this as a positive, for all the reasons you said. Great time of year to be having it done. My TKR was exactly 3 years ago. I didn`t choose the time, but it couldn`t have been better. Had a wonderful, pain free summer, for the first time in years. Also, all the planning and organising helped take my mind off any negatives that I was dreaming up.
    This is all true ...
    My pre-op was one week before the surgery, so should be quite soon for you too. Go for it, you won`t regret it........Ange.
    Now that is scary - and prob not realistic as also have to sort things out at work - I'm a school teacher - so cover will need to be sorted out for my class as well. And, I need to empty my stuff from the classroom as it won't be my room in September (think major removals!! - also needing favours as I can't carry boxes at mo ...) Idefinitely need to prioritise and make lists!!

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elna

    Hey Speedalong,
    Perhaps when you called there had JUST been a cancellation for a pre op assessment and YOU got it Peeps do cancel!
    Yes I think that must be it!!
    I think it was meant to be
    I very much believe in what will be, will be ... but - this doesn't feel very manageable at moment. Might when I get my rational head on!!

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Speedalong

    don't panic!!!!

    deep breath ...... and relax

    now then, remember on your list of things for tomorrow to tell them what you need to have time to organise - they will understand that some of it is not totally in your control and should be able to be a bit flexible for you if you need them to be.

    Also, as a (former) teacher I can tell you from personal experience that whatever needs to be sorted can be done .... and everyone will muck in to help out ... especially if you take in biscuits and choccy to keep everyone happy :wink:

    best of luck tomorrow ......... it will be fine I am sure

    hugs
    WOnky xxxx
  • josiec
    josiec Member Posts: 386
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ooh, that is a bit daunting, but as others have said, less time to worry, sooner done sooner recovering..etc, etc.. school-wise, try not to worry, people will help - I'm a teacher too and have just sent my last visitor away with instructions for next week when they go back after Easter as I'm going to be off for another 3 weeks post foot op! They'll manage though, and as my philosophical headt always says, anybody could fall over one weekend and break their leg and be off for 6 weeks at no notice, so any notice is better than none! Good luck tomorrow, one bit at a time........best wishes, Josie
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well what a shock but just think of all those weeks you will not be worrying now ((())) you will be alright at least you should know when soon
    val
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky
    deep breath ...... and relax
    Yes indeed!! I couldn't catch my breath... but I am a bit calmer now.
    now then, remember on your list of things for tomorrow to tell them what you need to have time to organise
    Yes - I shall have to explain all that won't I.

    Al
    so, as a (former) teacher I can tell you from personal experience that whatever needs to be sorted can be done .... and everyone will muck in to help out ... especially if you take in biscuits and choccy to keep everyone happy
    Oh so right!! I shall get my stash of treats organised!!!
    best of luck tomorrow ......... it will be fine I am sure
    hugs
    WOnky xxxx

    Thank you Wonky for your words of wisdom support .... must go add choccy biscuits and chocs to my to do list!!!

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    They'll do blood pressure; height weight; MRSA test; blood; x-rays if you haven't had any recently etc.

    I think this health "MOT" is a good thing. It's nice to be prepared with nightclothes; slippers; toilettries etc. I splashed out on some nighties and new slippers. I've got to go through all this again when I have my text TKR! Just as long as you don't come down with a cold/cough you should be fine.

    Take care and have a good weekend.

    Sharmaine

    speedalong wrote:
    Thanks Sharmaine,

    trying not to think too much about what treats they have instore for me tomorrow!! I shall just switch on my hospital-persona!!

    Apart from my joints - I am pretty healthy - though did intend to start taking regular iron in prep for my op - as mine can sometimes need topping up and last time I lost so much blood I had to have transfusions.

    Speedalong
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Josie
    as my philosophical headt always says, anybody could fall over one weekend and break their leg and be off for 6 weeks at no notice, so any notice is better than none!
    How very true!!
    What a lovely head!! My last head was lovely ... the current head and assistant head are ***less!

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you Val and Sharmaine for your support.

    Defin think I should treat myself to a few nice bits and bobs ...

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.