Date given today for my THR op and it's next week

dippyhips
dippyhips Member Posts: 58
edited 18. May 2011, 07:38 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi I'm new here and so glad I've found you now :smile:

After many years of going through pain and stiffness and drs just sending me off with difference meds, I found out about 18 months ago that I have hip dysplasia in both hips and OA in the left hip with no cartilage left and damage to the bone and also OA in both knees, I also think it is in my hands too. but as it's not too bad not mentioned them yet.

In Feb this year was told I need a LTHR and waiting time was 9 months, had a phone call today I'm to be admitted next Wed and being op on Thurs morn :eek: mixed feelings now it is so near and I am totally unprepared. For all those with experience can you tell me what I definitely need to have in for when I come home.

Thank you in advance

Sue x

Comments

  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think it's better for having only 1 week to wait. You have no time to worry about things. Depending on whether you are on your own at home or have a family. You need to make sure for when you do come out that all floors are cleared. Make sure that you have tea,coffee ect to hand. There's no bending,twisting or reaching up for things. So that is something you will need to remember. Occupational theropy should provide you with any items you might need. Lastly, good luck for next week and once your home let us know how you are getting on.

    By the way I had my THR op done 2 weeks on this thursday.

    Karen xx
    Karen xx
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue

    Just calling in to say welcome and sorry you are in shock with the suddeness of the op. :shock: Are you not having a pre op appointment to discuss things and to let them answer any questions you may have? I guess that will be happening on the Wednesday so it doesn't give you any time to mull things over! If you really are not quite ready don't feel pressured into going ahead with it in such a rush. It can be good to have less time to worry but it is your decision always.

    Do have a browse around to find the info you need. If you put in THR in the search box on the top line of this page it will bring up other posts people have made which may help.
    There is a helpline number at the top of this page too, who are there between 10 and 4, if you want to talk things through with them. They can offer helpfull advise, and much needed support by just listening for the scary times.
    Glad to see you have spotted the going into hospital thread at the start of this page which is full of good tips. I am still putting my THR off but am sure others who have had theirs will reply when they see you here.
    I hope it seems less daunting tomorrow.
    best wishes and keep in touch
    Chris

    Hi Karen just seen you there, hope you not having a bad night lovey, you should be resting please. xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wow dippyhips, that is fast after all that time of suffering - what wonderful news. I am sure it will make the world of difference to you, but yes, it is a shock to know that major surgery (and it is just that) is so close.

    I see that you have already found mjking's thread about things to think about before going into hospital - he never posts now 'cos he is mended but he left us a wonderful (and very useful) legacy. I have not had a THR but many on here have: the most recent 'diary' I can think of was that done by speedalong, she had her surgery last summer and kept up a good account of her recovery (and the odd setback), as chris7 suggested do a search on it and yes, talk to the helplines. It has dawned on some of us that there are huge discrepancies around the country on how one is prepared and dealt with after surgery, stickywicket has started a thread about this, just yesterday.

    I do not know what the op is like or how the recovery goes, but be prepared to be tearful and weepy for a while after, surgery is a major shock to the body and it can leave one feeling rather frazzled. There will be pain and discomfort but once the body starts to heal that should fade. Be conscientious about the exercises, watch your diet (not too many cream cakes for being a brave girl, yes?) (I am cheerfully assuming you are a girl, sincere apologies if you are not!) and rest, rest and rest some more. I hope you have family/friends around who can help out - no chores should be executed for a good few weeks (perhaps a month?) you need that time to recuperate, not to be worrying about what to cook or that the loo needs cleaning.

    Keep in touch - I wish you well and I hope it makes all the difference that you need. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    Welcome to the forum
    Just want to wish you all the best for next week.
    Take care
    Juliepf x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, Nice to meet you on the forum.
    Just to send you all good wishes for the operation and a speedy recovery. Love Sue
  • bertyboy
    bertyboy Member Posts: 1,860
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi and welcome its come very quick , i am sure everything will fall into place ,and you will feel better in the long term x
    I know i am a lady ,all life is a journey xx MAY xx
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    Welcome to the forum, they area good lot here.

    I also think its better to have little notice as the longer you have the more you worry. I hope it will go well and let us know how you get on please. Nice to meet you and we do half decent pocket duties if needed. Cris x
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    Gosh....my stomach is turning over for you....sometime in the future I will be facing this, but I take strength from the lovely people on here.
    We get people posting and in all of a tizzy, then before you know it they are on there way home and recovering.
    I have everything crossed for you, and if you needs us we are always here.
    Oh and welcome to the forum :grin:
    Love
    Barbara
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 9,155
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue.
    welcome to the forum any problem you have just ask away and some lovely person on here will be able to help you.
    try not to worry i've had my thr 16 years ago and its still going strong.
    take care. joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue

    a huge welcome to the forum to you from me too :grin:

    l am so pleased you found us and at just the right moment too.

    Anything at all you want to ask and one of us is likley to know the answer :smile:

    Hope to 'see' you before wednesday

    Love

    toni xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey, Dippyhips, that's good news though, I imagine, a little disconcerting for it to come on you so quickly.

    Try not to worry. It's a very routine op with a very high success rate. Chris7 has given you some very good advice. The Occupational Therapist should sort out all you need before you get home. The main thing you yourself have to do is recover. Do the exercises, take any help that's on offer and make sure your own recovery is your top priority. Everything else is secondary to that.

    I'm sure it'll all go well. Mine did.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dippyhips
    dippyhips Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for the lovely welcome and wishes :smile:

    Its so nice to find people that understand. I feel as over the last few years, my hip has taken over my life and people that I know don't fully understand and get fed up with me.

    I am 46 yrs of age and have had problems since my 20's, altho was told I was a clumsy child, as always falling over even to the point of splitting my chin open, but nothing was investigated back then, which now I know I have shallow hips, I understand why and obviously was the course.

    I have a husband who is taking a couple of weeks off work and I also have 4 grown up children in which 3 are still at home, so I have plenty of help.

    I have battled with this decision to have it replaced ( other avenues have been looked at but have been told nothing else can be done) as deterioration has happen so quickly in the last 12 months that if I don't have it done I shall be in a wheelchair soon.

    So it is could to hear from all those that have successfully had it done.

    I look forward to getting to know you and hopefully I too will be able to offer support too.

    Love from Sue xxxxxx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Aw, Dippyhips, you'll have a ball when it's over.

    A word of counselling - if you have a good husband plus 3 adult children at home, could I suggest a slow recovery? Make the most of the help available. Just concentrate on recovery, not housework. It's good for everyone concerned.

    All the best.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue, if you have any questions about the op, pm me as mine is still really new. And you make sure you rest up well. Do not do to much to soon. The people on this forum as so helpful, they have helped me so much and you will feel the same. Don't foget to keep us informed of your progress.

    All the best

    Karen xx
    Karen xx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Welcome....I dont know how I missed this......Better is better
    Good Luck

    Love
    Hileena