After a Pre-op

scribbler

Hello all you helpful people who have given me advice and hints on coping with arthritis. I went for a pre-op assessment yesterday for a possible THR. I explained to the nurse taking my details that I was very worried and uncertain about whether this was the right thing to do at this stage. She was most helpful and sympathetic and suggested I should have a talk with my consultant and made an appointment for me.

I'm going on at length in case my experience is useful to anyone else in a similar situation. Just a few points:
1 It's a good idea to have someone else with you - preferably the person who will be caring for you when you come out of hospital. They often spot things you miss. My husband was wonderful.
2 Also a good idea to write things down that you want to ask, have a copy for yourself and one for the doctor. (A friend says she is tempted to take a recording machine and record to interview - haven't tried this!)
3 Think carefully beforehand about what you want from an operation and weigh up the costs and benefits. These will be different for everyone.

In my own case it would mean major surgery, followed by a long recovery period. Most likely the pain in my left leg and hip would be reduced or even eliminated but as I have arthritis in my other hip I probably wouldn't be entirely pain-free.

From my reading about post-op treatment I wouldn't be able to get back on my trike for a long time if at all so I'd end up with less independent mobility than I have at present.

I'm still not 100% sure but I think it most likely that I won't be having surgery at this stage. One thing the nurse mentioned was that both my husband and I should be totally committed to the op. It takes a big chunk out of your life and means a lot of adjustment for both parties.

When I came out of the clinic I felt a great sense of relief, a weight off my shoulders.

barbara12

Oh scribbler, i really do understand what you are saying, and its so good of you to post this..
I have to have both my hips replaced, and I was a little bit ready 2years ago..till my back consultant warned me I might be no better off pain wise...I have been in turmoil since that day....so I really do wish you well with the op...maybe I will get there next year.
You take care xx
Forgot to say I am so pleased that you have got it all sorted in your head

frogmorton

Scribbler!

That is an amazing decision and one I can soooo understand. Well thought out and totally resaonable for you and your husband.

I am sure the door will be left open for you should you change your mind in the future.

Barbara - I DO remember you being 'ready' for your hips to be done a while back. Then the back came along and that threw you didn't it?

My own MIL has decided not to have a second THR - at 78, and having just, (Monday), had surgery for home dialysis, she feels it's too much and prefers to stick to painkillers. The family respect her decison and we bought her a rollator for her birthday (scooter maybe for the future????). Unless she is in agony I can't see her changing her mind.

Take care both of you

Love

Toni xx

stickywicket

It can't have been an easy decision, scribbler, but well done for making it.

As I've said several times on here, there was no decision to be made for any of my ops. For the first TKRs I could barely walk, in incredible pain, and had a 10 yr old and 7 yr old to deal with. The first hip broke itself. For the second I was wheeling myself round the house as I couldn't walk and, when my 27 yr old TKR needed replacing it had skidded off course so much the surgeon begged me to allow him to call all his colleagues in to see the X-rays. Decision made for me every time.

I'm sure you'll know when the time is right for you.

hileena111

Hi Scribbler
Well done for making that decision.
I had a THR about 3 years ago.....6 week recovery ...I drive....it was frosty when the 6 weeks were up so it was about 7 weeks before I drove.
I've only ever used the bike in the gym
I was told not to do the breast stroke for a long time....hate the water anyway
I was due to have the 2nd one done a few months later then they started investigating my back???? :roll:
Love
Hileena

lazicat

You will know when the time is right for your THR.
I had no choice really with mine as my life had ground to a halt & the pain was unbearable. So I had my THR in July , big improvement , still painful particularly when I do too much , but did expect this regardless as Ive got back pain & OA in other hip , but started with the worst bit first.
Even though Ive still got pain , its nothing compared to what I had before , still early days so I may improve more , hopeful of that. Im doing things now that I couldnt of done before my op, which makes me feel great. I still rest as much as I can & do physio, I walk our dog a little way, pop to the shop & drive. My biggest problem is over doing things, but learning to listen to my body.
I wouldnt hesitate to have it done , Operation & initial recovery period wasnt anywhere near as bad as I imagined. I was lucky I had lots of help from my husband & children.
I had a bad week last week , but this week is better, and like everyone keeps reminding me it is still early days.
So when the time is right , go for it , dont suffer more than you need to, as there is definately life post op.

scribbler

Many thanks everyone for your good wishes and support. The "Challenging Pain" workshop I attended in Blackpool was especially useful.

barbara12

I have read all the post on here, and I do hope people keep adding to it....thanks scribbler x

constable

Hi there

You were lucky in a way. I was given no choice, just told I needed it done so 18 months ago I had my THR. I did have problems after (and still)but with all the problems I am so glad I had it done. I have so much movement in my hip now and the pain is dramatically reduced.

I have to say I admire you for looking into it so much before making a final decision. It couldn't have been easy for you.

If you are still able to get around then you have made the right choice.

ichabod6

Hello scribbler,

I knew you were up for it.