THR Operation

Sarah01

Morning everyone,

A belated Happy New Year to you all.

This past month has been tough for me and I have been struggling, hence why I haven't been on here. I was signed off work in December as I could not cope with sitting in an office chair for 8 hours a day. The pain was unbearable at times and I was struggling to cope on 2 crutches. It got to the point that I could not deal with the pain or working full-time on 3-4 hours sleep a night, so I saw the HR department who advised me to get signed off until my operation.

My THR is on Saturday 11th January. What keeps me going is knowing that I will be pain free and have movement again and in a few months I will be able to return to work, however, the nerves have started especially now that I only have 4 days to go.

I know that others will have dealt with this in different ways but it would be great to hear your experiences of the THR.

Take Care
Sarah x

barbara12

Hi Sarah
I know exactly how you are feeling...my THR was months ago now..and the best bit that I didnt expect the time has gone so fast , I am due to have my second one done when I am ready..
You will be fine...ask anyone on here I was blinking terrified..apart from the day of the op and I suddenly went really calm not a clue why..
I do wish you well with it ..any questions just PM me..x

Sarah01

Hi Barbara,

I hope I am the same as you come Saturday. I haven't had an operation since 1989 and being told at my pre-op last week that they will not give me a general anaesthetic due to my asthma has got me worked up. I was hoping to be knocked out rather than have the spinal block.

I am also worrying about what to expect once it is done. There is so much to remember about the do's and don'ts once I have my new joint. On the plus side once I do have it done, I will know what to expect when they do the left hip sometime later this year.

Sarah x

villier

No experience Sarah as it's hands with me, I just want to wish you well, good luck for Saturday let us know how you get on once you are able......................Mare xx

hileena111

Hi
Good luck and don't worry.
I remember Barbara and her first one Terrified but she was fantastic
I had one THR 4 years ago and am due another one on the 24th of this month. I'm starting to get the collywobbles as well even though I've had one before.

Hi Sarah I had a spinal block with my first one. It was fine {much better than the GA I had the year before for a broken ankle} I was violently ill all day after that. The spinal block was OK even though I have Kypho scoliosis. A C shaped curve in my spine or as the consultant laughs and says "you have a rubbish back" They couldn't find they right place to put the injection at first but they did it. That's just me and my wonky back I'm having a spinal block again.
Are you on your own or do you have someone at home?
90 degree rule is such a nuisance. All the things you do normally :roll: . I know I had my husband shouting at me if he saw me doing anything that broke that rule
If you want to pm me go ahead.....I'll try to help even though I'm a bit nervous and its the 2nd one...

Love
Hileena

stickywicket

barbara12 wrote:

You will be fine...ask anyone on here I was blinking terrified.

She really was but what a difference now

The only tips I can give are to do your exercises as much as possible pre-op and and requested post op. Other than that just rest and elevate the leg and find someone else to do the housework and cooking etc. It really pays off.

As for the anaesthetic - I have mild asthma and I've had both spinal and general but they do have to be careful with generals and asthma. A friend forgot to tell them about hers and so they gave her a normal general and she had a mild stroke as a result. She made a full recovery but it's a salutory lesson in ensuring we tell all that's wrong and then being guided by the experts.

Don't worry about afterwards. The Occupational Therapist will make sure you have whatever equipment you need.

Sarah01

villier wrote:

No experience Sarah as it's hands with me, I just want to wish you well, good luck for Saturday let us know how you get on once you are able......................Mare xx

Thank you Mare xx

Sarah01

Hi Hileena,

Good to meet others who have also had the spinal block. Will have to see what happens on Saturday. My husband works in the Middle East and unfortunately he is not home until March however, I do have 2 boys at home, they are 16 and 18 so they will be helping, plus I have family, friends and neighbours all offering help and support, whilst the boys are at college.

I was reading some info the hospital gave me and the list of do's and don'ts was a mile long. They even cited that the 90 degree rule was the most important to remember.

Sarah x

Sarah01

Hi Stickywicket,

Thanks for the tips and the heads up on anaesthetic and asthma. I have plenty of people to help round the house and thankful that the boys can cook

Sarah x

dreamdaisy

Hello, I've had a number of ops with a general (despite my having asthma) apart from my double carpal tunnel op (that was a local); so far so good. I have not, however, had a joint replacement of any kind and I can understand your apprehension.

Barbara was very worried and deferred it for some time but I was amazed at how well she coped with both the op and its 'aftermath' (I can't think of a better word, I apologise. :oops: ) Yes, there will be a break in normal life but the benefits will make that very worth-while. I hope it all goes well and we'll be here when you come back, OK? DD

Sarah01

Hi DD,

It's good to also hear from someone with asthma that has had a GA and experienced no problems. I guess it depends on the individual and how bad their asthma is.

I can relate to Barbara and how she was feeling prior to her THR. I keep telling myself I will have a new lease of life after the op, hopefully the more I tell myself this, the less nervous I will be (that is the plan)

I will be back on here after the operation. I hope to be home by Tuesday/Wednesday of next week

Sarah x

hileena111

Hi Sarah
Do let us know how you got on.
As for your boys.......get them to shout at you if you are breaking the 90 degree rule.....its so easy to do. All the normal things you would do. My husband spent most of the time saying...don't do that

Love
Hileena

Sarah01

Hi Hileena

I will let you know how everything went. I know one of my sons will be keeping a close eye on me, he's already been warning me on what I can and can't do.

I've packed my hospital bag and now filling in my measurements form, how high my bed is etc. Just about set for tomorrow

Sarah x

hileena111

Hi Sarah
Good Luck for tomorrow.
Will be thinking about you.

Love
Hileena

stickywicket

Good luck from me too, Sarah