Dreading my hip replacement in march

18amandah

Hi Evereyone Wishing you all a very Happy New year !! I am a carer for my Disabled Husband, who also has OA of lumbar spine, hips & knees. Also deaf and severely sighted in both eyes. But I am really scared about my op. Is there anyone who lives near by to please maybe call me & give me advise. I will be making a list of things I need to ask the social services for. As I will struggle . I simply dread the whole idea, as I suffer with my nerves as it is. Sorry to moan. I am having the op at the nuffield woking under the NHS ! Thank-you in advance, Amandah

Slosh

Hi
I just wanted to wish you well as it sounds as though you have a lot on your plate. I don't have any real suggestions other than woukd your husband be able to go into respite care while you are in hospital and possibly for a while after? I know it may not be what either of you would want but it would mean you would not have to worry about his care. I can't help in terms of post op support but I'm sure that others on here will be able to give you advice.

stickywicket

Hello again, Amanda. I hope you had a good Christmas (and birthday) and that the THR thing didn't spoil your enjoyment.

If you can say what sort of advice you want I'm sure lots of us could help on here. We all fret about different things so there's no real one-size-fits-all answer.

Occasionally some of us get to know each other by email or phone but that's not a usual thing as giving too much personal info to people one has only 'met' online can be quite a dodgy thing to do. I'm sure you are who you say you are but, even so, we are all vulnerable people who shouldn't really be taking such risks. However, we are here to help on the forum every day and our Helpline people will also do whatever they can.

I can't help re Social Services as I never came into contact with them during my ops. I appreciate that your situation is very different with you being your husband's carer. Do you have a Social Worker you could ask? If not, I'm sure your local government's Adult Social Care Dept. would be able to help.

I have always found the Occupational Therapists, in the hospital, sorted out my post-op needs before sending me home.

How's the reducing smoking going?

dreamdaisy

Having an operation is an unsettling thing but, as it is aimed to make life better and / or more comfortable, it can be a positive experience. As Sticky said, if you could be a little clearer about what is troubling you the most then we may be better able to help with advice. Everyone's situation is different and I know have been fortunate in that my husband has been able to take some time off work to look after me - I have had five operations since we married (four which were arthritis-related). The fact that you are your husband's carer must be a pressure for you but I am sure Social Services will be able to step in and give you some help both during and post your THR.

It may worth your while to chat things over with your GP, he should be able to put you in touch with the relevant services. You have plenty of time in which to get things sorted and doing so might help you settle more within yourself. DD

barbara12

Hello Amanda..
You do have a lot going on, so its vital you ask for help before the op,when I had my THR we had to meet with the occupational help and they went through everything..this would give you the chance to tell then your situation and ask for help with yourself and your OH..good luck with everything..