Pre Assessment Tests before Total Hip Replacement

Dianes1

I have my op date, at last, in one months time and pre-op in two weeks. I have bone-on-bone in both hips and it is agonising. I make myself carry on with everyday tasks and have no choice but to take my dogs out on long walks. I can only do this by taking the full eight co-codomol tablets prescribed every day. This has now been for four years. However, for the past six months I've taken a couple more in the night to get some sleep. I know this is dangerous but I am in so much pain. I am now worried I will have elevated liver and kidney results at my test and my op cancelled. I don't drink alcohol and eat healthy. Has anyone else had this problem. Thank you.

stickywicket

I've not had that problem but I'd just like to stress you must tell your anaesthetist of all meds, herbal supplements etc that you take. They do hold our lives in their hands. Why not ask your GP for something different for bedtime? Other meds are available.

I'm also wondering if you have arranged a dogwalker for post-op. There's no way you'll be doing 'long walks' for some time. You'll be on crutches for a start. Plan well in advance and all should be good.

Dianes1

Thanks for your reply. Yes dog walking sorted out for afterwards. I did ask GP for something to help me sleep but as it is the pain keeping me awake he just said keep taking the co-codomol. I suppose he is the one prescribing the tablets so assuming all will be OK with my blood test.

Will definitely tell them at pre-assessmeny what I am taking.

stickywicket

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I meant there are other types of pain-relieving meds which some people take at bedtime. Amitriptylene comes to mind..

Did your GP actually tell you to take more than 8 cocos a day? Or did he/she mean to spread them out more?

Good planning re the dogs. Somewhere or other on here is a good thread with tips for after THRs or TKRs. Maybe a Mod can find it. There's useful stuff about batch cooking and freezing pre-op and getting everyday stuff to the right height so's we don't risk dislocation. I've always been told these things in a booklet and so has Mr SW (different hospitals) but no everyone on here seems to be given much info.

Dianes1

The batch cooking is a brilliant idea and I intend to do this.

Going back to the medications, GP said operation so near now so advised not to change anything now. He advised that 8 per day was safe and to try taking two when I go to bed instead of taking them at 8.00 like I usually do so to stop taking anymore in the night. I know I have been irresponsible taking more than what I should but when the pain is bad I tend not to care. I have got to be tougher and cut them out as I have only got 4 weeks to go. GP didn't think pre-assessment blood tests should be a problem, but I have got myself in a panic as I need this op so much. Thanks for listening.

stickywicket

This link might be useful, especially if you scroll down to the 'preparing for the op' section https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/

Personally, I'd just say never rush your recovery for any reason. Go at your own pace. You'll get there.

Lilymary

I was on max 8 x 30/500 cocodamol pre-op. On quiet days I could get by on 3-4, but on a bad day (ie days when I HAD to be on my feet a lot for work) I would take up to max dose and space them out so I could take two at night to give me a chance of some sleep. Apart from the associated constipation I didn't have a problem with that regime. I kept up with this dosage until immediately pre-op, and didn't have any problems with blood tests, but then everyone is different. If you GP has told you it's ok to keep taking them, I'd do as he says.

You should get a call from an OT a week or two before your op to make sure you have all the necessary equipment at home - eg raised toilet seat, trolley, crutches, check height of beds etc. (It's nigh on impossible to get off a low seat for the first 4 weeks or so). They'll probably deliver them to you. Make sure you have some soft pillows to sit on, specially for the journey home - your rump will feel tender for a while. I also used a soft shoulder bag to help me carry things round the house.

It's a bit nerve wracking in the lead up, but you've waited a long time for this. The relief from the pain in the hip joint is amazing, although there's a lot for your body to repair post op, so take it easy, and heal at your own pace. Slowly build up the exercises, do what little you can to start with. I found walking around more comfortable than sitting and certainly better than lying down. The nights can be a trial, but it's only for a relatively short time, and it soon becomes a distant memory.

Dianes1

Thank you so much Lilymary for such an informative and inspirational post. Made me feel so more confident. I am really nervous, but I am so looking forward to being rid of this awful pain. Glad it went well for you.

Dianes1

Hi again Lilymary, I have been reading through older posts and am so sorry to hear you did not have the good outcome that I thought you had. Even though you are out of pain, you must be so disappointed. Take care. Diane

Lilymary

I won’t lie, it’s been a slower road than I hoped, who knew my body would be such a drama queen? But I’ve started horse riding again (carefully), swimming (carefully) and walking up smallish hills (carefully) and scrambling about on ladders for work (carefully). Arthritis was the worst bit, at least I’ve got rid of that. I couldn’t have even contemplated any of those pre-surgery. Without my new hip I would have become almost housebound at the age of 62 - even getting round a supermarket was really hard going. I’ve gone from taking handfuls of drugs to keep me even vaguely mobile, to needing none at all. Sometimes bad stuff (OA) happens, so you adapt and move on. Life is as good as it can be. And it will get even better 🙂 I’m sure you’ll feel the same x