Scared of Operation THR

pollyana

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I'm posting because I'm feeling scared about upcoming hip surgery. Although I've had a right THR I'm facing my second Left one and I've been feeling scared and also silly for feeling like that. I know that going into surgery like this isn't helpful and wondered if anyone had tips or ideas to help me get into a better head space.

I am so grateful to be able to have the surgery as I'm in a lot of pain and less able to walk very far. So I'm trying to focus on post recovery - getting my life back and not being in pain. BUT for some reason I can't seem to shift the fear/anxiety of it all. My last surgery was 5 years ago. I had 4 nights in hospital, very low BP, fainted during physio and was very sick on the meds but I think I can handle that…

I think I'm daunted by the whole recovery process…initial weeks of swelling, stockings, careful moving, sleeping on your back etc…the whole thing feels like a massive mountain. And I feel embarrassed to be making a bit of a fuss when everyone gets through it. I don't remember feeling like this last time and was pretty pleased to be having it done. I'm not sure how to shift my mindset.

Everyone keeps saying ' well the last one worked out well didn't it' but for some reason that's not helping much.

Any thoughts welcome….

PJoanne

Hello @pollyana

Thank you for your first post. It's only natural to reflect on past experiences and draw from them, you know how it was last time and it's playing on your mind. I don't think you are making a fuss! Perhaps you could make a plan for dealing with each part of what is daunting you, say 'sleeping on my back - make sure I have soft bedding and pillows' . It's an exercise in breaking down a 'big' thing into small tasks. Might help?!

There's the helpline telephone number at the bottom of my post, if you would like to chat to someone.

Here's some information from the VA website that it may help to read.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/january/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-when-you-have-arthritis/

Best Joanne

Trish9556

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/63285/scared-of-operation-thr

Hi

You are right to be anxious as no two surgeries are the same but at least you have knowledge of what lies ahead.

There are a number of members who have had two hip replacements and if you search hip replacements you'll find many diaries detailing recovery, including mine but I've only had one done so far.

@Nurina is scheduled to have her second one done and may help you.

I'm sure everything will be fine but speak to your surgeon and team about your concerns too.

Good luck

Trish xx

Nurina

Thanks @Trish9556 I had my left hip done in January and I'm having my second surgery in November. I have different thoughts.

My operated leg feels amazing. There were just a few bad days and the improvement was really fast. After 3 months, my life resumed as completely normal but my other leg, that was as bad as the first, started to be in pain so I'm happy to have it done as soon as possible.

With my first leg I had different fears: the spinal anaesthetic, the time at the hospital, the wound, my home, my family, the handrail, the bed, the chairs, the frame, the crutches. I don't have those fears now because everything was much easier than I thought and now they are history. I have now other concerns: the endless nights trying to sleep on my back, the strong medication and blood thinners, extreme stiffness, toilet seats, washing myself, the grabber, the socks, asking for help for everything, the 90 degrees rule... But, so far, I can't wait to have it done because time flies and everything will be history again in a few weeks.

@alwayssewing has had her both hips done recently and she is having a good experience.

Please, share with us your concerns. You are not alone

Take care x

pollyana

Thank you so much everyone for your helpful comments It's good to know I'm not alone and that others have worries too. I think it feels there is so much to manage …and it goes on for weeks and weeks…the list of 'rules' is long….as you say the grabber, ted stockings, 90 degree rule and not crossing the 'invisible centre' line. …the toilet…sleeping on your back…yikes. I like the idea of working out how to manage what's daunting me - maybe I need to write it all down.

The recovery is fast I agree in terms of moving and feeling in less pain generally. I did it last time so I have to believe I can do it again. I'm booked for 6 weeks time - so I have time to prepare.

I'll get organised with my list of questions/concerns for my pre- op. I'm not sure if I'll see the surgeon again, feels like I'm making a bit of a fuss and I think as I've had it before they think I know the ropes.

Also perhaps being a person who's sometimes anxious, is probably not helping. I'll keep reading about others' experience and positive outcomes- I think it helps. Thank you so much all 😚

( I couldn't work out here how to reply to each post separately doh)

Nurina

I think it's good to have some concern on it. Being reckless and trying to ignore that's a serious major surgery, is worse. You'll be fine soon, better than you are now. Big hugs x

ItsjustLisa

@pollyana I feel you!

I struggle with anxiety anyway and I'm having my first surgery on Tuesday, I'm pretty scared. Thanks to everyone here, the diaries, the support and knowing we're all in the same situation has helped massively but I still have my jitters.

My surgeon said he would be more concerned if I wasn't frightened (sounds weird doesn't it) but I guess if we're too blaise we aren't as careful and maybe don't listen to our bodies as much.

No surgery is the same so please don't be hard on yourself for worrying, I've been using my usual methods for controlling my anxiety, breathing and talking through my concerns and it seems to be helping.

6 weeks will fly by and making extra sure you're prepared for everything might be a useful distraction.

Don't struggle alone, we're here to support each other and I'm massively grateful for that xx

ItsjustLisa

@pollyana after having the op I have to tell you, you really have to get some help with the anxiety before going ahead.

I didn't! I've put the op off for over 5 years to massive detriment but my anxiety was through the roof.

For me it made the whole experience so much worse. I'm through the other side now but wouldn't want anyone to go through what I did. My body went into fight or flight with the spinal injection and it seemed the anaesthetist wasn't experienced with highly anxious patients.

I had several panic attacks during the op and in recovery after. Thankfully they allowed my daughter to come into the trauma room to help.

I was going to write a diary but I really don't want to scare anyone more.

If you struggle with anxiety, no matter how trivial you think it is, please let the surgeon know and get some help beforehand would be the best advice I can give you.