Few questions for the Hippies with new joints

ItsjustLisa

Hi everyone

I've been here a while now, reading all of your lovely THR diaries and so very grateful you've all taken the time, they've helped me a lot.

I'm at step 2 of my THR journey having just had my pre op appointment last week and I've still got so many questions, I'm hoping you'd be good enough to help.

As an incredibly nervous patient having been gaslit about my arthritis for almost 10 years because I was "too young", I turned down the operation 2 years ago with the NHS to private referral because I was left with not much confidence after my initial visit so my op will now be in the main NHS hospital here.

So, firstly I was given some "body wash" that's for strep bacteria and told to use it for 2 days before my op. Having spoken to my lovely neighbour who had her THR 4 weeks ago through NHS to private, she was told to use the wash for 5 days and to change her bedding for the 5 days. Where any of you given the wash with directions?

Next I don't have an armchair! The OT at the hospital was very rushed and organised some aids but never asked about my sofa/chair situation. Is a good chair recommended?

I live with my adult daughter who is autistic, she is very worried about not being able to support me when I get home but again, this was dismissed by the nursing staff and I was told I'd be up and out the same day. Did anyone living alone come home the same day and how did you manage, am I worrying for nothing?

I'm so very nervous but my femoral head is degrading so I desperately need this op, my life has been affected massively, I've had to give up my business as a professional gardener and I need both hips replacing so I am desperately hoping the first op goes well because I'll struggle to force myself to have the second.

Thank you for reading it you got this far and thank you in advance for any help you can offer 🙏🏼

MrDJ

I cant help much with new joints as my uncemented THR was done over 26 years ago and still going strong. at the time they said it was roughly a 15 year life span.

what i will say is its been the best op ive ever had and ive had too many to mention. the only niggles are the scar is still slightly soar and numb to touch and i cant lay on that side any more but apart from that its been brill. sadly the other hip has started going the same way in last few months after having to stop one of my nsaid tabs.

Ive never heard of the body wash before so hopefully some of the newer hips can advise on that. we must have been a lot cleaner all them years ago.

For the house i had a visit from the OT to measure up my house for gadgets.

They fitted a hand rail up the stairs which has been a godsend. a raised toilet seat is a must if you are tall and grab rails in the toilet and bathroom and top of stairs. also some raised feet for a armchair but as you dont have that if you have a full sized sofa with legs then these feet can sometimes be used on that. like the toilet seat its to make sure you dont bend your hip too much. Also a long handled grip to pick things up off the floor.

oh and a pee bottle to save you walking to the bog every few hours.

They had me out of bed the next day doing physio but i was kept in for as far as i can remember 3-4 days but now is bish bosh job done off ya pop.

good luck and keep us posted.

ItsjustLisa

Thank you @MrDJ I really appreciate that. I liked the "cleaner back then" 😂. I think it's something to do with MRSA?

Hoping to get a visit from the OT once I've got my date so that should sort some things out for me.

And I really appreciate the positive encouragement, I'm not the bravest person and I've really struggled with needing major surgery mentally but I'm struggling more every day with mobility and pain, I want my life back so knowing so many people have excellent results is very much appreciated.

Birdingben

Hi Lisa

Had my 2nd hip replacement 8 weeks ago (different hips!) and I'm really pleased to have had them done now. My first was June 2023 & could not really get to appreciate the benefit until the 2nd was done a few weeks ago.
I too have an outdoor manual job & the OA really affected my ability to work effectively so appreciate something of what you've experienced.

The body wash was new this year from last & is indeed to do with MRSA. I wasn't told to change my bedding daily & bear in mind that you'll be in hospital for at least day 3 (operation day) & perhaps day 4. By day 5 you shouldn't need it.

Yes, a 'non-slouchy', upright chair is a must as you should adhere to the 90-degree or more angle from your new hip to torso for the first few weeks. I had it supplied by the NHS after I attended a pre-op 'joint school' where the OT took details of my needs (which basically copied last year's needs) ie raised toilet seat, & frame to help you get on & off the toilet seat, a perching stool (for in the kitchen perhaps) & THE upright chair (not comfortable to sit on for any length of time so I guess it works because it makes sure you get up & move around regularly, which is important!)
If you've got a suitable cushion you can sit on it will help if you get an NHS-supplied chair!

I'm sure once you see the OT he/she will sort things out for you. The equipment should then be delivered a few days before you go in fo the op.

As MrDJ says, a long handled 'grabber' is a 'must' for me, I never used to drop things as much as I did post-op &, of course, you won't be able to bend down for a bit after the op.

Your daughter will be a valuable ally in helping you when you get back home :-)

Hope all goes well for you………

Nurina

Hi @ItsjustLisa They told me to use the soap 5 days before the op. I changed the towels with every shower but I've only changed the bedding on the first and the last day because it was too much to change a king size duvet bedding when I can barely move.

I had my first hip done 8 months ago and I haven't seen the benefits that others have enjoyed due to the bad state of the second hip. I'm having the surgery in 6 weeks and I can't wait to getting it done.

I didn't have an OT visit with the first hip and I don't know if I will have it this time.

I don't know about others experiences but I only really needed help with food making and with home stairs, because they are very high and scary. I don't have a chair with armrests or space to fit one. My husband raised the sofa cushion putting a pile of rubber tiles under it so it didn't sink. To stand and sit I used the Zimmer frame that the hospital gave to me. I had a raised toilet seat and I also used the zimmer frame to stand and sit. Yes, the Zimmer frame was constanly going up and down at the beginning. That was just for the first 2 weeks, maybe three, I don't remember because very soon I was able to move much better and feeling more independent. Honestly, everything is much easier than we thought before the surgery and your daughter will be a great help.

About time in the hospital, on average it's one of two nights, depending on when are you having the surgery, early or later in the day. I don't know if anybody here has been discharged on the same day. Usually, to get discharged, you'd have to be able to go on your own to the toilet and climb up and down stairs by yourself.

Good luck!

Fran54

Hi @ItsjustLisa

I had a total hip replacement 3 months ago and feel very positive with my progress so far.

I was given the body wash and told to use it 5 days before the op and also on the day itself. I was not told too change my bedding but did so the day before my op. I was also given energy drinks to take on the actual day of my op ( not sure why ) and they were not too bad.

Try and prepare your home as much as possible beforehand in as much as storing ready made/homemade meals in the freezer and move things that you use all the time onto a level so you don't have to stretch up/down.

I had a "hip class" at the hospital a couple of weeks before my op and was told to measure the height of various bits of furniture ( bed, armchair, high chair and toilet. Perhaps you can phone the hospital/ department that you went to and they can help answer any questions you may still have.

Once home things were a lot easier than I thought they would be, but my main concern was going up and down my stairs which with extra concentration and allowing plenty of time I managed okay ( I was given two crutches to use ).

Have you been given any exercises to do pre-op? I was given certain exercises to do before going into hospital and to do the same ones when I came out. Before the op some of them were a bit challenging and being in pain didn't help, but afterwards found them invaluable and after a few days they got easier.

There is a lot to think about but try and keep positive and remember there is "light at the end of the tunnel". Recovery is a long slow process but you will get there. Any more questions please do not hesitate to ask on here as we "hippies" are here to help.

Take care.🙂

Nurina

I've just joined 6 weeks class to prepare for the THR. It's run by NHS in leisure centres with expert physiotherapists. In Wales it's called "Stay well" program. I think in England is "Escape". The stronger we arrive at the op, the better.

ItsjustLisa

Thank you all so much 🙏🏼.

@Birdingben I'm pretty much set for the same route as you. I don't have a date yet but spoke to my surgeon and I'm in sometime in November for the right hip, he then said 6 months later for the left. I'm ok with that, I know I absolutely won't get full benefit until I've had both done. With my job he said he'll be using a prosthesis with a larger head which should better prevent dislocation down the road and mean I should be able to return to work pretty normally after recovery. I'm hopeful.

@Nurina I'm so pleased to hear you've got a date for the other hip, I read all of your bionic life and your struggles after the op with the other hip, that's my worry too as the right is disintegrating and the left is bone on bone. I seriously couldn't figure out how they expect me to be able to change my bedding daily, I'm struggling to manage it weekly!

@Fran54 thank you, yes I've got a booklet with some exercises in but I found them on the interweb a few weeks ago so I've started to do them already. I filled in a questionnaire with all the measurements for my toilet/bed etc but sadly, the OT I saw at my pre op was pretty rushed, it was lunchtime so she was probably hangry and she was less than helpful. I've got a number for my local council when I get a date, apparently they provide OT services and will arrange a home visit and to supply any aids I need like the raised toilet frame.

All of the nurses I saw at my pre op said I would be in and out the same day, it seems to be the way now. I'm very nervous about my stairs as I have a steep dog leg with narrowing stairs but I think, after the good advice here and my lovely neighbour being 4 weeks post op, I'm going into it pretty well informed and I've been able to start getting things ready for when I get home.

@Birdingben I thought most here had slept better in their chairs than bed for the first few weeks so I'd better opt for the NHS chair rather than buying myself one that's too comfortable I'll be dropping off all the time 😂.

My daughter has been wonderful but I really don't want to put too much pressure on her, with the autism she sometimes struggles to cope with mundane stuff so I'd rather just have her there for safety than to be a nursemaid although, the prep for us getting ready for this op has been great for her, she's learnt how, with supervision, to cook a lovely roast and if you can master that, anything is possible 😊.

Thank you again for your help and advice, it's good to know you're all here, doing well and the support really is invaluable.

If my date doesn't come soon, I'll be asking for it, I'm ready!

It's a lovely day so I hope you all have a smashing weekend 😊

Trish9556

Hi @Birdingben

I am 22 weeks post op.

I was given the shower gel last year when I had neck surgery and again when I had my hip done. It really is lovely to use and makes your hair feel amazing. It's not like old fashioned carbolic soap. I liked it so much I used the remainder post op 😊. Both hospitals had different instructions so just follow what they say.

I had my surgery at 4.30 pm. My first Epidural which, although it took time for them to get it in as I was so tense, gave me the best post surgery recovery with no after effects.

I was having dinner in my room at 18.30. Didn't sleep much that night because I can't sleep on my back (I can now).

I was back up and about on crutches the next day mobilising to and from the bathroom and later using two walking sticks and the joys of using the stairs.

Home the next day I managed quite well apart from getting in and out of bed for the first couple of nights but then cracked it. My husband kept telling me off for doing so much lol.

I was duscharged from the hip clinic at 8weeks and from physio at 9

Youll be fine. Good luck

Trish xx

Nurina

Hi @ItsjustLisa If you've had your preassesment and everything is ok, you will receive a letter with the date of the surgery soon. Preassesment lasts 4 months so it has to be within this time frame. I hope you can have it as soon as possible. X

ItsjustLisa

@Nurina sadly my pre op paperwork says 6 months and if it goes that long I won't be able to get in and out of the shower at all! With the femeral head collapsing the pain is now unbearable so I'm going to try to call my allocated surgeon today.

Nurina

@ItsjustLisa I know how you feel because I'm in the same situation. We'll all cross our fingers here so you can have your appointment very soon. If you can, do the NHS preop program. I was very sore the first day but I feel now much better. X

KC1

I hope you’ll be sorted very soon.

I was swabbed in pre-assessment. My results meant I didn’t need to use shower gel, extra washes or change bedding etc..
I’m 9 weeks post op and am still amazed by the transformation. The first couple of days were the worst especially trying to get in and out of bed. I used a ‘dog lead’ at home for a couple of days which was great and then didn’t need it anymore.
I’m back at the gym, volunteering, walking 2-3 miles a few times a week, gardening, driving etc. have stayed away from home in different locations and managed new environments and beds. I can get in and out of the bath on my own, carry washing, shopping etc although am careful about how I lift (so technique).

My scar is still a bit uneven and I have a small bruise at the base of it which is taking its time to go.

I hope your date comes through very soon to enable you to begin your recovery journey.

all the very best

Janlyn

@ItsjustLisa Please don't worry too much about coming home alone, it's really not too bad, or at least it wasn't for me. Although I live alone my son or daughter in law popped in for ten minutes for the first few days, but actually I didn't really need them. But I was worried when I was alone at night in case I fell or felt ill and as you'll have your daughter there you have reassurance.

I had the shower/hair gel for MRSA for five days, they swabbed me every time I went to the hospital. I was concerned as I was told to change my bedding and clothes daily - the clothes was fine, but the bedding was so difficult for me I did ask if it was essential and they agreed that if I changed it the day I started to use the gel that would be okay.

My hospital seem to be different to others and they do not use raised toilet seats in the hospital or recommend them at home. Chairs/sofas - I was just told to use cushions for padding or to raise them to be comfortable but actually I found I could sit comfortably without using cushions. My hospital's reasoning is that surgery is better and much less likely to lead to dislocations now and so they would rather us get used to us using our normal furniture/toilets, then we cope better when we go back out into the world. I actually didn't have any problems once I'd learned to reverse onto chairs and the toilet and slide my operated leg out as I lowered myself down. It sounds complicated but was quite intuitive once I was home.

I found getting into and out of bed the most difficult for the first few days and wish I had thought of putting a little stool there and having something to loop over my foot and help to raise my leg. For the first few days I still seemed numb from the surgery/drugs and my leg felt like a ton weight. But really it was only for a few days. When you get frustrated with anything please realise it won't be long before you're past that stage.

Sleeping was difficult - it's just not normal to lie still on your back and not be able to toss and turn - but again it isn't for long. Being pain-free and making daily progress was worth any discomfort. Having everything as prepared as possible and plenty of easy to prepare food was good. I was actually baking within a few days although only easy. quick things.

I had two days in hospital and my surgery was mid-afternoon. I was eating and drinking almost as soon as I was back to my room. I was told I could go home at 10.00am on day 2 once I had my physio and shown I could get up and down steps and manage in the bathroom but I didn't feel confident to go home so asked if I could stay another night. They actually said I could stop another two nights if I wanted but I did feel ready to go home 48 hours after my surgery. The extra 24 hours had given me more strength and food prepared by someone else so was well worthwhile.

Wishing you all the very best, impossible not to worry but please try not to and think of your improved quality of life afterwards.

SoniaR

I had my THR in 2016 and I still had to use a special antibacterial soap back then. A raised toilet seat with arms is a must as you mustn’t bend too much. I raised my whole sofa with “elephants feet” which raise up sofas and armchairs. If you get an armchair, make sure it’s wide enough. I’m curvy so sitting in an armchair placed pressure on my hip joint so stick to a raised sofa if you can. If you are slim hipped then it won’t apply. If you don’t have a downstairs loo then a commode will help so you don’t have to constantly do the stairs for a wee! Buy 2 litter pickers, one for upstairs and one for down as you will drop things a lot. They help you get dressed too. A sock puller upper was also good as my op was in December so very chilly time. I was driving by week 7 so a huge improvement from weeks 1 and 2.

Fill the freezer with ready meals or batch cooking as you will be too tired to do much. In fact you will be exhausted and won’t want do much for a few weeks. Do your exercises, potter round the house and REST - that is crucial. Wishing you lots of luck.