1 week until surgery and I'm feeling stressed and anxious- advice please!

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SusieM55
SusieM55 Member Posts: 3
in Chat to our Helpline Team

Hi! I'm 55, and due to have a replacement of my left hip in a weeks' time. After having an outburst of anger at work this week which is not like me at all, I've realised that I'm not coping with the pre-op stress. I don't feel prepared, for example the house isn't as clean as I'd like!. I'm worried about the op being postponed if I get any open wounds, even small bites/scratches, plus the recovery pain etc. While I know it'll be worth it, underneath I'm scared. Do you have any advice? Thanks in advance.

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  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 895

    @SusieM55

    You totally understand your worries. I had my right hip replaced last year and they're totally normal.

    You will be fine.

    The first few weeks you'll be wondering if you made the right choice but you have. 10 days after you'll have your stitches out and life will feel better.

    Take each day as it comes.

    Do your physio

    Take your painkillers

    Remember it's a marathon and not a sprint race to recovery

    There are lots of us on here who have gone through this

    If you need any advice on here just shout out and you'll get the advice you need.

    Good luck

    Trish xx

  • SusieM55
    SusieM55 Member Posts: 3

    Thank you so much for your reply Trish, it's very good advice. I think I just felt a bit overwhelmed but I'll continue reading the posts on here for ideas and tips on post op recovery- what I've found already has been very useful. And make "I will be fine" my new mantra! x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 39

    Hi @SusieM55, I had my hip replacement 4 weeks ago and like you was really worried before the op. I'd already deferred it because I wasn't ready before. It's natural to be concerned, especially when they give you the long list of potential complications (although most of them are very unlikely). But I am now so glad I went ahead. Before, I'd got to the stage where I could hardly walk and my sleep was seriously disrupted. Now I can walk for 20 mins at a time, with occasional pauses. Although I haven't got used to sleeping on my back, at least this is only temporary.

    As Trish says, take the advice of your doctors and physios, do the exercises and take the meds they give you. And pace yourself.

    I found the first 2 weeks after coming home were the most difficult, but they do pass quickly. If you can get any help from friends and neighbours for some of the more difficult tasks, that will make it easier. I'm not good at asking for help, but when I did I found people were really pleased to be able to be of some use, so I'm glad I did.

    I had dissolvable stitches, so haven't even needed those removed.

    I had some discomfort for a while after the op, but with the exercises and painkillers everything is now getting a lot easier. And I'm hoping in 2 weeks' time I will be able to drive again, so I can get a bit further than round the block or to and from the hospital.

    Good luck with the op, keep in touch and you know we're here if you want any support.

    Jane x

  • SusieM55
    SusieM55 Member Posts: 3

    Thanks Jane, it's great to hear that your op was successful and you're recovering well. I'm still working but my pain is getting worse and my walking is very slow. I've got used to stomping along, far behind my husband and son when we're out and about! So many people I've spoken to have said that they're so glad they had the THR - It's the fear of the unknown I suppose. You're right about asking for help too, especially when you're used to being the helper! Thank you so much for your support and I wish you the best for your continuing recovery! x

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 317

    @SusieM55

    Like you I worried about having my THR and whether I was organised enough at home beforehand. It is understandable. I had my right hip replaced just over a year ago and am due to have my left hip replaced next week! There have been some very helpful replies regarding doing the physio exercises and taking pain medication. I would just like to add that I found my grabber sticks so useful and still use them today sometimes ( I have 3 ). When coming home in the car I was a bit worried about the seat height, but improvised with cushions, also pushing the seat back further gives more room to get in and out. As mentioned we "hippies" are all here for each other so don't be afraid to ask if something is worrying you. Take care🙂

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