Feeling scared

nearlybionic
nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
edited 16. Feb 2009, 09:24 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi
I am on the countdown to my hip replacement, 9 days and counting. OT have delivered most of my aids, chairs, loo seats etc.. and it seems all so the more real now. I am feeling really scared, in fact if I think of it my stomache turns. Goodness knows how i`ll feel next weekend! :(
Don`t get me wrong, I am grateful that I have my op date but am really nervous of going in. It doesn`t help that when I went to the chemists, the woman there said, "oh I know 2 people who`ve had that done and they said it was the worst thing they`d ever done. :shock: But 1 year on they are feeling better about it!" Great, just what I needed to hear.
Part of me just wants to run away and hide! I`m sorry to be so miserable.
NB

Comments

  • miss_l
    miss_l Member Posts: 138
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    I can totally understand how you feel !
    Im still waiting for my date but already wake up (when i do manage to sleep!!) in a panic about it!
    My boss at work has described how awful it was for her mother, but for this story i've heard 3 good ones!
    I know its easy to focus on the negative ones and im sure i will post a smililar panic in a months time, but just think of your pain now and all the positive stories we hear !

    I hope the next 9 days go very fast for you and you manage to keep busy :)
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nearly,
    Sorry your feeling so worried, it is natural that you are with the countdown thing as well. You know what people are like, they always tell you the bad things etc, but I promise you for every 2 people who had problems there are 1'000's who fly it. You'll be fine and the scare stories, though what we tend to just 'hear' are the ones better ignored.
    I haven't had a hip replacement, I think you'll be hearing from a lot who have soon and that will help you, but I just wanted to tell you it'll be fine. you'll go in, you'll have it and in no time at all you'll be up and about and on the road to recovery. It will be worth it and try not to listen to people who 'know' some one who has had it in a negative way. I know people who have had it, my brothers had 3, and I honestly don't know anyone who ever regreated it.
    Take care and don't let other people worry you. Good luck if I don't bump into you before and let us know how well your doing in a month.
  • lindah
    lindah Member Posts: 445
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My dad had his done and he got out of bed the next day and they couldnt find him. He had taken himself off for the loo and a shave.
    He never regretted the op but hated his white pressure stockings.

    Good luck and try not to worry. :roll: :roll:
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB

    Everyone feels the same when they know they have to go into hospital, it's only natural. Don't let it take over though, think about how much better your life will be after the op even if it takes a while to settle it will be worth it :) Keep as busy as you can so you don't have time to think about it, bake, cook, listen to music, read anything that helps. You could have a big party and we will all come and cheer you up :):)

    Hope it goes well and you are up and running, you never know :) soon.

    Love
    Vonski
  • petmad
    petmad Member Posts: 252
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I hope the time flies past and you get in, I don't think your butterflies will settle till then.
    Isn't it weird how folk seem to thrive on passing on bad stories its as if they get some perverse pleasure in causing you to feel uncomfortable and scared.
    I know one lady who had it done, she had a terrible time and has never recovered. BUT. she does not want to get better...she fell out with me for saying how well she looked when I met her in a shop...she screeched at the top of her voice that I was being ridiculous to say she looked well.

    On the other hand the chap round the corner had his done, both within a year and he has always stated that it was the right thing to do. He admits he did not like the physiotherapy and at times felt down...but who doesn't after any major surgery. It's now six months since his last surgery and he is walking great.
    You keep your chin up and we are all rooting for you. Linda
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi :D
    Thanks for all the positive replies!! I knew I could count on you all to say the right things.
    Vonski-I like the idea of the party, We could have a welcome party for my new hip!! :lol:
    I am trying to keep busy, I am helping at kids disco tonight, well at least my hubby is taking me out on Valentines night eh?! :shock:
    I am going to write a list/plan of each day i will be in hospital with info and activities that my children do (very busy kids I have) so that the grans etc can ensure that ballet, football , guides, scouts etc are attended. I will feel better if I know that everything isn`t totally disrupted (control freak i know!!)
    And I am going to do some fun things this week with it being half term and that will take my mind off it, hopefully.
    And again, thanks for being there when i have my wobble!!
    NB
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB

    Hope you have fun at the disco tonight. Don't tire yourself out running round after the kids.

    My hubby, a sad man :) wants to know if the music at your party will be hip hop and should we dress as hippies :lol: Told you he was sad :)

    Have fun

    Love
    Vonski
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, don't worry, it's very natural to feel like that. It is a big thing to go for an Op, lots to think about, I've been "under" so many times in my life I've lost count but if I was going again next week I'd be very nervous too. It's hard but just think how much better things will be afterwards. Try and think of the positives, I bet there are more of those than negatives. You'll be fine, just remember we will all be here waiting for all the big news! Don't forget us. xxx
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lindah wrote:
    My dad had his done and he got out of bed the next day and they couldnt find him. He had taken himself off for the loo and a shave.
    He never regretted the op but hated his white pressure stockings.

    Good luck and try not to worry. :roll: :roll:

    Lol Lindah, after my C section my old man was haggling me for my stockings so he could wear them on his flight to Singapore! he he he :lol: he wore them too!
  • noeltone
    noeltone Member Posts: 878
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi nearlybionic i was worrying right up to my THR but in a way i wanted it to happen becos i was in pain and mine went OK it is natural to worry about such a major thing and now 5 mothns and a bit later it is worth it less pain in that area and we are in good hands when we have these ops keep strong and planning ahead best wishes Chrisov
  • xxloulou
    xxloulou Member Posts: 12
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB, I know it's really scary to undergo surgery but I'm sure you have a great surgeon and supportive family.

    One thing I always try to remember is that after enduring painful, cracky hips for months/years no surgery can be worse! Take whatever pain relief you need and listen to your body, it'll let you know what it wants.

    I first had my hips replaced when I was 13 and have had a total of 5 so far (I wear them out!) and they've all gone fine, and believe me I am no easy case as I've had JRA for 40yrs and Osteoporosis for 20!

    Good luck x
  • mandy_b1967
    mandy_b1967 Bots Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know someone that had a hip replacement on 17th Sept and by christmas she was getting around much better. Saw her 2 weeks ago and she said it was the best thing she ever did and she is now looking forward to her knee replacement.
    Mandy
  • sueandted
    sueandted Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi , it's very nerve racking isn't it :( , and although you know it will make your life better , if your anything like me I just couldn't see past actually having the op and worried myself stupid that I wouldn't be able to manage ect . When I was on the ward most people had had hip replacements and I was amazed at how well they all looked and was quite jealous that they were up and about and I had to stay in bed !! , obviously it is a big thing to go through and like my doctor told me that so many people worry about the negative side that they forget about the positive reasons for the op ! , wishing you all the very best , it will be ok :)
  • ikesother
    ikesother Member Posts: 171
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there, Hope you had a nice Valentines day, I too went out for a meal;Im putting a brave face on and trying not to let my mind wander when Im supposed to be enjoying myself! Im having alot of trouble sleeping; terrible pain in my knees etc and restless legs. At this point no matter how scared i am, it cant be any worse long term than this!
    Ive read a fab book about a lady who was 47 when she had her op, it gives a bit of an idea what to expect post op;although shes canadian, I felt myself saying out loud "yes,thats just like me!". Its called GETTING HIP by SIGFRID MACDONALD, I got it from amazon, it was delivered within 2 days.
    Best wishes keep thinking positive :) jk
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Its only natural to feel nervous before going into surgery. Even when you know its for the best and you're going to feel a lot better after a while. I've had several things done, and always felt the same beforehand.

    However, I'm sure you'll be fine and be so glad you've had it done. One of the old ladies I looked after was in her ninties and had to have a hip replacement as she fell and the old one broke :x I couldn't believe how much better she got around afterwards! Gave her a new lease of life! So try and consentrate on how much better you'll feel. :) . There's always some one to tell you horror stories about anything, so try not to take any notice. Good luck, and have a speedy recovery. Butterflies are quite pretty really :!: :!: :) Love Sue
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wow! You lot are great!
    Thanks for your support and good wishes.
    My hubby has just taken me and the kids out for lunch at our fave italian reatuarant.(it might be a while before we go again :lol: ) It was nice to sit together and talk etc.. without having to worry about things(or cook!)
    I will still be nervous until its done but I know this is a normal reaction. I have seen a lot of people recently, and it has been nice to know how many people have offered to help if needed.
    Thanks again for your words of encouragement. I`ll keep you posted how things are going.
    NB
  • airwave
    airwave Member Posts: 579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I am on the countdown to my hip replacement, 9 days and counting. OT have delivered most of my aids, chairs, loo seats etc.. and it seems all so the more real now. I am feeling really scared, in fact if I think of it my stomache turns. Goodness knows how i`ll feel next weekend! :(
    Don`t get me wrong, I am grateful that I have my op date but am really nervous of going in. It doesn`t help that when I went to the chemists, the woman there said, "oh I know 2 people who`ve had that done and they said it was the worst thing they`d ever done. :shock: But 1 year on they are feeling better about it!" Great, just what I needed to hear.
    Part of me just wants to run away and hide! I`m sorry to be so miserable.
    NB
    My 67 yr old mate was skiing down the black runs within a month of his new hip, said he couldn't do snow ploughs (beginner stuff) as easily though! Even as you read this there are a few dozen hip operations taking place round the UK, so take a deep breath and go for it!


    8) Its a grin, honest!
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    Its like everyone says, only natural to be scared, and the waiting doesn't help! :roll:. Afterall if you looked forward to surgery and enjoyed every miniute, you would need to vist a different part of the hospital in view!!! I hope everything will go really well, and I'm sure it will. :):) Lots of love for a speedy recovery, Sue xxxx
    P.S afer to op will you change your name to Compleatly Bionic. HAha. No good at jokes, sorry!!!!!!!!
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    :lol: I like the idea of a name change!! I am feeling a bit up and down. The usual comment today in the bank,"ooh you`re a bit young for a hip replacement!!" GRRR! I wish i had a £1 for each time i heard that! I could afford a holiday in the sun afterwards.
    I have had some more equipment delivered today from OT. So I am more or less ready to go ( and come home again!)
    Thanks again for all the supportive posts.
    NB