I'm Back again!!!

hileena111 · 13. Jan 2010, 15:42

Hi Everyone......Hope you are as pain free as possible.
I've had computer problems and just things generally round here have been mad LOL Havent been able oto get on or when I have ...havent had time. :oops:
Well....I had my group physiotherapy appointment yesterday {THR}
My pre-op is on Monday and the op is the 12th Feb.
As it gets closer I'm getting more worried......about the post op recovery bit.
Not sleeping very well 'cause things are just churning over in my mind at night. Whats happens if??? etc etc

Love
Hileena

Wonkylegs · 13. Jan 2010, 15:46

HI Hileena.

good to see you back!

wow I am not surprised that you are a bit anxious. I know all about the 'what if's' of life, but they just tire us out don't they? try to think about what a good thing it will be to have more mobility again

best of luck!
wonky

hileena111 · 13. Jan 2010, 15:59

Hi Wonky
I know thats sensible.....but i'm not sensible at the minute....I lay in bed last night thinking...what if I bend too far,twist too much, sit in a chair and drop something and then go to pick it up.....all automatic reactions.......will i dislocate it??????????
How do I get into a car? How do I get in and out of bed? All sorts of silly things that go through your mind in the middle of the night.

Love
Hileena

nearlybionic · 13. Jan 2010, 16:47

Hi Hileena
My THR is nearly 1 now, and I can totally understand the `what if`s`. However, if you listen to your physio, (they are like the law!) and listen to your body, you will be fine.
The OT will sort lots of gadgets to help you manage with day to day stuff, and just try not to be tempted to `test` your new hip.
Your op is not that far away and soon you will be here giving others the benefit of your experience and advice!
Good luck xx
NB

hileena111 · 14. Jan 2010, 03:12

Hi
Thanks for the reply. I apparently dont see the physio apart from the couple of days I'm in hospital? That was a group chat we had and then after the op nothinging until the 6 week appt with the consultant....is that right? No physio once you leave the hospital?
I know you ar right {and everyone else LOL} but I'm not going to test it...NO WAY!!!! its the automatic movements I worry about...did you not find yourself going to do things you shouldnt do {like picking things from the floor if you were sitting on the chair????} Like you say...its nearly here
Then a second one in the middle of the year.....not got a date yet.
Hopefully I'll not be as worried about that one
Love
Hileena

tkachev · 14. Jan 2010, 04:39

I was worried about my THR but everything went very well and was much better post-op than I had expected.I was glad to be free from all that hip pain.
2nd hip is going now so I will be going back again and I wont be so worried this time although all ops are worrying of course.
Good luck Hileena....
Elizabeth

rb1234 · 14. Jan 2010, 05:59

Hi Hileena

My new hip is 5 weeks old today so I am still in the restrictions bit post op. Before my op I really worried about the restrictions post op. To be honest at first you won't forget. The muscles around your new hip will remind you every time you move it to start with. I'm not saying this to worry you - more to reassure you. I found that at first it was sore and this gave me some adjustment time to get used to remembering not to just bend down. Now the pain is gone and (it's just uncomfortable sometimes) I am more in the habit of remembering. There are certain times I know I'm more likely to break the rules - getting dressed - so now i make sure I give this thought when I do it. That said, I cannot wait for my follow up appointment and hopefully an easing of some of the restrictions. The last week I have felt frustrated that I am not allowed to do more - I guess this is a good sign as i must be mending.

I was given physio to do at home but not given outpatient physio appointments. I have been good and done my physio 3 times a day every day. It really helps - it also eases the stiffness in the muscles. It does mean I've not seen anyone about my hip since i was discharged. If your hospital do offer outpatient physio (and I know some do) I would recommend taking it as if nothing else, you have someone to ask after if you have worries/questions.

Try not to worry - easier said than done. Although I am only 5 weeks post op and there is a long way to go I am really pleased I have had it done. The relief from joint pain makes any short term difficulties well worth while.

Sorry this is so long. Please feel free to mail me if you want to and post as many questions as you need, the kind people on this forum gave me some great advice!

hileena111 · 14. Jan 2010, 17:21

Hi All,
Thank you all for your encouraging comments.......I'll be glad if my hip hurts enough to stop me doing things in the early period.....thats comforting not worrying LOL
I was due my pre op assessment this Monday...received a letter this morning saying "you have cancelled your appointment so we have remade it for the following Monday"
I was angry......I had done no such thing and you poor people listening to me moaning on would know that I want even the pre-op over and done with as soon as poss.
I rang them......they repeated what the letter said....I blew my top, someone else came on and said sorry you got the wrong letter. It should have said that there was a more urgent case and your op was the farthest away so we changed your date. By this time I was trying not to cry....a mixture of anger and the fact that I was ready and geared up for Monday...transport sorted etc
Eventually they said they could fit me in on Friady....a week tomorrow...I dont know why i got so upset about it but I've been tearful all day.

Another rant LOL

dorcas · 14. Jan 2010, 17:52

Oh Hileena!

no wonder you're angry and upset! you're quite right to 'rant' about it.

It's difficult enough for anyone preparing for an op but then having a sudden delay imposed can feel like the final straw.

Try to stay positive if you can! will be thinking about you and sending you gentle hugs. Iris x

cazaline · 14. Jan 2010, 18:09

Hey Hileena,

Looks like others have given you some great advice already.

I'm 5 weeks post op and definitely feeling the difference from before and after the op. As most have said already, your muscles will make you aware when you're doing too much but please don't worry, it is all part of the healing process and the pain wont be anything like what you experienced before.

I'm also due to get my other hip sometime within the next few months, I'm hoping the second will be a lot easier to do as I will have a good hip to support me!

With regards to physio, I saw one in the hopsital twice a day for the first 3 days. The following day I was discharged and have had 2 outpatients appointments since then and more to come, some hospitals offer them whilst others don't but if yours do I would definitely recommend going! I have found it extremely helpful and reassuring. Even so, it is very important that you ALWAYS do physio. I was told 3 times a day is what you should be doing, and as your muscles gradually start getting stronger you will find yourself being able to increase the amount you do each time.

I have my follow up appointment in 2 weeks and seriously hoping they will lift some of the restrictions, especially if they tell me I am able to drive again!

I'm really sorry to hear about the change of date for your pre-op, especially after you had prepared yourself for it, it seems like a let down doesn't it? No wonder you're teary

. That's the downside to the NHS and unfortunately something that is out of your hands. Try to remain positive though, time will go quickly and before you know it it will be time for your pre op appointment!

Good luck with everything and don't ever hesitate to contact for any advice!!

Much love

Caroline xXx

skezier · 14. Jan 2010, 20:02

Hi Hileena,

Nice to see you again

Lets hope for better tomorrow and better nights

I really hope this op will be the start of better times fr you. ((( ))) Cris

woodbon · 15. Jan 2010, 04:56

Hello, I've not needed surgery for my arthritis (apart from carpel tunnel, but thats nothing), I have had a hyst
erectomy.

They brought us in as a group of 4 women the day before the op and went through the details. Then we all had our ops on the same day, and stayed together in a group of 4 beds! This was helpful, as we all suffered similar problems at similar times, some worst than others! It worked well with us as we became very close and shared the pain and embarrising problems, it helped us be less worried or frightened, to have someone to laugh or, sometimes a cry, understanding what each was going through! :x .

I hope your op goes well, and you soon start to fee the benifit! Lots of love Sue xxxx

kathbee · 15. Jan 2010, 06:39

Hi Hileena

I had the same concerns as you before my hip replacement just over 3 weeks ago. Wondering about the stairs, bending, etc.

As the others have said you will know your limitations and it will work out ok. I found and still find sleeping on my back to be uncomfortable as I am used to turning a lot but its not a big deal.

To have the op and then have no pain is wonderful, well worth it.
I had a spinal block and no anaesthetic.

I wasnt allowed home until I could do the steps and had instruction how to get in and out of a car. So because it was xmas time I had to stay in a total of 9 days instead of the predicted 5 - 7 days until the physio's came back on duty.
Also because I have RA and OA, I had difficulty holding the crutches for a day or two as my hands and wrists were playing up.

When I arrived home, (2 crutches) the following day I had a visit from physio/rehabillitation team and could have had that until I felt I didnt need their support any more, I live in West Yorkshire so maybe each authority differs on that score . After 3 days and because of the adverse weather both the physio and myself agreed that I didnt need any more visits from them. They had been going thru the exercises with me and having a chat over a cup of tea.

12 days after the op I had the staples removed by the district nurse as home and I have a follow up appointment for 3rd Feb, which is 6 weeks after the op.

Hope it all goes well for you, I'm sure it will.

Love Kath

hileena111 · 23. Jan 2010, 08:53

Well eventually I had my pre op assessment......talk about confilicting info. The surgeon originally told me it was to be a fast track op, group physio ...the physio said he wasnt on the list as a surgeon who did fast track ops, i checked yesterday and was told he does a semi fast track op....his own version of fast track...whatever that is?????? fast track you have a tube inserted in your hip afterwards and thats where the pain killing drug comes from.....he apparently doesnt like that so instead of a spinal block its an epidural which means insted of getting up a few hours after the op they wont get me up until the next day...well I'm as wise as I ever was LOL.......I have an appointment to see him at his clinic 2 weeks ago yesterday......to finalise any questions.
The op is 3 weeks from now.
Love
Hileena

kathbee · 23. Jan 2010, 11:41

Hi Hileena

I had a spinal block and wasnt allowed to get up until the next day, I also had a drain inserted near my wound as well.

I am not au fait with this 'fast tracking' not heard of it at my hospital.

All I can say is to be pain free at last is
W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. 5 weeks on, no walking aids required, full movement, just an 7 - 8 inch scar which looks like its healing fine, its Great.
Cant thank my surgeon enough.

Hope all goes well for you.
Good luck and best wishes.

Love Kath

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