I've got my date already! Thanks to all on here.

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 05:42

Just wanted to say that I went ahead and put myself on the list for a THR last week, and today the really nice lady at admissions rang and gave me a choice of dates near the time I needed so my older kids would be around to help with my young ones! It's on my birthday, 28th July, so I guess at least I'm doing something special this year! It's funny how I feel better about it all now I have a date to get my head around, although I realise these dates can be changed at the last minute. Thanks to all who replied last time I posted about my fears. It was thanks to this forum that I was brave enough to face up to the fact I should have the op, despite all my fears.

Can I ask, have any of you on here done anything extra to prepare for the surgery, i.e extra vitamins, etc? Is it worth taking extra iron do you think?

Anyhow, thanks again, and here's wishing all on here are feeling ok today...x

elnafinn · 20. Apr 2010, 05:47

Hi Efleure

That will be a birthday of all birthdays, to remember!

so pleased you have a date to work around and you feel ok with it all now.

I would only suggest that you keep yourself as well as possible and those arm and leg muscles as strong as you can because good working muscles will help you immensely after the op, with the crutch(es) and generally getting well again post op.

Look after yourself,

Luv
Elna x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 06:11

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Efleure

That will be a birthday of all birthdays, to remember! so pleased you have a date to work around and you feel ok with it all now.

I would only suggest that you keep yourself as well as possible and those arm and leg muscles as strong as you can because good working muscles will help you immensely after the op, with the crutch(es) and generally getting well again post op.

Look after yourself,

Luv
Elna x

Thank you Elna...x

frogmorton · 20. Apr 2010, 06:18

Hi Efleure

Wow!! What a birthday prezzie - you will never forget that date eh??

I think one or two take things like arnica as well as it is supposed to help with healing.

You can check with the staff when you have your pre-op I expect.

Love

Toni xx

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 06:35

HA....will look into the Arnica, and yes....at least one part of my will be young again!! x

sharmaine · 20. Apr 2010, 08:04

Hi Efleure

You must be relieved to have a date sorted out - what a nice birthday present.

Before my TKR I banned anyone from coming near me with colds, coughs etc!!! I realise you're having a THR but Elna is right you need to keep yourself healthy and strong. I knew before my op that it was important to keep my thigh muscles strong so I bought a mini pedal cycle (from Argos) which I used whilst lying on my back. It was impossible for me to use it then whilst sitting upright (which I'm pleased to say I can do now). It was the only physical exercise I could achieve without coming a cropper.

I'm sure someone will give you some more useful tips. You would think that they would give people pre-op physiotherapy but they don't. Mind you you could always ask!

Sharmaine

efleure wrote:

Just wanted to say that I went ahead and put myself on the list for a THR last week, and today the really nice lady at admissions rang and gave me a choice of dates near the time I needed so my older kids would be around to help with my young ones! It's on my birthday, 28th July, so I guess at least I'm doing something special this year! It's funny how I feel better about it all now I have a date to get my head around, although I realise these dates can be changed at the last minute. Thanks to all who replied last time I posted about my fears. It was thanks to this forum that I was brave enough to face up to the fact I should have the op, despite all my fears.

Can I ask, have any of you on here done anything extra to prepare for the surgery, i.e extra vitamins, etc? Is it worth taking extra iron do you think?

Anyhow, thanks again, and here's wishing all on here are feeling ok today...x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 09:06

Thanks Sharmaine and others...was feeling quite chilled about all this until the admissions lady said that my particular hospital only use a general for THR ,especially at my age, unless health reasons dictate otherwise, and so now I'm all het up and stressed and worried, as that was my main worry, having to have a general....has anyone on here who has had one got any positive comments please about this??? Thanks again for the replies, and sorry to start whingeing again!!! x

barbara12 · 20. Apr 2010, 09:48

Hi efleure
that is such good news, it will all be over with while I am still thinking about mine, I really wished I had gone in sooner,
I should have had mine done a year ago, but kept putting it off,what a birthday present.
There are quite a few people on here had a THR , I am sure they will be along with alsoughts of tips
You take care
Love
Barbara x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 11:16

barbara12 wrote:

Hi efleure
that is such good news, it will all be over with while I am still thinking about mine, I really wished I had gone in sooner,
I should have had mine done a year ago, but kept putting it off,what a birthday present.
There are quite a few people on here had a THR , I am sure they will be along with alsoughts of tips
You take care
Love
Barbara x

Thanks Barbara. I totally understand putting it off. I would, but everytime I say this, my family go mad, and remind me how my whole life now revolves around being in pain, and not being able to go anywhere that involves any walking. Can I ask why you're putting it off Barbara?? Is it just the same as me, pure fear?? lol... Do you have in mind anytime that you think you'll go ahead?? ....Liz x

dorcas · 20. Apr 2010, 11:17

I'm so pleased for you.

it's ok to be anxious, that's only natural and part of how we prepare ourselves mentally for ops. you are definitely NOT whingeing!!

I've not had a THR but have had both types of anaesthetics in the past.
For my op last year..wrist fusion, and the wrist replacement I'm having soon I'm not allowed a block anaesthetic either.

that's the way it has to be and I accept that GA is the best option for me cause that's what my ortho has told me! (not blind obedience on my part...but trust in my consultant)
So I don't let it worry me...

GA 's are very safe ((I have a son who works in theatre and he's always telling me this) and I have no doubt you will be well looked after too by your ortho and his team.....before you know it you'll be back in the ward demanding attention, chocolates and flowers (quite right too!!).

Iris x

barbara12 · 20. Apr 2010, 12:40

efleure wrote:

barbara12 wrote:

Hi efleure
that is such good news, it will all be over with while I am still thinking about mine, I really wished I had gone in sooner,
I should have had mine done a year ago, but kept putting it off,what a birthday present.
There are quite a few people on here had a THR , I am sure they will be along with alsoughts of tips
You take care
Love
Barbara x

Thanks Barbara. I totally understand putting it off. I would, but everytime I say this, my family go mad, and remind me how my whole life now revolves around being in pain, and not being able to go anywhere that involves any walking. Can I ask why you're putting it off Barbara?? Is it just the same as me, pure fear?? lol... Do you have in mind anytime that you think you'll go ahead?? ....Liz x

Hi Liz...I go to see my consultant in may...2 days after my 60th birthday..,thank god for the people on here...I would never had gone.
Its not the op really, but the recovery afterwards...all the things you cant do...I am a wimp really.
You never know I might end up beating you to it...
Good luck with everything
You take care of yourself
Love
Barbara xx

speedalong · 20. Apr 2010, 14:22

Hi well done, I hope the time comes round quickly for you. Elna is right about the physio - why don't you ask your GP for a referral, I have just had a block of physio the aims of which according to my physio were to strenthen and gently stretch my muscles. I knew about taking arnica after - but not before. Hopeful some one will come along with more info. The other thing is to take iron tablets for a couple of months before - I've only got 3 1/2 weeks - but am taking them religiously!!
I'm having a GA too - no choice either - I don't like the waking up part - but I didn't fancy staying awake throughout either!!

Speedalong

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 14:47

Ah Barbara.....I doubt you're a wimp...I'm sure the stuff you have to deal with physically daily proves that....I'm also scared about the afterwards ..it's really good you're going to see your consultant so soon...hopefully by then you'll have got your head around all this palaver and decide to go for it (listen to me giving advice when I'm more scared than the lot of you...lol...).and Speedalong, you seem to have been propelled into your op....maybe a good thing one way, but your foster son's needs obviously giving you a whole lot of other things to worry about...I know how all that feels....and I agree about not wanting the ga, but also being worried about being awake throughout the op. I was dreading that bit...so maybe I'll be philosophical about it all...well for today anyhow....thanks for replies...and I'll def start on the iron, as I lost alot of blood when I had my caesarian, and felt awful for so long afterwards....x

valval · 20. Apr 2010, 15:15

well i for one think you are very brave, i only have it mild in hips but the pain is awfull when it flares any one who has coped with that can cope with anything.
it would be the trusting others that i find hard i know docs r trained and do loads but i am used to making my own decisions to be asleep and others haveing complete control over me scares me to bits but that is me a control freak.
you will be fine because you have each other and all the others on here to help you through any bad days and remind you to rest on the good ones. good luck

skezier · 20. Apr 2010, 15:18

Hi,

Sorry I am late here.... I don't always see so well :oops:

So glad you got your data and well have your birthday after when your in less pain and recovering well.

Try not to worry and stay chilled and fingers crossed for you. Cris x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 16:24

valval wrote:

well i for one think you are very brave, i only have it mild in hips but the pain is awfull when it flares any one who has coped with that can cope with anything.
it would be the trusting others that i find hard i know docs r trained and do loads but i am used to making my own decisions to be asleep and others haveing complete control over me scares me to bits but that is me a control freak.
you will be fine because you have each other and all the others on here to help you through any bad days and remind you to rest on the good ones. good luck

Thanks Valval.....God, not brave at all....I wish...but thanks anyhow! I'm just like you....since being on my own with my girls, I find after having to make all the decisions, I now find it so hard to hand over to anyone else...total control freak too...that's one of the main problems I guess....I think we all have our weak spots and this horrible illness brings it all to the fore and we have to do things we really don't want to but have no choice. Hate having no choice but people always much worse off so tough on me..thanks for the support ..x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 17:31

skezier wrote:

Hi,

Sorry I am late here.... I don't always see so well :oops:

So glad you got your data and well have your birthday after when your in less pain and recovering well.

Try not to worry and stay chilled and fingers crossed for you. Cris x

Aw...not late....just in time! Thanks so much Cris...x

marion1952 · 20. Apr 2010, 18:12

Hi

I'm really pleased that you can have your op in July.. it will be better than having it in the winter.

How disappointing that you can't have an epidural though - I know that you were worried about a GA. Please don't let that put you off having it done, as your pain will only get worse. I'm having mine done on 6th May and am in a pretty bad way now, having to use two sticks and really struggling to walk, but every day, without fail, I meet about 2-3 people who tell me how marvellous their relatives/friends are doing, now that they have had their's done... I just can't wait to be 'done and dusted' and pick up my life again!

With regards to iron supplements - when I was anaemic a while ago I took a supplement called floradix, which is a liquid and it doesn't cause nausea or constipation. I bought if from a local chemist and I don't think you can get it on the NHS as it is quite expensive (about £8 a bottle). I found it really good (I hate taking iron tablets!) and will probably take it again if my haemaglobin drops again..

Please keep posting and let us know how things go for you..

Marion x

elnafinn · 20. Apr 2010, 18:26

Hi Efleure

I have not had a THR but two TKRs in the past two years, numerous varicose vein ops, a hysterectomy all under GA and all has gone exceedingly well in totally every way. I felt fine after coming round, every time, starving in fact :roll:

The anaethetist will come to see you before the op, have a chat and will be there during the whole operation, monitoring you. You have nothing to fear at all. It is like fallling asleep and when you wake up it will all be over.

Luv
Elna x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 18:32

marion1952 wrote:

Hi

I'm really pleased that you can have your op in July.. it will be better than having it in the winter.

How disappointing that you can't have an epidural though - I know that you were worried about a GA. Please don't let that put you off having it done, as your pain will only get worse. I'm having mine done on 6th May and am in a pretty bad way now, having to use two sticks and really struggling to walk, but every day, without fail, I meet about 2-3 people who tell me how marvellous their relatives/friends are doing, now that they have had their's done... I just can't wait to be 'done and dusted' and pick up my life again!

With regards to iron supplements - when I was anaemic a while ago I took a supplement called floradix, which is a liquid and it doesn't cause nausea or constipation. I bought if from a local chemist and I don't think you can get it on the NHS as it is quite expensive (about £8 a bottle). I found it really good (I hate taking iron tablets!) and will probably take it again if my haemaglobin drops again..

Please keep posting and let us know how things go for you..

Marion x

Sorry to hear you're in such a bad way Marion...I guess you can't wait til May 6th...I know...everyone I know knows someone that's had this op done, and they all swear by it, but I'm still scared!!! I've just made the mistake of reading all about GA and what happens throughout the surgery....not a good idea for me...I'm actually shaking now...what an idiot I am....will just forget about it for now, and will get some of the iron stuff you recommend...please let me know how all your preop and stuff goes Marion..are you having a ga or an epi?? ....fingers crossed we'll be different people come Xmas this year....x

efleure · 20. Apr 2010, 18:35

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Efleure

I have not had a THR but two TKRs in the past two years, numerous varicose vein ops, a hysterectomy all under GA and all has gone exceedingly well in totally every way. I felt fine after coming round, every time, starving in fact :roll: The anaethetist will come to see you before the op, have a chat and will be there during the whole operation, monitoring you. You have nothing to fear at all. It is like fallling asleep and when you wake up it will all be over.

Luv
Elna x

Hi Elna,

thanks for that...will remember what you have said when I start to get wobbly....xx

hileena111 · 21. Apr 2010, 05:09

Hi..../Sorry I'm late answering ....I've had a THR..... about 9 weeks post op now....I had a spinal block so cant answer your question about GA. I didnt have physio before or after the op....Northumberland seems to be odd like that LOL....I was given exercises to do pre op and exercioses to do post op and left to it....So the best thing is to ake sure your muscles are strong before you go in for the op...do any physio you are given.....{do as I say not as I do LOL LOL}
Love
Hileena

efleure · 21. Apr 2010, 17:18

Thanks to all for your good wishes and advice....x

deborahjane · 24. Apr 2010, 05:57

good luck for your op,i had an op on my 40th birthday a (hystorectomy)hope i spelt that right. :P

efleure · 24. Apr 2010, 06:00

Thanks ....hope yours went well and you're all recovered now...x

deborahjane · 24. Apr 2010, 11:31

efleure wrote:

Thanks ....hope yours went well and you're all recovered now...x

:P i have recovered it was 9 years ago ,i always remember the date if the docs ask me,i did have my toes done just before my 45th birthday too.bye for now

I've got my date already! Thanks to all on here.

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