NHS and Physio after op

Nurina
Nurina Member Posts: 458
edited 15. Sep 2024, 09:22 in Living with arthritis

Hi. I've just come back from a class in the hospital (South Wales) about how to be prepared for surgery. I'm shocked that the nurses running the course said we will not need physiotherapy after getting out from the hospital, just doing the recommended exercises would be enough. Whaaat? I had my other leg done in January (private) and I think a physiotherapist is one the most important parts of the recovery. Is this normal? Did I misunderstood them? Thanks

Comments

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 98

    Hi @Nurina

    Which surgery is it you are having done? Is it a knee replacement?

    Thanks, Claudia :)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 458

    It's a hip replacement @claudsl

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 740

    Hi @Nurina

    I cannot believe that! I think it is absolutely disgusting that you are not being provided with physio services post hip replacement!! We all know how important they are in post op recovery, especially for joint replacements.

    If I were you I would write a formal letter of complaint to the hospital and copy in your health authority, MP and the Health Authority.

    You have already had one hip replacement so know what to expect but not to get any physio is beyond belief.

    Good luck

    Trish xx

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 458

    @Trish9556 I'll have a visit to my consultant next week and I'll talk about this. I know that NHS can give the same support than a private hospital, obviously, but this is not acceptable. Thanks

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 98

    Hello @Nurina

    Yes I agree with the above post from Trish. You should definitely be offered physio to get the best possible results from your operation. I would make further enquiries or as Trish said, write a formal letter.

    Best of luck. Claudia

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764

    You should be given exercises post op. Mr SW had both his THRs in the last 8 years, one NHS and one private. Neither hospital offered a post op physio appt. but he did his exercises conscientiously and has had two perfect outcomes.

    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 458

    I meant "I know that NHS CAN'T give the same support than a private hospital, obviously, but this is not acceptable" Sorry. I can't write well on the mini screen of my phone.

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 458

    Thanks @stickywicket Thanks to my other THR I know what exercises I have to do, but my osteoarthritis has been severe for too many years and it is not due to the normal wear and tear. If they don't give me a referral for a physio, I'll go to a private one. Take care

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 561

    @Nurina I'm so disappointed to read this and agree we all definitely need physio to make as full a recovery as possible. We are all different and although we may start with the same exercises a physio can see where our problems are and tailor ongoing exercises to enable a full recovery. Anything less can be storing up problems for the future. I'm so glad you will get physio one way or another.

    A friend came to see me recently who had a hip replacement many years ago. He hadn't had physio and I noticed he really wasn't walking properly and even going up and down stairs as we all did post-op. It was so sad to see him and realise that I'd made more progress in months than he had in years.

    Hopefully not long for you now 😊

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 458

    @Janlyn I totally agree. I'll tell you what my consultant thinks about this. X

  • 250
    250 Member Posts: 3

    It seems the way with Hip replacement (Post 9 weeks now) especially around here you get an exercise sheet and sent home yet, if I had a Knee replacement they give you inhouse physio at the hospital for a time afterwards. I was told the best thing was get up and walk so I have.

    Mark

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 740
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726400#Comment_726400

    We are lucky in that we have had hip replacements before but we have all had the uncertainty that we are doing things too soon or not right.

    My concern would be that by sending all their the patients home with just a sheet and not proper support, many patients will end up doing more damage post op than they had pre op resulting in more work for the NHS. We all need that vital support in the early days post op, even if it's just a phone number we can ring for support but just a sheet? In my opinion that's ridiculous. All surgeries are different and I couldn't have coped with just a sheet and wouldn't when my other hip eventually gives up.

    As @stickywicket says, her husband managed his recovery with just a sheet but many people would be scared and unable to cope and manage their recovery. We have all seen their posts on here where they're doing things too quickly!

    I would be interested to hear how you get on.

    Love n hugs

    Trish xc

  • 250
    250 Member Posts: 3

    Obviously, when I said sent home with an exercise sheet, I did had the contact details for in an emergency, concerns excess pain etc. Also had a face to face follow up with the consultant booked at 6 weeks, but no NHS physio appointments as standard.

    Mark.

  • KC1
    KC1 Member Posts: 116
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726412#Comment_726412

    hi @Nurina i’m really surprised you’re being told there won’t be any physio post op. You could self refer to physio, I’ve done that previously, and that’s worked well - although not had to do that following my op.

  • Nurina
    Nurina Member Posts: 458

    Update. A friend of mine had her surgery last week. They told her she didn't need a physio. She asked for a referral anyway and her first appointment will be in 8 weeks! The consultant has recommended her to book a private physiotherapist. What's going on? My GP recommended me to go private for my first surgery. Now we don't have physiotherapy. What will be next? An Aliexpress DIY hip replacement kit with a prosthesis and a see saw?

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 740

    Hi @Nurina

    I think it is totally disgusting and inappropriate to be told that yes, you're having your hip surgery in an NHS hospital but you're not getting any follow up physio appointments unless you go private! If I was in that position I would be telling them I've already contributed and paid for it many times over in my Tax and NI contributions. The way we are being treated is wrong. I can see that the next thing to go down the pain is free prescriptions for those eligible for them and pensioners. I would have to come off of all mine if that happened as I wouldn't be able to afford them.

    Love n hugs

    Trishx x

  • Moira
    Moira Member Posts: 107

    I have found the physios here in S Wales brilliant but you don't need them for everything if you do the exercises on the sheet you will get post-op. You will have a phone number if there is any problem. My friend across the oroad had a hip done at UCH Cardiff and did the exercises on the sheet and is now walking better than me!

    With hips moderate exercise and weight baring are what is needed. Knees are much more complex. The physio dept at UCH in Cardiff is understaffed - as is the story in many depts.

    I have been waiting nearly 2 years for hand surgery at Llandough. Apparently there aren't enough hand surgeons to keep up. However I do my exercises from the OT and that helps a bit.

    Check here on the Versus Arthritis website too for advice re post-operative exercises.

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