Hip replacement, living alone and with responsibility for pet.

Jane18
Jane18 Member Posts: 23
edited 2:01PM in Living with arthritis

I’m going in for my hip replacement in two weeks’ time and thought it might be helpful to share some of the preparation I’ve had to do, especially as I live alone in a house with stairs and own a cat, whose needs also have to be catered for. I’ve found the discussions on this forum really helpful for preparing, but everyone’s circumstances are different and having a pet when living alone does complicate things.

I found it really helpful to do lots of preparation in advance to make my home more accessible both before and after the op, including asking for an OT assessment via Social Services, which was helpful for getting grab rails in place, a wheeled trolley for downstairs and a perching stool for occasional use when required. I also ordered lots of gadgets to help with mobility, including a dressing stick, chair raiser cushion and leg lifter.

With needing to care for my cat, and conscious that I won’t be able to bend down, I made sure I bought bowls that could be lifted with a grabber and also found a long-handled pet bowl, which I have yet to use but which could be really handy after the op.

As well as ordering plenty of supplies in advance and getting some instant meals into the freezer for the first few days on my return, for the first two weeks after I’m discharged I’ve booked a care company that specialises in short-term post-hospital care and also works with pets, so that they can help me around the house and also with tasks such as taking care of my cat and clearing out the litter etc.

I found ordering my own crutches very helpful, as I was struggling to get around indoors with just a stick, and it has also prepared me for using crutches after the op.

I’ve also been doing lots of exercises for strengthening my body in preparation, including some of the ones on the VA website. So although walking is now pretty difficult, and impossible without a stick, I am trying to make sure that I am maintaining muscular fitness and strength as much as possible to aid recovery.

One thing I hadn’t anticipated was the need to be prepared for lots of additional appointments shortly before the operation. I thought the scheduled pre-op would be it, but then there are further appointments at the last minute for further blood tests and physio, so I wished I had kept more time free in the weeks before the op. It was difficult, though, as I also needed to make sure I had a dental check-up, get my hair and nails cut in advance and sort out various other things before I went in.

I also have to use the anti-microbial wash for several days before the op, as others have mentioned, as well as changing towels daily. Fortunately they didn’t tell me to change my bedclothes every day, as that would have been a real strain, as I hadn’t thought to schedule in any help around the house before going in.

I think I’m just about prepared now, but understandably am very nervous about the procedure and how my recovery will be afterwards. And if I’ve missed anything, any extra advice would be welcome!

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Comments

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 878

    Hi @Jane18

    The most important piece of equipment I got in advance was an extra stair rail on the other side. Hospital were then happy for me to use walking sticks on the stairs instead of crutches.

    Good luck

    Trish

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 207

    Hi @Jane18

    Thank you for sharing this, I'm sure a lot of people will find it very useful. All the best with your surgery, please keep us updated.

    Claudia x

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

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Thank you @Trish9556 and @claudsl. I'm finding other people's hip diaries very helpful as well, although I know everyone's experience differs. Just trying to do as much exercise as I can and eating healthily. And hoping that my blood tests next week will all be OK for the op the following week. Still feeling anxious, as I've not been an in-patient in hospital for more than 40 years! But hearing about everyone else's experiences is reassuring.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,403

    Good luck @Jane18 with your impending op you have been super-organised! I especially like the provision you've made for your cat being a cat owner myself. I didn't even know there was such an agency who could help😊

    I'm sure this will be really helpful for others in your position.

    Take care and I hope you'll let us know how you and puss get on

    Toni x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Thank you @frogmorton, my cat was one of the reasons for deferring surgery, as I wanted to explore all the options for support when I got home after the op. In the end, I found a few care agencies locally who will help with looking after pets, so I was able to select one that seemed best after discussions with them. I was lucky to get some recommendations, but it is possible to find suitable ones from an online search and looking at reviews and assessments.

    Still dreading the op, but I will definitely update you when I'm able to,

    Jane x

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 878

    hi @Jane18

    You will be absolutely fine, trust me. We are all very anxious before hip surgery and a zillion and one things go through your head.

    Listen to your surgeon, your nurse, your physio and most of all your body and ask all those questions that pop into your head regardless of how silly they seem.

    Good luck and I look forward to reading your update when I'm back from holiday

    Trish

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 654

    Hi @Jane18 - well done, you are super-organised and have thought of absolutely everything. This will make it so much easier for you when you return home.

    As Trish says we are all nervous before our surgery, but usually amazed afterwards when we get our lives back. Wishing you all the best and happy to hear you're going to keep us updated.

    Take care, Jaclyn

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,403

    Good luck @Jane18 your op date must be getting close now🤞

    Toni x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Hi @Janlyn, thank you for your comments. I've been reading your diary and finding it really helpful. Still dreading the next few weeks, but hearing about others' experiences gives me encouragement. I already have difficulty sleeping at night because of the pain in my hip and leg, and have to get up frequently to stretch to ease it out. So afternoon naps have become a regular feature of many of my days. I don't know whether I will have to have injections/blood thinners/compression stockings, but will just have to find a way to manage if I do, and at least I can ask for help from my care agency if needed.

    And thank you for the support @Trish9556 and @frogmorton. Once I am able to get back to the computer, I will give updates, as everyone's experience differs.

    I saw the physio yesterday and it turned out that I'm already doing many of the exercises they recommend (given by previous physios and also from the Versus Arthritis website), so I just have to amend them slightly after the op. And having bought myself some crutches for use at home, they really helped with my stair technique, so I'm hoping that I will be able to manage after the operation, even if a little more slowly. Another blood test tomorrow, so I'm hoping that all will be well for admission on Monday. And then I will soon find out what my recovery will be like!

    Jane

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 31

    @Jane18 whoa your super organised must get myself in gear fir op in July although I live in a bungalow . Hope all went well with u and on time. Be good to hear how your getting on. All the best

    Cocoa

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Thank you @cocoa and good luck with your op in July. It's certainly helpful to do the exercises the physio gives you beforehand - even though I was doing similar ones already, I'm finding the ones they've given me are exercising different muscles, so hoping they will help me for the recovery process. Reading other people's hip replacement diaries on here has really helped me to get organised.

    Jane

  • Janlyn
    Janlyn Member Posts: 654

    @Jane18 Not long now for you to wait and I do understand you not looking forward to the first few weeks. Looking back I did improve day by day and it is now certainly proving worthwhile. To not struggle to get comfortable sleeping, to walk without pain, it was a small price to pay and you are so super-organised I am sure it will be manageable for you.

    I have just got back from a holiday in Greece where I walked over 20,000 steps a day - it feels like a miracle.

    It seems there is no consistency with the compression stockings/blood thinners/injections. I was dreading the compression stockings mainly as I didn't have anyone to help me, but I was given 10 days injections and then another month of blood thinners, which worked well. I did botch the first injection but got better after that although I was relieved when they were finished.

    Take care, all the best, Janlyn

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    First day after the op. I came in at 11am but then op delayed till 5pm. Just had the spinal injection, so back up at 8pm and eager for dinner. I took my MP3 in with me so had some music, but could still vaguely hear what was going on. But felt quite relaxed and distanced from the process. Eating well now and have been mobilised, but still a little numbness in my foot. Off for physio shortly and then hoping for a rest!

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,403

    Well hello @Jane18 well done you! How frustrating and stressful having your op delayed until 5pm. Presumably an emergency had to be squeezed in.

    Sounds as though all is going in the right direction. When do you think you'll be able to escape back home to be with your puss?

    Toni ((())) xxx

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 189

    @Jane18 well done on your surgery, that's the worst part over with.
    Don't worry about your puss cat, they will be fine. My two were pleased to have me home and one even jumped on my lap the first day and that was fine too as I was worried that might hurt or I frighten him away but it was lovely to have a small sense of normality. Husband was hopeless at looking after them so I learnt the golfing move quickly so I could pick up dishes etc. I attached a pole to the litter scoop so I didn't have to bend. Don't worry about any untidiness, after a few days you will find a new way of doing things until you can ben again properly.

    Good luck with your recovery :-)

    Julie

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Hi @frogmorton, am hoping to go back home tomorrow, but depends what the physio says. I am getting regular WhatsApp updates from my cat sitter with photos so know he is fine. Just have to manage the injections (no compression stockings) but I have another practice run today. And physio exercises. But i am managing to walk around with a walker, very slowly. So fingers crossed x

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Thank you @JPT. That's amazing about the cat jumping on your lap as I was really worried about that. I have a long-handled litter scoop and also got a pooper scooper for any mishaps. I will have to ask about the golfing move. Looking forward to getting back to some sense of normality.

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 31

    @jane18 good to get your updates hope you soon be back home and persevering . I go fir my pre op assessment this Thursday so am closely following your progress . Keep us posted as will I

    Cocoa

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Good luck with your pre-op @cocoa. I was given further appointments for blood test and physio after mine, just as I thought I was almost there. Day 2 and lots of visits from nurses and physio, but I am starting to get in and out of bed on my own and move independently with a walker. Finding get more tired in the evenings but so glad the op is done. I am learning how to do the blood thinner injections, which are fairly straightforward after practice. Looking forward to going home soon but it's a bit daunting. I will have to take everything slowly and be prepared for the odd setback. You will find the time will race by to the op, especially if like me there is lots of preparation to do in the house.

    Jane

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    I know it's still early for most people but this is the first solid night's sleep I have had for weeks. Still stiff on waking, but I was able to get myself out of bed unaided just now before I pressed the buzzer. Think I could have managed to move on my own slowly but didn't want to risk it. For anyone about to go through this, I do recommend a leg lifter. You can find them online but as they showed me here a dressing gown cord or yoga strap if you have one will do. Makes getting in and out of bed so much easier. Night again.

    Jane

  • JPT
    JPT Member Posts: 189

    @Jane18 good morning! That's really good that you had such a good night. Take it easy and accept the help that's there. You're doing great 😊

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Being discharged this afternoon so back home with help from the care agency. They are giving me a walker for upstairs as well as crutches, which be a relief for getting in and out of bed. So will see how I get on in the next few days and post updates when I can. Thanks for all the supportive comments.

    Jane

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 316

    @Jane18

    hope all goes well for you and the care agency will be supportive for you. Just take each day as it comes and do your physio exercises as and when you can you should be fine. Also, listen to your body it will tell you if you overdo things and rest as and when you need to. We are all here for you if you have any questions. Take care.

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 23

    Thank you @Fran54. Back home now and settled upstairs. Done another set of physio exercises and just managed my blood thinner. Only 7 to go then on to aspirin. Early sleep tonight then up with carer tomorrow. Cat is shunning me which is probably a good thing today 🐱😄

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 316

    @Jane18

    well done for doing your blood thinner injection as I had to do mine for a month but did not have to take aspirin afterwards. It is surprising after a good nights sleep how it helps mentally and physically so I hope that you slept okay. I had a cat many years ago, but when we came back from being away she would turn her back on me and sulk! They can be very fickle😏

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