Hip replacement

[2LKCO]

still waiting to be called for hip replacement on two sticks and in pain. Hearing different stuff about this operation and prognosis plus different waiting lists, anything from three months to three years

[Veggiehog]

While of course every person is different , the outcome of a hip replacement is usually very good . A majority of people are amazed at the rapid improvement that is made post surgery . Waiting lists do differ , have you had a pre op assessment yet ?

[2LKCO in reply to Veggiehog]

Hi,yep had xrays and bloods done ages ago, no problem with the bloods. Hospital wrote and said 12 months, that was last July 2, my plan is wait the full 12 mths and then get in touch, dont want to piss them off by chasing them too soon, having said that letter might come today as they said 4 weeks notice.

[Veggiehog in reply to 2LKCO]

Gosh that does seem a bit odd to do all the work up then leave it 12 months ! That would make the work up pretty useless and need redoing I would think . I would contact them , you may have 'vanished' from their system - it does happen !

[2LKCO in reply to Veggiehog]

Thanks for that Veggiehog

[PMRPete]

Emersons Green NHS Bristol - waiting time is currently 5 weeks from appointment to treatment!

emersonsgreentreatmentcentr...

Ask to be referred to an alternate treatment centre.

[2LKCO]

Thank you for that info Pete

[Cat197]

Hi, 2lkco.

Sorry to hear that you're still waiting. They do tend to vary from one area to another but if I was you, I would ring your consultants secretary to make sure they you have not been lost in the system.

With regards to the operation itself, my only advise would be to ensure you are FULLY aware of ALL the potential complications that can occur following the procedure. Whilst THA has really good outcomes for the majority of people, there is the small percentage that experience complications/post op difficulties (as with all surgeries). Unfortunately, I fell within this small percentage and the effects this has had on my psychological well-being has been immense. If I would have been informed of these things prior to surgery, I would have held off for longer as I was managing my pain pretty well. Likewise, 'normal issues' after THA were neither discussed with me (post op insomnia, extreme lethargy, low mood etc).

My point is that knowledge is power. If you know what to expect, you will not be alarmed if this occurs. This will not only help your rehab but can help you to prepare prior to surgery in order of reducing the effects. Furthermore, do not compare your recovery to that of others. Everyone is different and rehab at different rates. Given that I'm 39yrs, I've found it difficult to not compare myself as I don' know what to expect. This has caused me to feel low and feel like there is no end to this journey

I'm now just over 10 weeks out and my only source of info has been through these forums. They have been an absolute godsend in times of worry and concern. Like I said, I only wish I would have known these things prior so that I could have at least prepared myself better.

Hope your date comes through soon. Good luck x

[2LKCO in reply to Cat197]

Hi Cat197, thank you so much for sharing your experiences of post op.Im trying to exercise three times a day to keep the muscles built up and use two sticks to keep balance. She mentioned going to the pool post op to do my exercises which is just walking up and down the pool and relaxing. If there is a hotel with a pool near you maybe that would help, the Radisson near me do yearly membership for pool sauna and steamroom for €300 or so and you can pay monthly by direct debit, its also a great place to socialise. Most people I speak to say new hip is a great job, but I have doubts and thanks for being so honest, it might not be. Going to give them the full 12 mths and get my Dr to chase them up. Do keep trying different things to get some relief and thanks again.

[Cat197 in reply to 2LKCO]

I'm so glad you've got a good team behind you. This will definately make your recovery so much easier!

Thank you for your advise also. Unfortunately, I'm not quite confident to go as yet given that I have a 2inch leg length deficit and it is incredibly difficult for me to walk without my shoes on, despite the crutches. I don't always have the help available to take me. I'm definitely working on it.

[FraBryDewhurst]

It's very important to do the exercises before the op to give yourself the best chance after the op. You will be stronger and will recover more quickly. I had my first hip op at 50 and I also felt quite lonely as I didn't know anyone of my age having to go through this. You have to resist your contemporaries pushing you beyond your tolerance levels and treating you as a malingerer.

[2LKCO in reply to FraBryDewhurst]

Thank you very much FraBry