Hip replacement

[Londone16]

I’ve been placed on the hip replacement list and pain is now so bad I can’t walk on that leg without bending over which is causing back and the other hip pain.

My gp gave oramorph liquid but now tablets which don’t tough the pain. He has told me to also take paracetamol but it not helping. This made me constipated and has given me laxative sachets.

I am being sick, constantly nauseous and feel awful.

The hospital has given me an appointment for pain school in September but I don’t think I can carry on like this.

Im also worried at reading that I’d need a blood thinner injection daily which I couldn’t do as I’m needle phobic and don’t have anyone to do it for me.

[Hidden]

hi,Im so sorry to hear you are having such an awful time. waiting for a joint replacement is never easy. In my experience, any kind of morphine makes you feel nauseous and most certainly will cause constipation!! The blood thinning injections are pretty standard im afraid but easier to do than you imagine!! Im a wee bit needle phobic, but when i had to do this several years ago, I just took control of the situation and did it!!! I think because it was ME that was doing it, that helped. I really hope you get things sorted out soon and begin to feel a wee bit better.

[Londone16 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much

[piglette]

I have had two hip replacements and in both cases had to wait several months in awful pain before I had the op. The trouble is the pain killers do cause bad constipation. I had Tramadol. Perhaps the local pharmacist could help with products for the constipation. I used to think about all the other people who were in the same boat as me and some even worse. I was in a wheelchair in the end. You will need anti-coagulants after the op as there is the possibility of blood clots. You will probably have to wear compression stockings to fight against this too. I also had a Sequential compression device (SCD). Plastic sleeves were wrapped around my legs and connected to a pump that inflates and deflates the sleeves. It was rather nice like having a leg massage. This applies gentle pressure to promote blood flow in the legs and prevent blood clots. I had the anti coagulant rivaroxaban, which I took by mouth for thirty days.

I did not need to inject the anti coagulant. You should be allowed that too I would have thought.

[Londone16 in reply to piglette]

Thank you so much, this has been most helpful.

[Happy5]

Feel for you, know how awful it is to be in pain and medication hardly touch it.I was only on paracetamol, upping to co-codamol at times. Hardly made a dent in the pain.

I've now had both hips replaced and the relief from pain is wonderful.

I was given Oramorph day of my first hip replacement made me very ill , vomiting with

my BP dropping.

Result of that was not ever used again, but rather they used tramadol this time for couple of days post op.

I was put on blood thinning tablets from day one of surgery.

Obviously we're all different so just sharing to give you an idea.

Things sounds dreadful for you so suggest , see if able to get put on being brought in if a cancellation for pain school?

Also similar with hip replacement surgery.

Have you had a face to face appt with the GP? Perhaps if able to they will see how much of a struggle you're in?

Hope things get better soon

[Londone16 in reply to Happy5]

Thank you for replying at least I’m hopeful for blood thinning tablets v injection. I’ve got an appt for the pain school next month and I’ve stopped the morphine - my gp said he can’t take the pain away but take morphine tablets and paracetamol and if needed the liquid morphine. I’d be on the moon with that lot.I’ve also stopped the laxative as it’s worked but I’m constantly feeling sick so not eating. The only good thing is I’ve lost 5lb !!!

[Jackie1947]

I hope your wait isn't too long. My second was done (other leg) a year ago. I had various drugs in hospital over the 3 days I was in and only needed codeine for a while thereafter. Yes the blood thinners were injected daily and tbh not painful. I then had this by tablet when I was home. Just think how much better you'r going to be once its done. Please try not to over think it and alll will be well.

[Londone16 in reply to Jackie1947]

Thank you so much xx

[FattieBabs]

I was squeamish about the blood thinner injections too after my hip op. They felt like a wasp sting but very temporary pain, literally 5 seconds and then fine. I got used to it. After a week I was put on tablets instead.

[Londone16 in reply to FattieBabs]

Thank you x