ASSESSMENT FOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

[cmjoyce]

Hi everyone,

I am due to have medical assessment for a total hip replacement. I am NOT one to take risks easily.

I have diabetes type 2 and Atrial Fibrillation as well as taking a LOT of different pills. I am afraid I will be given a high risk and just wonder if this has happened to you and whether you went ahead with a successful outcome or if you decided you dare not take the risk.

I know everyone 's situation is different but did you decide not to go ahead because of fear? I know I can't be the only one who is so afraid. Would love to hear your story.

Thanks

[Jackie1947]

No I'm not in your category but have had both hips done. I don't know of anyone who isn't concerned about going into the unknown. I did. You'll get a lengthy pre op appointment with time to talk through your concerns. I had sedation which is the norm now in our area so no after effect . I slept through it. You need to ask yourself can I live with the pain as it is or have it done. You'll be carefully monitored but it's your choice.

[cmjoyce in reply to Jackie1947]

Thank you. I guess I am concerned about not being able to have a frank discussion with someone who is very clear and will engage with me in discussion.

My consultation was not like that at all. I could hardly understand what he said and it was no discussion more just these are your options. Live with it, injections (no explanation of how they could help) or total replacement (no explanation) which do you want? What I want is someone who can help me make an informed choice. Maybe I will be luckier at the assessment and have someone better with communication.

I would rather have spinal injection than GA but as yet I have no idea which will be offered.

Great to talk to you

[DorsetLady]

It’s quite natural to be concerned, especially with your other issues, but it will all be discussed before the event. And then you have to make the decision….and be happy with it.

Fortunately no longer on other medication, but had 3 replacements surgeries in the space of 2 years, and if knee and hip hadn’t been done I’d probably be housebound, and maybe in wheelchair by now- similar to older sister.

You should be able to read this link even though I posted on another forum -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[cmjoyce in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I have managed to read your post. Very helpful.

Hoping for someone who I can understand at my assessment as the consultation was NOT a discussion at all. I could not understand him. Maybe I will get some re-assurance then.

[Jalia]

I also have a long history of Atrial Fibrillation but this did not prevent me having a total hip replacement last year

. I had severely disturbed sleep due to the pain and needed a cane to make walking easier. I had full consultation and echo with cardiologist before the procedure with instructions given to the anaesthetist should I flip into AF during procedure. No problems in that respect. Operation was a success.

If you are having intolerable pain the decision to go ahead must be a no brainer.

[cmjoyce in reply to Jalia]

Thank you. Very reassuring to hear. Just hoping I will have a good assessment with someone who can help me understand my risk. The consultation was no help as I could hardly understand what little he said.

[piglette]

A lady in my ward had type 2 diabetes and had her hip done, another one had had a gastric band so she could have her hip done. I am sure that your surgeon will only operate if they are totally happy. Hip ops are one of the most succesful operations in the world.

[cmjoyce in reply to piglette]

Thank you.. I think my problem was having a poor consultation with not what I would call a discussion with someone I could hardly understand. Hoping the assessment will provide me with more answers

[piglette in reply to cmjoyce]

I am sure it will all go well and you will be so happy you have had it done.

[willat]

it’s hard but they do them under sedation and epidural now. Much safer than general. There will come a point where you won’t be able to manage the pain. Get it done well worth it.

[cmjoyce in reply to willat]

Thank you. Yes I would rather not have an GA. I think my main worry is I am 79 and have Diabetes and Atrial Fibrillation as well as other things like high blood pressure etc., the oldie things and am afraid of blood clots etc., happening. I know they take care of you but worried I may be just too high a risk. Will hopefully get more answers at the assessment and will have to go from there.

[SusanEleven]

Thank you for bringing this up. I’m more anxious about general anesthesia than the actual hip surgery. I’ve had spinal epidural anesthesia for other surgeries in the past so it’s nice to hear from these comments that it should be an option for a hip replacement.

[cmjoyce in reply to SusanEleven]

Great to hear I am not the only one with concerns. I am worried as I think I will have a higher risk factor than some as I have Diabetes Type two, Atrial Febrillation and may have had a TIA. I am hoping to hear what kind of anesthetic they will offer and what are my risk factors when I go for my assessment in a few weeks time. Wishing you well.