Worrie

[Worrie]

Hello HealthUnlocked,

I am due to have Total Hip Replacement on 16.08.23. (right Hip).

However, I live alone and am 6'5" and family are not that close.

I Rent and am in the process of finding another place as my current home has Bath, first floor stairs, a Toilet in the corner of the Bathroom and I wish to vacate it, by the date above and am considering storage of my belongings.

Has anyone any top tips based on experience, or advice they can pass on, please.

A genuine worrier, who is encouraged by many people's progress, but at the same time worried by the whole process.

[DorsetLady]

Wrote this on another forum -but you should be able to read okay -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

Sorry can’t help on the moving accommodation side of things.

[Amanda_iona]

Hi, it is quite understandable that you are worried. I was in a similar situation with my hip replacement, though selling house rather than renting. I moved out and lived in an AirB&B for some weeks, found a ground floor room with shower and toilet adjoining which was ideal. A removal firm took my furniture to one of the common storage firms, and brought it back when I moved into a ground floor flat. Of course all this costs money but worth it if you can afford it.

I purchased various aids to help post-op eg a pickup gadget. The most useful was a small trolley from Argos which made it possible to move things around while also acting as a walking aid. Some friends came in to help for the first few days (could something like Age Concern help if you don't have anyone nearby?) Or hire a Care Assistant? Hospital Social Worker may be a good source of advice. I am very independent and found I was managing fine alone after less than a week. Get lots of microwave meals in, or use takeaways.

I was very scared before the op but found it much less difficult than expected. You are out of bed within hours and trained on crutches and managing a step before discharge. You can be home within 3-5 days depending on progress. Hosp should provide you with crutches and zimmer frame.

Best of luck with accommodation and op.

[Worrie in reply to Amanda_iona]

Thankyou Amanda, some useful ideas. I appreciate your concern. Age UK and AirBnB would be useful as well as a Care Assistant. Like you, I am independent, and pleaded with the Landlord for a Shower Cubicle but this request was declined. To add insult he dropped out as a Buyer. Thankyou for your reply. Real name is Geoff, but went by the username of Worrie !

[Murphybear in reply to Worrie]

I’m sorry to hear of your problems. I understand your landlord can’t/won’t help with a shower cubicle but that is understandable from a financial point of view. Have you investigated the possibilities of getting a grant for this? I worked in lettings for years and there aren’t many landlords who would refuse alterations if someone else is paying! Have a word with Citizens Advice. Arthritis in the hip can be distressing, my husband has it now he’s 73. He will need a hip replacement eventually. It is important to keep moving as much as possible. This is based on NHS advice plus I had a knee problem for years and eventually got a new one. Can you see a physiotherapist while you are waiting for your replacement? They are usually pretty good. Have you looked at using a TENS machine for helping with the pain? Best to talk to GP/Physio/Orthopaedic Consultant first. That’s based on my personal experience. Sorry for lengthy post

[Worrie in reply to Murphybear]

To be honest MurphyBear I've made the decision to move on with finding another place. I've tried twice with the Shower Cubicle, no joy. So I've just listed my top 5.

1. Ground floor.

2. Shower - no baths.

3. Unfurnished (I have a lot of furniture which could be taken). and more purchased.

4. Near to Public Transport.

5. Change of scenery, I'm not really happy. And Sharing, such as a HMO won't work.

Continuously looking on Zoopla. But ideally I want to be out of here by end on next month.

Regards