And the seasons go round and round

[pip-lit]

Three times surgeons have agreed to do a hip replacement: three times the anesthetists have refused me saying that there is a very high likelihood of a catastrophic end to what is 'bread and butter surgery'. This leaves me in great pain, my mobility restricted to walk in in 20 metre bursts, sleepless nights, and a feeling that I had a bleak future.

About 9 months ago i decided that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I'd start to go to the gym and signed up for slimming world. I've lost 4 stone in weight, and for a long while the gym went fine, till my hips started to seize up, leaving me with very little mobility (house bound) for 2 days after each session. I reluctantly gave up the gym.

Yesterday, I went to see the surgeon to get my gall bladder removed. She agreed, then I went through a preoperative assessment. This included the cycle ride test, after which the practitioner said that with my level of fitness, it would make the operation very risky. I have to return in 2 weeks for a sound echo of the heart and to see the anesthetist.

On returning from the hospital I signed up for the gym immediately, thinking that if I'm going to go down I'd do it fighting.

I'm buggered if I do and I'm buggered if I don't. Am I the only one who feels this way?

[Hidden]

I think there are a few things that maybe important, that you haven't mentioned. Just to try and understand what other conditions might be having an impact on your condition. May l ask please what your age range is? And secondly, can l ask if you have any other underlining conditions that may have an impact on your condition, such as a respiratory condition, high blood pressure, or a heart condition.

I hope you don't mind me asking these questions.

[alfredthegreat]

Hi pip-lit. I wonder if swimming might be a better alternative to the gym. With swimming you can exercise your body and the joints without the joints having to bear any weight. I have a problem with my spine, I'm just recovering from 3 fractures and I've been told that swimming would be a better alternative to weight lifting to strengthen the muscles in my back and that the stronger muscles then help to support the frame and the joints. Regards Alf

[pip-lit]

Richard and Alfred,

Thanks for your very supportive responses.

To Answer Richard's questions. I'm 64. I have DISH syndrome, and some fusing of the spine due to Arthritis),I've got very bad anemia ( for which I take tablets and have a monthly iron infusion), I've NASH, cirrhosis and varices and edema. I'm diabetic type 2, though through loosing weight I control this now by diet only. I have sleep apnea,but through loosing weight I no longer have wear the mask at night. I take antidepressants. I have low blood pressure. In the past I've had asthma, but this seems to have calmed itself recently. I'm still overweight.

Alfred: the swimming pool does seem an excellent alternative

thanks again

[Hidden]

Hi pip-lit,

You have some excellent advice from Richard & Alf.

Best wishes,

mary

[pip-lit]

Mary,

thanks for the best wishes. All the best

Bob

[Hidden]

Hi

I ditto what Richard and Alf said!! Wishing you all the very best, hope everything goes smoothly. Take care Lynne

[pip-lit]

Thanks Lynne,

it's a bit like trying to win a skirmish on four fronts (you're surrounded)

I hope you and your's are in the pink

Bob