Hi I've been on here some time, bt not in this group.
Can someone give me the basics. My wife has just been diagnosed as needing a new hip. She's already in agony, but has been told 3 year NHS waiting list.
Particularly "what happens post-op".
Much appreciated
I had a friend who had a hip replacement. The first thing she noticed was the lack of pain, it was almost instantly notable. Within two weeks she was pretty much back to her old self from before the hip got back, happy and cheerful. She was even cutting the lawn with her little electric mower!
Everyone is different. Every surgery is different. I have had three surgeries on my feet, one was fantastic, one which was more complicated was really good, but one that should have been straight forward had complications and really set me back for several months. But all are fine now.
Some people are up and moving about doing their exercises immediately and make a fast recovery, others struggle. It is hard to know before hand which one someone will be, but the psychological attitude that one goes into the surgery with will have an effect on how one feels afterwards.
I hope your wife gets her surgery soon. Is there a cancellation list she can go on?
Thank you Cyberbarn and all for your advice. This situation has been building for ages, with GP's fobbing off. Nothing more we can do, here's the strongest pills. No more we can do, no mention of what we are dealing with. But it was it, mumbled reply.
About a fortnight ago the pain became excruciating, and wifey was desperate. As I had a contact to a consultant, I contacted her and got in touch with another consultant through her guidance. All that took only a week. He told her that she needed a new hip. He had received some info independently, and it showed both the NHS and GP KNEW that the problem was the hip, but couldn’t be bothered to tell us. This infuriates me as while this wore down she was not on a waiting list. This list is now at three years (probably the reason for “not putting her on the list”).
My wife is no spring chicken so waiting is not an option, so money is precious and will kill most of savings, but I will not let my wife wait 3 years.
So, two to three months to surgery. Privately we have to wait two months to see the Hip consultant to confirm. It’s protocol, I’m told.
I am so sorry to hear this. I have a mechanical problem with my back, but the consultant didn't pass this information on to either me or my GP which meant when I had a really bad flare of pain and wasn't able to walk, we didn't know why. I am doing volunteer work with our hospital trust, as an Expert by Experience. Things don't change as quickly as we would like, but at least there is a move to involve patients more in the development of services.
I had both hips done 9 years ago . I injured back originally 18 years ago the hip and knee pain gradually got worse old gp kept stating it was referred pain from back. Moved gp surgery and new gp sent me to physio and x rays . The physio showed me the xrays I was devastated but also relieved that there was a problem but it could be solved . I waited for 2 years for the first 1 they did the least problem 1 first . I was in pain following the op but a different pain which was well controlled by the staff and the use a syringe driver which I pressed in-between pain relief to top it up . The first day post op was the worse they were really sympathetic and I knew had to get up and move around as soon as I was able . I had a physio that first morning who walked me with a zimmer frame but I found that too much so used crutches which I used to it was easier . I only walked a few yards that first day it did wear me out . I think it was the anaesthetic that made me feel rough more than the op . The second day with help and aids I was able to get dressed washed make up on and into a chair walked the length of the corridor. They kept an eye on me while walking to loo but I was determined to be independent to go home . By day 3 I was so much better the groin pain had gone I could walk with elbow crutches and attend to my own basic hygiene putting knickers on was a problem but using a long handled grab I managed that as well I had a strap which hooked over my affected leg so I could lift it on and off bed the physio supplied that . I had already had a home visit before admission to see what aids were needed for my discharge, they gave me a toilet chair to go over loo to raise the height a grab and sock puller up made sure chair and bed was the right height etc . On day 4 I did the stairs in hospital and was told I could go home they asked what car I would be going in it had to be the right height not low to the ground. I was in discomfort but nothing like the pain before the op . I had the 2nd hip done a year later it was easier this time because I knew what to expect but also my first side was no longer the agony I had before the surgery. I was discharged after 3 days this time recovery was the same using same aids . I did buy a raiser recliner chair before first op but hardly used it . Nightdresses are easier than pj's for first few weeks a lidded cup is handy because with 2 elbow crutches you can't carry a mug of coffee and sometimes you have no 1 around to carry it I did have a little table on legs I would put a meal on it and push it in front of me then walk to it then another few feet etc until I reached the table from kitchen . I am fiercely independent so it was important for me to do as much as I could alone . I have suffered with chronic pain for years and recently with fibromyalgia pain is a daily problem but the hip replacements have def made a difference to climbing stairs and walking even driving the car. The worse thing for me was not being able to drive post op until the surgeon and physio said I was able to . Good luck the first few bad days post op is worth it because the agony you have will be gone . Just support each other , I was alone most of the time due to a divorce and my son who looks after me was in uni doing nurse training but I managed, you adapt . I am a retired trauma nurse and had both ops on ward I had worked on which helped a bit , but I always remembered patients coming in limping with pain riddled faces going home smiling in discomfort but that horrible pain gone that's exactly how I felt .
So lovely to read, it gives me hope. BTW folks they offer ketamine. That's theyhe date rape drug. You are all messed up after I kid you not kidnyou not.
Yes, I’ve had both hips replaced. Agony before the op!
Are you aware that your wife can have her operation at any NHS hospital that has a shorter waiting list, if you’re prepared to travel? You can book it here:-
Love it. Wish I could. Wife won't go elsewhere. The surgeon doing the op is the same one as the local NHS. Except 3 years sooner. I am hoping for a miracle cost wise, and I think prayers may have been slightly answered.🙏
Hello SpurdogI have had both my hips replaced and it's been amazing
I was in terrible pain before the op both times and the relief after is wonderful I remember coming round the first time and just sobbing with relief that my pain had gone
The recovery time too was quite quick
I wish you and your wife all the very best as the pain before surgery is just horrendous
I'm so so sorry as I remember the pain so well She may well feel better in herself to be doing the chores rather than sitting still
Take care both of you and any questions about the op I'm happy to tell you and I promise I won't be negative
I hope it won't be long must be so hard to see her in so much pain
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