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what would you ask.....

(17 Posts)
travelsafar Thu 06-May-21 17:38:43

I am attending a consultation tomorrow with a surgeon re a possible hip replacement. Is there anything you would ask him before agreeing to go ahead?
I will ask about waiting times for the operation, average recovery time, and any risks, but those of you who may already have had this done are there any questions you think may be useful to ask. I am feeling very nervous about the whole thing as i will be coming home to an empty house and having to manage alone. My children and sister will help with practical things like shopping, making meals etc but its the thought of being alone in the house if anything goes wrong that frightens me to be honest.

NotSpaghetti Thu 06-May-21 17:44:02

I would want to know what proportion don't "take" and need re-doing.
Ask him how long they last on average.
I'd find out what proportion of his work is hip surgery (my consultant specialises in hips for example).

I think they are generally good these days.
Be brave.
Good luck!

Chestnut Thu 06-May-21 18:04:40

I look forward to hearing some answers because this may be my fate in the near future. Not sure yet. There must be hundreds of grans who have had this operation, so I hope they will spill the beans. But not freak you out with horror stories, as I'm afraid that is what some people are inclined to do. Be nice.

diygran Thu 06-May-21 18:17:55

Husband has had both hips replaced.
He was in terrible pain before. One was 2009, the other three years later.
He made a very good recovery and is able to go up hills now.
Would recommend you go for it if in bad pain. Only thing he struggles with is putting on socks and shoes.
He did have an infection in hospital for a few days with the second op but recovered quickly.

Septimia Thu 06-May-21 18:19:16

I can't advise on questions to ask but....I have a friend who was and orthopaedic surgeon doing hip operations and another friend who has had the op. Both emphasise the importance of doing the exercises afterwards as instructed. You might ask about those, I suppose, and other instructions that you'll be given.

JaneJudge Thu 06-May-21 18:20:19

Honestly it will be fine. Ask what you want to ask but they are, on the whole, very successful. They do like to them under sedation and spinal though these days so discuss if you would like a GA and options around that

Charleygirl5 Thu 06-May-21 18:24:08

Today's THRs last 15-20 years and many beyond that.

I strongly suggest you tell him you are living on your own so you may need a couple of extra days in hospital.

You should ask if physio is required and if so will you have to travel to the hospital?

After surgery and when you are at home a member of your family should stay with you especially if you need to go to the loo during the night because for the first few nights you will need help.

Fleur20 Thu 06-May-21 18:39:43

Hip replacement ops are very successful these days, but any consultant worth their salt will admit that the physio afterwards is as important as the op for the most positive longterm outcome. Be insistent that the physio arrangements will be in place regardless of covid or anything else..
And of course that means you have to do your exercises religiously too!!
Best wishes....

Sago Thu 06-May-21 19:04:46

Ask about anaesthesia options, post operative physio.

BlueBelle Thu 06-May-21 19:16:00

My friend had hers done and lives alone and managed very well
If you have a mobile phone keep it with you at all times even within reach in the bedroom maybe one of your children or sister will stay with you the first night to get you into a routine
Good luck
Sorry I haven t really answered your questions but wanted to give you some encouragement

SueDonim Thu 06-May-21 19:18:44

My mum had her hip done about twelve years ago, while I was living abroad. She managed on her own, I think the sheer relief from the agonising pain she’d been in was a huge plus to her being able to cope. She was in her 80’s then.

She had a spinal and was in hospital for about five days, I think. I’m not sure whether that’s a normal stay or whether she spent longer than usual.

Getting things set up at home is important so ask for an OT assessment for bathing, the toilet, hand rails etc. They were v helpful for mum.

Good luck!

wildswan16 Thu 06-May-21 19:56:16

One of the most important things for you to find out is what support will be available to you. Will you be able to go home by yourself, can they offer an alternative option? Ask who you should speak to about this if they aren't helpful. If there is a specialist nurse at the clinic appointment they are good with these sort of questions.

geekesse Thu 06-May-21 22:44:36

I had my op on a Tuesday, and the relief from pain was instant. I was walking with a frame the next morning and with crutches by that evening. By Thursday afternoon I could safely get up and down stairs, and went home first thing on Friday. I never needed the Tramadol they gave me - the pain from the surgery was controlled with paracetamol. I was back in work exactly five weeks after the op, though it did take me a couple of months to get over the fatigue. Do the exercises, don’t over-bend the hip, and do as much walking as you can manage several times a day.

I was cautious, but a friend who’d had it done encouraged me, and I’m so glad she did. I’m paying that favour forward to you.

SueDonim Thu 06-May-21 23:25:22

Geekesse I swear the hip op is also a free face lift. My mum looked ten years younger afterwards, with all the signs of pain gone from her face. It was amazing.

annsixty Thu 06-May-21 23:46:33

I am 6 months on from my hip replacement and I am 83.
I only had two nights in hospital but I did need help getting to the loo for a few nights after getting home.
The relief from the pain is remarkable and pain afterwards is well controlled with ordinary pain relief.
As others have said do the exercises given to you.
I did not have any physio, just did the exercises on the sheet given to me.
Good luck but try to get someone to stay for a week or so.

TerriT Fri 07-May-21 19:27:54

Had my hip op 5 years ago. I was terrified pre op as only been in hospital when haveing children. Had no idea what would happen after but was I such pain I couldn’t go on anymore. Had the op Friday afternoon late, and went home Monday morning. The pain you are now in goes instantly which to this day amazes me! How can that be ? But it does and you will be pain free. There is nothing to worry about so please don’t. I had some tilting done last week and the young man had both (yes both) hips done in February and was ready to get back to work in June when things were lifted! Do the excercises on the sheet you are given and just relax and look after yourself. One friend booked herself into a hotel for a week so she would be looked after as she had no one at home to cook etc If I needed another hip doing I’d do it without hesitation. Good luck.

annodomini Fri 07-May-21 20:46:48

Mine has lasted 16 years...so far. I could have asked lots of questions at the initial consultation, but so much information was given that I found I'd been pre-empted. It would probably be a good idea to make a note of any questions you want to ask, as, in the heat of the moment, it's easy to lose track.
In any case - be reassured, vast numbers of us here have had at least one hip replaced.