Knees & Hips

Mishap - will do. x

Saw the consultant this morning at 5 weeks post-op (THR). I had my long list of questions and made him answer them even though he was running half an hour late. He was obviously rushed but did give me answers, so I am reporting back as I said I would.

I can stop taking the Rivaroxaban now as it is causing itching, however, I only have 4 tabs to go so I will stick with it.

I can leave off the stockings in one week's time, ie 6 weeks post-op.

I should continue taking paracetamol if I need it - I do, some days.

I must stick to the 90 degs rule until 5-6 months post-op.

I should no longer need chair/loo raisers after 4 months.

I can sleep on my side now but not cross legs until 6 months post-op.

I can drive next week.

I can travel to Devon at the end of this month and I can fly to Spain at the end of June.

I'm disappointed about the stockings but I'm healing well and walking with just a stick now so must not complain.

Hope this is helpful to others either contemplating THR or recovering from it. Thanks to all those who have given me advice along the way.

I am totally amazed that he is allowing you to lie on your side without a pillow between, especially as your hip is uncemented and you are at the 5 week stage.

I did check about the pillow and the answer was no, no pillow. Who am I to question the word of God? Actually, I am not planning on doing it just yet.

NoTooOld if you're coming down to Devon - I live in Bideford....

Hi, Ariadne. You live in a nice part of the world. This is just a quick visit to see some friends who live in Torquay.

Rememeber that you will need a firm cushion for the car.

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Reported

Just joined Gransnet. Not sure how,this forum thing works. Waiting for a hip replacement but consultant refuses to do it till I've lost 2stone . Would welcome support + has anyone had a similar experience?

Welcome, CarolJose1, I hope you will enjoy GN. I have no experience of your situation, but a neighbour was in a similar position. She managed to lose 2.5 stone on the 5:2 diet and went on to have her hip replacement, making a rapid recovery before having the second one done. She is a determined lady in her 80s, and worked hard at the diet and recommended exercises, which paid off.
I hope all goes well for you. There will be plenty of support on here.

A small word of warning - whilst 99% of hip replacements go well, I have been less lucky. Over a year later I am still in pain - and have some new pains that did not exist before. My aim of being able to stand to sing or conduct pain free has not been achieved. The only gain that I have achieved is that my hip no longer locks in place.

Welcome CarolJose1. Lots of us here have had hip replacements. Mine is now ten years old and going strong. My only gripe is that it sets off the alarms at airport security and they insist on patting me down! But it's a small price to pay for absence of pain.
I hope you find a weight-loss programe that suits you - just don't be tempted by faddy crash diets! I have been losing weight recently with Weightwatchers On-line. I also found the 5:2 diet very effective a few years ago. I am a serial dieter and would like to get down to a sensible weight and stay there! Good luck to you.