Hip replacement pre/post operation pls

FannyC All hospitals are different of course, but far as i understand there are fewer seriously ill people with covid in hospital at present and general surgery is going ahead as normal.
After a monumental cock up last year my surgery referred me to a private hospital on the nhs. They don’t take emergencies and nhs patients have an 18 week wait. My operation will be exactly 18 weeks. Not complaining of course but it Seems longer ( because of the previous delays and increasing pain).
My small concern is that I will be discharged either good Friday or the Saturday and it’s a bank holiday weekend. There is no weekend cover if needed from the private hospital. I am over worrying but there are complications with my poor old hurty hip.
Wishing you well Fanny, hope you get a date soon and greetings to everyone else on this path.

Thank you Silverlining
Yes, I thought that too.
I can’t help thinking that Covid is messing things up again.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it here; but I do know that orthopaedic’s at the Royal Derby have lost half of their beds to the Respiratory department (which I’ve got to thankful for, as DH has had more than enough help from them).

Also I believe that there is huge demand for private surgery at the moment.

Fanny I saw the physio who asked me general questions and took me through the practical side and what to expect from them post op, followed by a nurse who asked a lot more medical questions, took 3 vials of blood ( yes, almost an armful) bp, ecg etc and answered most of my questions. It took about 1.5 hrs. I have to return next week for another blood test. Not clear why yesterdays wasn’t sufficient, but I do as I am told. It was fine.
What I did learn was that different surgeons have different views about rehab, what you can and can’t do, ranging from Laisser-faire or strict to the point of literally degrees of what movement is allowed. No one knew about my surgeons views so it will be a surprise.
I am sorry you still don’t have a date. Surely if you are self funding it should be straightforward, and fast. Hope you get some news today.

Two weeks ago tomorrow

Silverlining can you tell us what happened at your pre op please?

I still don’t know when my date is, or even a ball park date.
I was told that I would find out exactly two weeks tomorrow.
I have been chasing them up; I have his Secretaries’ mobile numbers, but still no news. ?

FYI if my doctor is of the old school my chair might be too low with a very slight backward slope. Really don’t want to have to get another.

It seems that some surgeons have many post op rules ie 90 degrees bending etc and others are more relaxed.
When I was at the hospital for pre op yesterday they could not tell me which way my surgeon works. So my chair may or may. not be suitable . Doesn’t help with the calming down pre operation process.

Charleygirl your concerns are unfounded so let me put your mind at rest.
Firstly risk of DVT: I'm 5 weeks post surgery today, and coming to the end of anticoagulants. The simple action of crossing one leg over the other FOR A FEW SECONDS isn't going to have any impact on my already minimal risk of thrombosis.
Secondly, my physio protocol is 'non restrictive' ie I have been advised to move in any way that is comfortable and to stop if it hurts. The advice about not having knees above hips and not crossing legs is considered a bit outdated as others have mentioned.
I'm sure you'll remember the absolute joy of gradually regaining movement and activity that had been lost to you for so long? It was the realisation that I couldn't cross my legs all those years ago that made me seek help.

GrannyLaine I sincerely hope it is not your recently operated leg you are crossing over. That is the fastest way to dislocation that I know. Even if it is the unoperated one, DVT can be a problem so it is not recommended.

Another thing

My op was on my right hip and I was told I could drive at four weeks post op. I didn't feel happy about that somehow so left it for another week. I have a two door hatchback so the driver's door is nice and long and opens very wide. Easier to get in and out of. Beware other drivers parking too close though which makes opening the door wide enough impossible. Yet another think to think ahead about.

GrannyLaine Really happy fir you that all is going so well. How lovely to be able to do some gardening with NO PAIN! Never mind being able to cross your leg. ! !!
I was told today that as I have an automatic car and it’s my left hip I may be able to drive earlier than 6 weeks. That’s for anyone in the same situation.

That's all sounding promising silverlining48, hip hop indeed! Not much to report actually: very seldom need a stick at all. My happiest moment this week was half an hour's gardening yesterday afternoon: kneeling to lift some bulbs that were in the wrong place and splitting up some self-seeded wallflowers & replanting. No pain at all, whereas before it hurt SO much.
Also discovered on Sunday that I can cross my right leg over my left - I haven't been able to do that for over 5 years. Review appointment with my surgeon next week and then I'll be driving again - hurrah!

Hello fellow hipsters, just back from my pre op. All went well, I think, and am glad I am on my way. Lots of questions and a few general health tests, blood ecg etc etc.
Two weeks to go now. Walking has become even more difficult and now need crutches to get around, so (nervous though I am), it can’t come soon enough.
Have you got a date yet Fanny? Hope so and hope you are all ok wherever you are on this journey.
Hip hop all, til next time x

Bump! (Sorry - I’m trying to be gentle)

Hello Hipsters
GrannyLaine hope your recovery is going well; and Susie, that the antibiotics are doing their thing.
Silverling how did your pre-op yesterday go??

What a shame Susie. I can imagine how disappointed you mustn’t be. We get ourselves psyched up for an operation, don’t we, and then to have it cancelled at the last minute is a blow.
It’s the right decision though, and hopefully you won’t have to wait too long. Antibiotics usually clears up UTIs pretty quickly.

So disappointing for you SusieB50 ! But good that it has been picked up and treated early as any systemic infections are a risk to hip surgery. Fingers crossed that you get a date that works well for you and those who will be helping you.

Thanks Allsorts, I hope I have, but will find out more at my pre op /physio appt this week.

Hooevyouve got all the aids you need Silverling and have support, they won’t let you home until they think you can manage.

What’s a shame Susie, how disappointing. Hope the meds help the infection and it isnt too long a wait. I am sorry.
I was warned today by someone who works in a hospital that because of the increase in covid numbers with staff off, many operations are now being cancelled. Mine is 2 weeks away now so keeping everything crossed that it can go ahead.

Oh no! What rotten luck SusieB. Hope you can be fitted in again soon.

Oh bad luck Susie
I hope that you feel much better soon, and manage to get organised

Well op cancelled for tomorrow ?. Apparently I have a urine infection , no symptoms ( of course I do now!!!) so need to start antibiotics ASAP for a week then retest . I was told it was very common in elderly ladies ! Oh well all other tests OK and hospital has said they will rebook me as soon as is possible . A bit awkward though as my “ helpers” will all be away at Easter …

silverlining no point wasting money when it is a temporary measure and if you are careful you will manage fine.