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Mums broken hip

(6 Posts)
Katyj Wed 19-Jun-19 06:16:06

Hi, my mum fell and broke her hip over two weeks ago, she has had a screw and plate operation and still in hospital virtually unable to move.she also has heart problems, aetrial fib, and low bp.Has anybody had experience of this.She is in a lot of pain still, and reluctant to try now. I'm thinking that by now she should have some mobility and less pain, but have no experience so really don't know if I'm expecting too much.She's 87 and was very active before, she didn't use a walking aid and lived independently.So upsetting to see her like this .

absent Wed 19-Jun-19 06:34:09

If she is still in hospital she will not only be getting proper medical care, but will also have mobility help from a therapist, including getting up and down stairs. It is likely that she will need a walking frame – at least for a while – to steady her when moving about. It is likely that moving about is rather less than comfortable and she feels insecure – even fearful after her fall – about doing it. She may well be able to abandon the frame after a while and walk independently or with the help of a walking stick.

Of course it is upsetting to see your previously independent mother having a hard time, but a broken hip is pretty nasty and any surgery is hardly a bucket of laughs; it takes a while to get over, especially for those getting on years.

My mum was 87 when she fell and broke her hip. It took her a while to feel strong enough after surgery and to trust her body to move around, but she did pretty well for quite a few more years.

Why not see if you can have a word with her surgeon or at least her assigned nurse?

SueH49 Wed 19-Jun-19 06:46:46

My Mum sustained a slight fracture in her hip about 5 weeks ago. She did not have surgery as the fracture was so slight and also because she has osteoporosis (she is 97) She has been immobile for the last 3 years and only able to get around in a wheel chair. She is still having significant pain from the fracture so your mother 2 weeks post surgery pain is not surprising.

Katyj Wed 19-Jun-19 07:47:07

Hi, absent.How long did it take your mum to be able to stand and put weight in her leg ? This is my main concern that she can't even stand yet.

tanith Wed 19-Jun-19 08:02:38

My ex mil had the same surgery after falling in the garden when she was 81 I remember she went to a rehab ward for a month after her two weeks in a normal ward I think she could stand with a frame soon after the move and she was walking with a stick on discharge she was a very determined lady and continued living at her home independently till she was 93.
Maybe she needs you to help her be more positive that she can become independent again but it’s in her hands to overcome the hurdles that face her. I do hope she summons up her courage and improves soon, good luck.

mcem Wed 19-Jun-19 08:16:34

It's a year since I had the same op at 70.
Physically I recovered well but my confidence took as big a knock as my hip did.
Rely on the doc's and especially the physio's to deal with and advise on her physical recovery while your role is to focus on building confidence and making sure she is taking the right med's to keep her comfortable.
Best wishes to all involved!