I'm feeling quite down ....

[Teifi]

Just returned home from a hospital appointment and it is suggested I need a hip replacement.

This has rather knocked me for six -

The op won't be until after my son's wedding (7th August) so I have plenty of time to think about it
and could even cancel if I wanted.

I was wondering, have any of you out there in the ether had such an op, was it a success, can you
climb stairs when you couldn't before? How long before you were 'back to normal?

I really would welcome some input on this to put me in a more positive frame of mind.

[peterd]

my mother partner has had one done, dont think he has any more movement though he can get up and downstiars but the main thing is he has no pain where he did have before the replacement.

[sparkstopper]

Had something similar.....A knee replacement , 9 years ago.
Never regretted it, no more pain when walking or try ing to sleep.
Just don't think about it now, only if I come to kneel down in the
garden perhaps. The fitter you are before the op. the quicker you
will recover. 'GO FOR IT'

[grangers14]

Oh bless, a big hug for you ((hug))
Surgery for anyone is a worry, what ever it is for. Lots of things to take into account...
I havent had that done myself, but an aunt had it and I've nursed many people who have had it done too.
May not be easy to start with and you will need some help but look on the positive side of being able to do things more easily and pain free soon after.
Keep up on the physio you will have to do and keep talking, asking questions and for any help if you need it!
Take care and keep as healthy and as mobile as you can now and after.
Chat or moan to us, cyber friends can be good listeners you know.
Jo

[mikleed]

My wife has just had hip replacement on left hip,8 weeks ago she is fine, the only thing this time was having to inject herself every day with blood thinners about 30 injections, and take 4... 500mg antibiotics a day. she was on 2 crutches for a while, now on walking aid, her other hip was done 13yrs ago. no problem. she is 77yrs old.......at moment she is shopping in Walsall on her own went on bus but i will fetch her back in car.
i believe this system of injections and antibiotics is a new system on NHS. to prevent blood clots.
Regards
Mike

[Teifi]

Thanks for your replies and encouragement.

I've now read and signed the letter, filled in countless forms, read the booklet
and watched the DVD ........ and now I wait.

[mallosa]

Good luck Teifi!
I'm sure everything will be fine

[dianel]

I'm sure you won't regret it, Teifi. We have a lady in one of our Tai chi classes - 86 years old she is, and she had a hip replacement last year. She had been in terrible pain for years. 6 weeks after the op, she was back in class and moving so much better, and she said that from the moment that she woke up after the op, she had no pain in the hip whatever.
Hope the wait is not too long, that's the worst part.

Di

[snoopysue]

I'm a radiographer, so I see a fair few with new hips and knees, and as someone else mentioned the main thing is the lack of pain. It's important to listen to what they say about getting back to normal, don't skrimp on the physio, but most patients seem to have succsessful operations. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask the staff, and don't take no for an answer.
My grandmother had one in the 1970's and it lasted at least 30 years, even though they said about 10-15 years. They've been doing hip replacements for donkeys years - I wouldn't hesitate if it was me.

Good luck with it
Sue

[Teifi]

Don't you just hate it when the line drops and everything just typed vanishes..............

As I was saying - thanks to everyone for your advice I really appreciate it.

This week I was approached by an NHS Treatment Centre on the outskirts of Bristol offering to move me up the waiting list if I transferred there for the op. This isn't really practicable - i.e. distance - and also the forthcoming wedding (7th August).

But I'm getting around better ... wiv me stick wiv an 'orses 'head 'andle and my new handrail on the stairs I'll be going for a new PB any day!