rbb3uk Worried About Surgery

I am nervous that I won't be able to tie my shoe laces after hip replacement surgery, and I need to wear lace up boots with orthotics to help with my walking.
Also I need to be able to twist around towards the right to reach my tail end when I go to the loo, because I have problems with evacuation.... this is rather embarrassing, but will I be able to do that after hip replacement surgery?
Will these be long term restrictions?
My right knee, when inflamed, usually has much more pain and stiffness than the right hip. Also, I have been informed by by my insurance that I am covered for injections, if these would be appropriate - prior to surgery. I guess it is a matter of time, but surgery is so drastic and not without side effects. One of my friends knows a lady who had ankle problems and walking problems after hip replacement. Ideally, I want to be able to walk comfortably again, without limping and without achilles and knee pain. Other friends have given positive feedback about hip replacement. Guess I am having pre-op jitters.

Hi Sandy,
Yes, I am happy for you to move my post to a new thread. I have a surgery date of 31 July, and a pre-op assessmenton 10 July. Currently I don't have much pain in my hip at all, and I use that leg to go up and down stairs, since my left leg which has the knee replacement isn't as flexible. .... I am a bit nervous about having the hip replacement, but the consultant, who is a specialist in knees and hips, has indicated that the knee pain is referred from the hip.
I am nervous about post op restrictions as I mentioned previously.
Many thanks for the support...
rbb3uk

rbb3uk - you will also want to talk to the folks who make or prescribe your orthotics - you may need to get new ones after hip replacement - and new boots/shoes also! With a new hip your gait will change and wearing old shoes with worn down soles can cause more problems! It has been advised many times here to get new shoes after hip replacement so you start your new walking with even soles. Also there are some gadgets that help with the hygiene issues - long handled flexible reacher that you can put toilet tissue on to to help with that. I saw them on Amazon.com and also on several sites that sell disability aids and equipment.

I wish you the very best with your new hip

Hi rbb3uk, just wanted to say welcome to BS. I hope you manage to get everything sorted before your surgery. I was told that any orthotic requirements would be sorted out before I was discharged. Have you had your pre op tests yet? If not, it might be a good idea to make a list of your questions so you can be assured that everything's in place before you are admitted.

Good lck

Ann

Hi rbb3uk! I had many of your concerns pre op as well. I have no problems putting on shoes, socks, tying shoes, etc. I am constantly amazed how much mobility I have in my new hip with no pain at all. I only have one restriction from my OS to not put my right knee on my left shoulder; that's it. Everything else is up to me. Good luck!

Talk to your surgeon about the time line about doing things like tying shoe laces. I'm not supposed to do that now because I'm not supposed to cross my legs and I'm not supposed to bend more than 90 degrees at the hip--I can't tie shoe laces unless I can do one of these maneuvers. I use elastic shoe laces and wear sneakers that I can hook the dressing stick onto the tongue and just pull on. I never tie/untie them. After 6 weeks I'm free to go and do what I want.

Do you need to wear your boots even during the early recovery process? I have prescription orthotics too, but they fit inside my sneakers. If so, definitely discuss this with your surgeon.

Dorothy

Hi rrb3uk

Just to wish you all the best for your surgery you get yours done the day after me and hopefully that pain in the knee will have gone
See you on the recovery side Billy