Depression/post-op blues - open for all

[lalaura]

Hi everyone
Im new here
I just posted my story, i have arthritis and 2 hip replace.
Now passing through the emotional rollercoaster of feelings, depression anxiety time...

 

[ddj]

It is good to recognize the roller coaster is common to almost everyone. The replacement of both hips and my newest knee surgery have all brought ups and downs (mostly downs). Expecting it, my last two surgeries, I planned a way to, even for a short time, to get off the rollercoaster each day.
Choose something that simply "makes you feel good" during other times and carve out time each day (even five minutes is a good place to start)
For me listening to music on my headphones when I needed to rest and could not stop thinking, helped focus away from the other stuff going on in my head.
For me coloring also helped, which is very strange in that a (almost) totally non-productive activity is not something I was comfortable doing. Although I did get a bit of productivity out of the colored pages.... wrote notes to my friends, kids and grandkids and sent the pages to them! Bit odd to see pictures you've colored on someone else's refrigerator!
Relaxing and "not worrying about things" is not a skill I have naturally. It takes little steps to create and refine that skill. Hang in there, it does get better.

 

[Smad]

I too am glad I found this forum and know I'm not alone. I may suggest to the "Joint Nurse Coordinator" that they add counseling to their post op therapy. Only if they see signs, and my signs should have set off bells and red lights. I had an especially hard time, and people handle depression so differently. That should be on their checklist for each visit, and upon discharge in case they feel you need follow up counseling. Mental health problems are so often ignored.

I too am so pleased to read people’s accounts. You have expressed exactly what I’ve been thinking regarding after care and being given the information about those days when anxiety and depression set in. Until I joined the forum recently I was beginning to believe that tha state of anxiety was peculiar only to me . I am now becoming reassured and hope that my unexpected troubled mind will revert to a state of calm . Thank you .

 

[Murin]

It sounds like you've had a particularly bad time. I remember being 'told off' some years ago for not being able to get on the bedpan in hospital and I fell to pieces. When you are in such a vulnerable state, everything is a big deal. All you want is kindness and understanding. I asked a nurse last week to hold my hand in the anaesthetic room and I've been having surgeries for 43 out of my 50 years. I know that feeling of just wanting to bury yourself under the covers and it is like a vicious circle that then affects your physical pain and motivation. Please be kind to yourself and know that if you need a listening ear, I am more than happy to help you id I can. Perhaps we can help each other. I agree nobody should suffer in silence and there is a distinct lack of emotional support in the UK too. Hopefully this forum is a start. Take care of yourself. Best wishes Amanda.

Hi there! I had a left THR posterior in the beginning of February in hospital in Southampton. It was as a result of a fall in a dangerously maintained swimming pool changing room - i am doing a personal Liability claim. The reason I am replying to your message is your comment about the lack of emotional support in the UK. I have very up and down days even though i have practical help from my estranged husband and autistic 23 year old son. I have had NO support at all from the hospital - even the OT have only just noticed me and are not coming round for another 3 to 5 weeks. Had one badly written sheet with instructions and pictures from the hospital which a friend of mine pointed out was the same one he had 20 years ago. When I rang the GP for counselling they referred me to steps to well being which will not help autistic people like me. Like you I hope this forum is a start to feeling less lost. Sorry about rambling on.. All the best from Caroline

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Murin
to the forum!

I had a left THR posterior in the beginning of February in hospital in Southampton.

I'm sorry you had an accident and it resulted in a total hip replacement.
I CAN tell you that One month out was when the post-op blues descended on me. This is a big surgery but you can recover and get back to an active happy life.

We have some great recovery articles to share with you and if you could please let us know the exact date of your left THR, we can add it to your signature.

You can find alot of great advice and support here, so please consider starting a recovery thread.
Here's the link that gives you the instructions you need to do this: Starting a thread and posting
If you need help with this, let us know and we will start one for you.