high potty chair? still clamoring for new info

[cutter]

Hey, I'm new to this forum. I really appreciate all the info. With every answer, I seem to have a new question...sorry
My surgery date is June 3rd, right hip.
I'm a hairdresser, and one thing I hear, all day long, is "You'll be so glad, you'll wish you'd done it sooner!"
Then I came to this forum, and my goodness, all the info has overwhelmed me, frightened me, encouraged me. Every other day, I tell my husband I'm backing out. ha ha
Last night, a friend was telling me about a toilet extender. I have problem bowels. (sorry to be so graphic), but after my hystercetomy I was 4 weeks with an impacted bowel problem. I took everything to help. I guess all the pain killers like vicatin causes problems for me.
I'm clamoring for info. I want to be prepared for everything I can.
I guess in the end, God is going to humble me, and I will be struggling like everyone else.
I'll keep reading these posts.
Something I did read that was encouraging to me. The lady said, there are 1000's of THR patients that don't post here...just go about their lives, healing and thriving....it seems only worried people, and people with problems, seem to find this site....looking for answers. I guess that's me!
God Bless all those continuing to recover
and looking for answers, cutter

 

[Jamie]

Cutter, I don't agree with that statement that only people who have problems or are worried are on this site (or any other one, for that matter). A good number of us seek information both before and after surgery so that we are better informed. I consider this a positive thing to do. You are in that group, so don't let anyone make you feel that asking questions is something you should be ashamed of! It just means you are smart enough to want to be well informed so that you can make good decisions regarding your health and recovery after surgery. If your hip is impacting your life like you have said in other threads, I'm betting you will be in that category that says - this is the BEST thing I've ever done! Good luck and hang in there when you have doubts. Any surgery is scary and it's tougher when the decision to have it or not is ALL yours.

 

[cutter]

Thanks Jamie.
I've appreciated any and all info. This forum is a blessing. It's helped me to understand my situation, and knowledge is power.
Maybe I didn't phrase that statement right. The lady was talking positively about how surgery goes well...problem solved...patients thriving. Maybe not needing to post, coz they are so busy out living their lives and moving forward with a good future.
I don't want to misquote her. I have found a lot of solace from the people posting on this site. A lot of questions answered. I think there are people that go, and do, and deal....then there are people like me, that want lots of information first. Maybe it's the beautician/therapist in me (ha ha) ...I tend to over-analyze everything.
Thank you for your time and reply. Be well.

 

[Jamie]

Oh, well then....I agree with what the person said. I do think some folks just don't feel the need to know everything about what goes on in their lives. And there are others that just don't see any value in a forum like this. Guess we're all different and that's what makes the world interesting. But at least you know where to come if you DO want to talk to people or learn about this type of surgery. I am so thankful for this website for that reason.

 

[Josephine]

Yes - that was me, cutter!

What I was also saying is that forums like this are self-selecting and not representative of the joint replacement population at large. And I actually said it last summer sometime when this forum was VERY small and most were, indeed, in trouble of one kind or another. This is no longer the case. Membership has doubled since then and we have an equal proportion of people with good outcomes as those with problems which is good.

If there are any specific questions your would like answered then fire away. I'm reputedly the resident 'expert'!

 

[JenniferG]

josephine, those of us who are the good outcomes are that way for many reasons, but a great contributor to that is you and this forum and all the good info that is diseminated (SP?) through it and you. Many a problem is avoided by knowledge gained here,which in turn contributes to good outcomes. Thank you for sharing your expertise and heart. (PS. If I had one of those huggy guys I'd insert him here.)

 

[cutter]

Josephine,
Thank you for the advice. I have read many of your posts, and I know you are the "house expert" for sure.
I asked my daughter to come in and read a bit of these Q & A's, and give me her opinion. She said she thought I was physically ready for this operation, but not there mentally. I guess I've known that all along. It's easy when a doctor tells you there is no choice but surgery. It's harder for me, because my doctor won't say that to me. In fact he keeps saying wait as long as you can. He told me that 2 yrs ago, and I waited. My back is suffering, I think because of my bad limp. I can't work like I want. My hip locks up on me, and some days I can't lift my leg. Walking the Walmart lands me in a sea of pain meds the following day. I'm married seven yrs to a great guy, who is very patient with our dwindling sex life....and the doctor says wait longer. He says he has patients who lie in bed, needing to go to the bathroom, but wet themselves rather than get up, because of the pain. I think that's what has stalled my mind-set. Do I wait till I'm that bad? Are others here worse than me? The exrays say my hip (ball) is flat, ground down, bone on bone. After searching, I supposedly have the best surgeon in my area. Meticulous, almost anal in his expertise. I have always depended on my faith, my daughter says, mom...pray more about it. I say...This ain't brain surgery, I'm very blessed...and way too whiny! Again, I appreciate your imput. I think I'll get my answers, in God's time and not mine.

 

[JenniferG]

Sorry, me again from the knee side. Just read your last post cutter and had to say something. Why would anyone want to get to the point if such pain they were willing to wet themself? The line of needing medical intervention (surgery) would come way before the abilty to get myself to the bathroom was in jeopardy. Pain was the tool God used to get me going and willing to do something as major as surgery and when the time came part of the decision was what highly qualified doctor could get me done the quickest.

 

[cutter]

You're right Jennifer. I think my doctor is sensing my apprehension, and leaning on the cautious side because of it.
I woke to a new attitude this morning. God be praised!
I started remembering my other surgeries, and how I was fine, and even with some complications, God gave me the strength to bear it. It's funny how, in my case, my remembrance of my pain and anxiety has also become dulled.
I guess like childbirth...you forget all but the joy of it.
Anyway, I read it yesterday...probably was a "Josephine quote" (bless her heart), but she said, just say to yourself, "I'm excited to get my hip done".
That's what I'm gonna do, positive affirmations, and let God handle the rest.

 

[Jamie]

Cutter.....GOOD FOR YOU!!!! We'll be here for support if you need it!

 

[keeper]

Hi Cutter and Josephine...I too am new here (first post) and not even sure if this message will get posted or sent to you directly...Anyway, Cutter, you're situation so parallels mine that I wanted to* respond.* I am a 66yo male in Hawaii and scheduled for THR (right) on May 27and have put off this procedure for over 5 yrs.* But now that I have committed to going ahead with it, the search for information, answers, suggestions etc have brought me here.* Wonderful forum! and I enjoy and appreciate all the folks who've taken time to post here....sometimes I feel as if they were writing directly to me.I am rambling here (I think we both might be feeling a similar pre-op anxiety)...just wanted to say hi and if you like, perhaps we can go through this together via this forum.* and to Josephine...I will look foward to your wonderful support and encouragement as so many others before me have and do.* Many questions to follow.
Aloha, KK

 

[sunshine]

Hi Cutter,
I think your going through what I think I am going through. My hip will be done in May and I fell apart a few days ago with nerves. I have to say I have had to put this off due to insurance ect. But everyone said not to wait because the quality of life was so much better after surgery.
I don't have a boyfriend or a husband but I don't think I have even given sex a thought at this point in time. But I think that would push me faster to have it done.....Definitly wouldn't wait and wet the bed...that is really putting it off too long I think but it is sort of funny because there are nights that I don't want to get up for the pain....lol
I have had enough of the pain, the misery of not being able to help myself when I want to go or do something. It just bugs me sometimes more then others. And even though I am ready I still had my little OMG scared days and still may have more but I am staying excited as Josephine sugessted.

 

[cutter]

Dear Keeper and Sunshine,
Every other day I a have a different emotion. I have always felt knowledge is power, but alot of people have said, I'm reading too much. Ya know, I probably could put this off till I'm worse, but being 52, I mean, what's the difference if I waited till I was 54, or 55? I mean my doctor I think is wanting me to be positive about the surgery, which I am not. When I go in to the office, and they give me that sheet to fill out about my 1-10 pain level...I go, well right now, my pain is a 2, yesterday it was a 5, it's been a 9...I mean, Hello...the pain fluctuates as do my feelings for this surgery. I think I want a better quality of life than I have. I have a growing business, and somedays I can't give my best because of the pain. My grandbabies are saying, "I love you nana, even though you are falling apart" (they're 4 and 6). My range of motion is getting bad enough I can't put panty hose on or shave my legs. We go camping, and I can't tool around on my bike. The people at church are giving me that "look" as I limp to my pew. I mean....I guess my body is plenty ready, it's my mind that is not. I'm not so worried about the surgery as I am the complications afterward. Seems like there are so many people here that are glad they did it, but are struggling after 3 months even. That bothers me. I NEED to be back to work by 2 months, and that's stretching it! I think God is trying to keep me humble. The facts are only HE will get me ready for this, and only He will recover me in HIS TIME. Maybe we all better realize that. I wish you all the ABSOLUTE BEST! I will be here if any of you need me.

 

[Traceyleth]

Dear Cutter, just read your thread and i have to say you could of been describing my life. I am 35 years old i too can no longer put on my tights without help from my kids and shaving is a nightmare. I went to the hospital in January and I have sheduled my surgery for July 21st, this is because of the 6 week school break it will be easier to get help with the kids and i should be driving by the time they have to return to school. In January when i made the decision i really had, had enough my pain level was a 9 most days and i was severely restricted in my movement the surgeon was shocked that i wanted to wait 6 months but i felt i could not just have surgery, all my family live a long way from me they have their own own kids as do friends and i couldn't see how i could just drop everything. Of course now i have had weeks to organise myself and prepare which is good in some ways but bad in others, on top of that the last four weeks have been the best i have had in months, while i'm still restricted and have pain everyday i have been coping. Now i question whether i should put myself through this op if i can cope. I suppose the bottom line is its understandable to have doubts, and my surgeons theory is if i leave it longer its not going to kill me but do i really want to suffer when surgery could give me a far better quality of life. I to have been stressing after reading some of the threads that i will not be fully up and running by the time the kids go back to school. My husband gets very cross he says i have to let go and concentrate on getting myself better however long it takes and not to put myself under pressure to be doing things by a certain time. I know he is right, so i figure my arthritis has had a big impact on our family over the last 10 years its just a few months more disruption and hopefully my new lease of life will benefit everyone. You are not alone in your concerns, there are lots of us here on this site. I wish you well keep posting there is always someone who will be able to help and offer support.
Bye for now Tracey

 

[sunshine]

Cutter,
I am reading your post and your hesitation or reasons for waiting and I think I worry to about the outcome. Some people are doing great a few months out and some people aren't and age doesn't seem to be a factor for the most part.
But I have to tell you that at this point hips only get worse and that is a sure thing. Last year I was limping and (thinking) I was in pain. This year I am in a wheel chair and I KNOW I am in pain. Can't sit, can't stand long, can't walk, forget shaving my legs or painting my toe nails. My indurance for all this has come to a stop because I can't stand not being able to just get up and walk to do anything. Now I know that after surgery...I will definitly hurt from the surgery BUT....hopefully with some effort and pt and time I will be limping maybe but walking to where I want to go which is better then wheeling there now.
So you have to look at it in a positive way too that it has to be better then now. I mean yes we take risks but I worry more now about being a target for some jerk on the street thinking they can grab my purse or worse me...and I have a lot of living to do and I know you do to. I want to walk, take a bath put my shoes on even or out for dinner a show.
I think God plays a part here but I think our minds and being positive play an even bigger part. Of course being healthy has a lot to do with it too. I mean I gave up smoking two months ago for this event and I darn sure miss my ciggies!!! So God willing, things will be ok and I can start thinking about doing the other hip. (Did I say that?)
ok that is my vent for myself and you. My time is getting short so now you just have to listen to everyone else here that had it done and is smiling.
I hope I can tell you good stuff too. And I am a huge chicken!!!!LOL

 

[Ginny]

sunshine! Great post. Congratulations on quitting smoking, that FABULOUS!! I'm 3 months post-op and doing great. Stay positive, focus on what you can do verses what you can't and each day will get better. The first 3 weeks are challenging, but you will get through it. Remember...It too shall pass.

All the best!
~Ginny

35 yrold active female/THR left hip/Smith & Nephew metal on metal/ Dr. Moore @ UAB

 

[sunshine]

Ginny, Thank you. I feel like I did something great but on the side because of the surgery. It really has been so simple I am shocked.
Yes. I will stay focused and positive I hope I hope......Sandy

 

[Alsheehan]

My TLHR will be on June 23 and I'm so glad I found this site. I've ordered most of the items mentioned to make recovery easier. The Whizaway arrived recently and I think it will work well when I visit grandchildren after surgery. It's wonderful that people on the site are willing to discuss problems and the solutions. I feel well prepared for the surgery, and will continue to learn more through this site.

 

[JoanneC]

Cutter
I cannot tell you how glad I am that your feeling more positive! Noone should have to endure feeling so bad!

I told heard that old familiar ! Your too young ! People are worse than you! although its right to be cautious! I think you know your ready! Good luck with your surgery

 

[Josephine]

Seems like there are so many people here that are glad they did it, but are struggling after 3 months even. That bothers me. I NEED to be back to work by 2 months, and that's stretching it!

cutter, I would advise you that having such high expectations is a recipe for disappointment. Expecting less will mean you are encouraged when you get more. Unlike many other operations, there is no average recovery time for this procedure but you can be certain in the knowledge that this is a BIG op and a major assault on the body. Healing mops up heaps of energy and you will find that you don't have reserves for both for a quite some time. Having said that, of course it depends upon what kind of work you do. If it's an office job or similar, then you might just manage it but I wouldn't recommend it with any job that required you to be on your feet all day.

I think God is trying to keep me humble. The facts are only HE will get me ready for this, and only He will recover me in HIS TIME. Maybe we all better realize that.

NOW you're talking!