I'm scared ....

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bunnymobile

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Three doctors have concurred that I need THP - after several months of denial, I am finally in enough pain to seriously consider going ahead with the surgery. I am a complete wimp when it comes to hospitals, etc. - (little sister is a surgical nurse/don't know how we came out of the same litter of puppies)......on top of that general phobia, I have researched THP on the internet & found far more detailed information about the procedure than I need to know.......the part about the power saw and power drill, which the doctors confirm to be true, is just about the scariest thing I could imagine - yet, I don't see how I can go on like this, now that the pain has intensified and become almost chronic - I want to be brave and do what it takes to feel good again.
 
Re: I'm preparing for THR and scared...

Don't be scared for too long, just get it over with, you will be glad you did, as are most of us who went through it. I marvel each day at my pain free mobility, something which had eluded me for decades. I delayed my hip replacement option for many years, but now, having had both of them replaced in 2006, first the left and 4 months later the right, I have been pain free ever since. Certainly the first week post op is tough, but even the post surgical discomfort diminishes with time. I too was more fearful before my second hip replacement since I knew what to expect. Although I had done some research prior to both surgeries, those computer generated X-rays of my hip implants during post op check ups made me feel rather queezy. You can do it. All the best, let us know of your progress.
 
bunnymobile, I moved your post into its own thread as you added it to a very old thread. I think you will be more likely to get feedback this way.

And well said, Annemarie. No truer words ...

I have often said, if I had a £1 for every patient who's said to me that they feel a wimp for being scared, I would be a very rich woman! It is very natural to be scared of the unknown, of having to put yourself into the hands of total strangers. but look at it this way - a person would be very odd to face such a thing with pleasure, don't you think? In other words - it's totally normal!

Perhaps if you told us some of the particular things that you fear, I can explain them and help you fear them less.
 
When ever I hear of chronic pain I wonder if it does not all start in our crown, (it is all in the head) at least that is the distinct feeling that remained after my own experience. Born in Berlin in 1940 and raised during most horrendeous times and utter frugality I left the single room with it's left side only sleeping arrangements of a shared divan at 19 to become an Au Pair in anti German London. Self distructive thoughts had filled my mind since long before my first attempt at self obliteration at age ten. Along with all its negative experiences my life became "a pain in the butt". After decades of just such thinking and of not wanting to go on anymore I litterally could not put one foot in front of the other 45 years later as hip and butt pains had turned chronic. The pain had became so acute that I had endless chest pain and heart ache with every move only to be diagnosed with Angina Pectoris (heart pain). However, along with my "fixed" hips vanished the pain in my heart. I have not taken a single iota of medication since I left the hospital after my second op. I feel reborn, changed in body and mind for I have found during my darkest hours that in my every word and thought and in the echo of my evary silent inner voice dwells the clue to the numbers of the universe, containing within these magic digits not only the the measure to every note/tone we utter but along with it the mastery of mankind. If only we would realise it. I am now determined to make the most of my time and feel well until the end.
 
I am a complete wimp when it comes to hospitals, etc.


Bunnymobile,
I, too, am scared. I finally set up a date for surgery on my left hip yesterday and have mentally backed out of it at least five times today! I am not in constant pain and the pain that I do have is more moderate than severe; however, I'm quite limited in what I can do and continue to put on extra pounds. At 46 I feel more like 86 (although my 81-year-old mother is much more mobile!!). My friends and spouse think I need to get this over with to get on with my life.

With me it's not as much the surgery that frightens me, although it probably should, it's the rehab. I'm a wimp when it comes to pain and I don't tolerate pain meds. In addition, I wonder when I'll be able to care for myself, as my husband has no time off work and my sister can only stay for a few days after the surgery. It's all frightening and overwhelming.

I'm mentally trying to hold your hand...
 
And I am holding both your hands!!
 
And I am holding both your hands!!

Thanks SO much, Josephine! I REALLY appreciate your experience and willingness to lend any support you can. It does make a huge difference to know there are people out there who understand.

I was thinking last night about the gentleman in Russia who says that the healthcare system here in the US has driven him to Russia to seek more personalized care. I think that may be some of the reason forums like these are so important. I believe I've chosen a preeminent surgeon, but he doesn't really spend much time with me, although he did ask if I had any questions. I will see more of his support staff than I'll ever see or hear from him. It makes it feel kind of risky, but I guess it is what it is.

Thanks again!!
 
Hello bunnymobile. Try to find a surgeon who is already into doing shorter incisions and not the customary 9 inch ones some of us seem be be getting. The post op pain is not as bad as those pre op pains. I was actually relieved to awaken after the op and the main source of pain had already vanished. Those few minutes of post op Physio on the second day are a bit tough but if you can get a few half hour sessions of pool excersise once out of hospital you may find them very helpful. I was lucky to get four half hour sessions after my second hip op and found that mobility improved faster. If only one hip is hurting now do not dealy treatment for too long as this can easily effect your still healthy hip as well as foot and arch etc. Best Wishes for a pain free Christmas. Annemarie.
 
I really appreciate all the feedback - it is very reassuring as I have finally scheduled a surgery date. Now I am just aniticipating feeling good again, adn grateful that - not only is my diagnosis not life-threating, but there is a prognosis that will help restore pain-free MOBILITY, which I will never ever take for granted again. I met with my doctore and feel very fortunate in having finally found on who comes across as being extremely qualified and confident. He was very reassuring and put my mind at ease about several concerns, dignifying each question. He did not discount my extreme dread of this srgery. There was a time when I thought I could put it off indefinitely, if not avoid it altogether - was so sure that the copper bracelet was the miracle. But, just as "they" all said it would teh pain has become more excrutiating than I had ever imagined or think I can stand to live with. It is now clear to me thatTHR is the only option for regaining the quality of life it has compromised slowly, but now completely. Will keep you posted.
P.S. - any input on what to predict a week later? Is is possible that I may be up for a 2 hour drive after 8 days?
 
will I need a different vehicle?

does anyone have any thoughts on whether or not there should be any problem, post-op, getting in & out of my 2-seater sports car/low to the ground.......I'm hoping not, as it's not in my budget to buy anything different right now - pretty sure a small SUV would be much more sensible, but not anxious to pursue that idea
 
Not after the necessary limitations period. I believe most surgeons place an embargo on activities that will risk dislocation like getting out of a bath and sitting in low chairs so I would guess that would include getting in and out of a sports car. However, once that crucial period is over - 2-3 months I think - then you can return to life as usual.
 
Ahem bunnymobile, I don't think that a low flung sports car will offer the ideal sitting arrangement after a total hip replacement operation. Anything lower then those hospital beds may be rather uncomfortable for you for a while. At least that is how I felt. Besides, as far as I remember one is not supposed to be driving until at least 6 weeks after the op. so, find a hunk to drive you about. Tata for now, good luck.
 
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