Dear
@Suedeboot ,
Anxiety at this stage is normal. Most of us experience anxiety as we face surgery -- ANY surgery, let alone a joint replacement.
At age 56, my life had also come to a standstill. When age 57, I had both knees replaced; 4 months apart. That first knee . . . that was the first time I had been a hospital patient since I was BORN! Anxiety was through the roof! Somehow I got in to the hospital the day of that first surgery; my nurse immediately recognized I was ready to get up and go home at any minute, and got me a relaxant. If you feel you will need one, plan to ask on the day of your surgery.
1 year after the 2d knee, I had my first hip replaced. 4 years later, 2d hip.
Most importantly, keep your eye on the prize: today, I walk 4 miles - 1 hour 12 minutes - at least 5 days per week! I have lost weight, and I feel better than I have in year. I am PAIN FREE. Yes, it takes time to recover from these surgeries. But the benefit - OH MY!!
I had general anesthesia all 4 times, so I can't comment re spinal. (Just wanted to say this so you don't think I ignored that concern.)
As I live alone and have minimal support network, I stayed in hospital 2 nights and then went to inpatient rehab for a week to 10 days, each time. My surgeon arranged for this preop. For me, this was the best way. I had to arrange for pet sitter for my cats and dogs, and I did continue having someone come in daily to bend and scoop cat litter boxes until I got the OK to do that myself. Kind of nice knowing SOMEONE was going to be in daily, when I first got home. For the hips, I had anterior approach. My surgeon said, "you can bend and tend the litter boxes the day after surgery, I don't care, with anterior approach. You may not FEEL like doing it, but there is nothing to prevent you bending." I had specifically sought out a surgeon who did anterior, so I would not have to pay to keep the pet sitter on for too long.
Ask questions on here, gathering info helps to reduce anxiety. You can do this!