…to be terrified of surgery

[Hiphipnothurray]

I’m currently in the NHS system for a hip replacement due to osteoarthritis, and I’m so scared of the whole thing - pre-op, anaesthesia, the operation itself and the pain afterwards. I’ve never stayed in hospital before or had an operation.

I’m in my early 50s so quite young for the op and have been self managing the arthritis with exercise and otc pain meds for the past few years.

It’s got considerably worse and I now have limited flexibility and it gets very tiring and sore when walking.
My sleep has also become more disturbed in the past year.

BUT I’m not suffering unbearable pain, and I guess I’m worried about it being worse afterwards.

Can anyone offer me reassurance that it’ll be worth it? I need to know what to expect after the op - pain, recovery, the works. It’s the unknown I’m so frightened of. Any words/advice, even gruesome, welcome. TIA

I’ve never had a hip replacement but I’ve had other operations - some of them major ops . The staff have always been lovely and the surgeon should explain your procedure. Pain relief is good - you just have to make sure to ask for more if you need it. I expect there will be pain after the op and during the healing process but nothing you can’t handle.

Hospitals have changed - they’re much more patient focussed - although the staff are busy but will do their best for you.

I hope your op goes well - just look forward to being free from pain - that alone is worth a bit of discomfort. Good luck. 💐

Stealth boast about getting to the top of an NHS waiting list.......... ;)

😂😂😂 I wish (actually I don’t think I do 😉)! I’m at the start of the process, so at least 18mths-2years. It’s taken me this long to pluck up the courage to start the ball re-rolling. On the verge of cancelling most days..

You will be fine. don't worry. One step at a time.

Thank you for your kind words. I’m right at the start of the process so a while to go yet, but still terrified.

With not having any ops before I just don’t know what to expect..x

you will be so pleased when you have had it done - from the first step on the walker a few hours after the operation - no pain. personally i had no pain after the operation - pain relief is fine - it is just discomfort and getting comfortable in bed - you need to move your position every few hours - scar is slightly sore and pulls but nothing . used to get up in the night move into chair and read and then move back into bed for a few hours. home after a few days sitting in the garden and walking with crutches. 3 weeks later walking on my own. need the other one done and have no worries or fears

Theatre nurse here... You'll be fine but please opt for the spinal anaesthetic. Usually done as standard (unless you decline) This will be alongside either general anaesthetic or sedation. Either is fine. Sedation will likely be heavy enough for you to snooze your way through the whole thing with little cares. Obviously no pain as the spinal anaesthetic will be doing it's thing. For a couple of hours post op normally.
Recovery room bit is nearly always lovely and chilled. There will be post op pain, of course. You will be given regular pain analgesia. Accept it gladly. Don't be a hero. We do literally thousands of these a year. Hips recover well for the majority of people.

I've had 14 major surgeries, a couple of which were for significant reconstruction of my right arm and shoulder. Surgery is a breeze and you will be perfectly safe and well looked after. You will fall asleep and then wake up without even realising any time has gone by.

I haven't had my hips replaced, but I know many people who have, several significantly younger than you are, and they all have done brilliantly. My neighbour had his done this past March and he is feeling wonderful and is doing anything he wants to. Your medical team will have you up and walking very, very soon after the operation, which is important. You're going to have pain, but you'll be fine. You'll handle it.

I've never had hip surgery but had foot surgery last year - involved some sawing through bone and joint repaired with surgical screws. Had the option of general anaesthetic or local combined with heavy sedation. Went for the latter and it was absolutely fine. Felt very relaxed. Pain was well managed afterwards, had a few days on strong meds and feeling quite sleepy and then gradually shifting onto paracetamol. It honestly was much less a big deal than I'd built up in my head.

The difference in my mobility and comfort levels since then has been a game-changer. Was definitely worth it. Life is too short to spend in chronic pain. Wishing you well, OP