Hip replacement and Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

Hi @LiamO_Dell,

I hope the reply I put together regarding a hip preplacement for @MIL has been received okay.

Let me know if I need to re-post it.

Thanks.

Hi @LiamO_Dell,

I have gremlins at this end.  I had written quite a lengthy reply and a message appeared saying it would be published after a moderator had reviewed the post.

I will trying again using a different PC.

Thanks.

Hi @MIL,

From my own investigations, I know that hip replacements can be very effective in helping with pain from osteoarthritis.

Depending on your age and your general level of health and fitness, you will probably be offered either surgery under a general anaesthetic or an epidural (with sedation).

You might find the following information helpful: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hip-replacement/Pages/How-it-is-performed.aspx

Although it can all seem a little bit daunting, talk it through with your GP/Consultant and they will be happy to advise you.

There will be some pain and discomfort after the operation, but you will be offered medication to help with this.  Physiotherapists will also work alongside other  therapists to get you moving and back home as soon as possible.

You may also be offered an Enhanced Recovery Programme (if this is suitable for you): http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/enhanced-recovery/Pages/Introduction.aspx

When you get home, your normal movements will be restricted for between 6 and 12 weeks - you will have pain medication to help.  You will need help to begin with and short-term care will be arranged if there is no-one at home who can help you.  You will also be provided with some equipment to help (if you don't already have what you need at home).

The important things are: Speak to Health Care Professionals (GP, Consultant, Nurses, Physiotherapists etc.) to understand what will happen to you, before, during and after surgery.  Take pain medication.  Follow the advice of your physiotherapist and don't overdo things.

If you can arrange to sleep downstairs when you get home, with access to toilet and washing facilities, this will be a huge help until you can manage any steps/stairs safely.

DLA - you should inform the DWP if you are going into hospital for more than 4 weeks, this would be very unusual for a hip surgery - patients normally stay in hospital for between 4 and 10 days.

If your operation (hopefully) improves your pain and your mobility, this might affect the level of benefit you are entitled to under DLA or PIP - but it will be awhile before you will know what your long-term outcome will be. 

I hope this helps, good luck!

Hi @MIL,

Glad to hear that the advice has helped. Hip replacements are often very successful at relieving the pain of arthritis and it's great to see people regain their mobility (and freedom). 

The more prepared you are, the better - as it can really help with your recovery.

It might sound silly, but my husband would bring some of my favourite food into the hospital for me - and that used to make me feel better.

Plastic carrier bags are also fabulous things to sit on when you are going to need to turn yourself (e.g. to get out of a car seat, or a bed).  They help you glide.

Good luck with everything.

@CockneyRebel which bags worked best?  I stood up a few times with one stuck to me.  I think the really thin ones (Sainsburys) are not so good for this job.