Winter Hip Surgery Gals: preparation & recovery

[hotchickie]

So, I thought I'd create a thread for us gals preparing for surgery in the next month or two for preparation and recovery notes. It might be helpful....it might not. I was thinking that perhaps we could do short daily updates, especially post-op, on here. Or on your own thread if you prefer. Either way, post away!

[Janet]

OK, I'll post something to help get this going!

6 weeks on Friday for me - and I CANNOT wait!! I'm not scared of having a THR now - having horrendous pain the other night convinced me 100%.

Yippee to a new hip for the New Year!

[hotchickie]

LOL Thanks!

7 weeks on Thursday for me. I am currently waiting for pre-authorization from my insurance company (which could turn sour) and, once authorization has been granted (please cross your fingers they approve it) I'll start booking flights, hotels, cars, etc. This whole hip deal is getting very expensive for me and my parents (thank the Lord they're helping out since I am in debt up the wazoo from school).

[Janet]

Keeping everything crossed for you HC. When I hear of people in the US, Canada, etc. having to battle through insurance, and expenses to have surgery, it makes me so grateful to be in the UK. Yes, the NHS is not without it's problems, but we don't have the same worries about insurance.

Let us know when you have confirmation HC.

[SirenMoonBee]

Well it's 20 days and counting for me!! Eek! How fast is that coming? Well like you I've had the last few nights and days from hell which has firmly put in my mind that I can't wait and it's worth doing. Even upping my ******** and paracetamol doses hasn't helped, so topped up with rest and hot water bottles.

Pre-Op day today and thankfully we got there nice and early, seemed keen lol Couldn't do a water sample to save my life so they gave me three glasses of water so they could get one from me! Ironically i'm always weeing at home every 5 mins lol Got weighed (ouch gained a fair bit ( ) did my ECG and height and dreaded Blood test. I don't normally bother at Blood tests but this one Nurse does them so painfully, this time the belt thing was so tight and she pressed so hard on the needle, i could feel it at the otherside of the vein! Proper hurt me.

Tried to go Christmas Shopping but it was Birmingham and super busy, so instead we bought bits and pieces for a charity christmas box, it's a shoe box that you fill with brand new toys, gloves, sweets, books, school stuff etc... for Children that have nothing, sometimes no family. Olivia decided she would have less Christmas presents this year so she could donate this instead. It means the world to her so of course we agreed and had to join in. What a lovely thing to request at 11yrs old xx

Well guys, Hoping to buy new sleepwear for Hospital tomorrow, so keep you updated. We should post up an essential packing list as i always forget lol

Good luck guys xx

[Janet]

Debbie, I can't believe it's only 20 days for you! That's great though - and even if you don't get all the Christmas preparations finished, I'm sure your family will help you. You have to make yourself a priority!

Hope you find some suitable nighties- - the only place I find is M&S.

[SirenMoonBee]

I got some fab pj's and a dressing gown from Primark, not the best shop ever but cheap and cheerful and perfect for hospital. I've found now that since i've been out for the last 2 days buying and preparing the house, that i've become more mentally prepared as well. Which is how i felt last time, so it's going to put me in good stead. The house is having a major clean (bribed kids, actually no i threatened them with me coming in with binbags to throw away all their stuff) so we are ready to put the tree up the weekend before surgery. Getting excited for Christmas Yay!

I managed to get loads of presents so now i feel like i can totally relax and concentrate on visiting family quickly, and focus on the recovery ahead. Counting down the days..... Must remember to take my nail varnish off my toes too. Gosh it's the little things you forget isn't it?

[hotchickie]

Sounds like we are making some progress here. Everybody is getting ready! yay!

I got a letter in the mail today from my insurance company granting authorization for the surgery. Which means they are going to cover the entire thing (minus my copay/deductible which will be a couple thousand). I am so incredibly thrilled I can't stop smiling!!!!! I even did a happy dance/hop (on my good leg that is) when I came home from the office today. I feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulders and that this was the final huge hurdle to get over. Now onto the logistics of finding a place to stay, etc. Woot, Woot!

[Janet]

Fantastic news HC! That must be a huge relief, and now you can book your accommodation and travel.

I'm off to get some new comfy knickers this afternoon, for post-op!

[oscarsmum]

Surgery is coming around so quickly for you all.

HC, so glad you have got the insurance authorization, I know you were worried about that, and hope you soon get the accomodation sorted too.

Janet, hope you have found some nice comfy knickers

Debbie, glad you have got on top of your xmas shopping and getting organised for hospital too. It will be here before you know it. I was reading your twitter the otherday, was it O'Hara who told you you will need to be on crutches for 6 months? Thats seems an awful long time!