Date for PAO surgery

[Spam1]

Hey Janet,

thats fantastic!! So excited for you - that is going to sound so very wrong to anyone who doesnt have hip problems.

Nighties - take a few, I was put in one the day after my PAO, and kept having to reuse it as I only took 2 in. So I will take at least 3 or 4 this time. M and S do some nice (not old ladies) ones for arund 10 pounds. I also got a couple from primark for a couple of pounds each, whch were perfect. I used slippers lots, but they have to have backs, so I got the ones that are like boots. I wore trackie bottoms and a t shirt on day 6 and 7.

I would prepare for 7-10 days in hospital. I was discharged at 7 only because the hospital closed for xmas, but I hadnt even progressed onto crutches by then (complicated by anaemia and fainting when standing). So I am preparing for more this time.

You will probably be in HDU for the first night or so, I was in there for 2 nights following the PAO, but I had surgery in the afternoon that lasted 6 hours and only came back to hdu at 10pm... its not routine in the NHS hospitals to go into HDU, but because its single rooms in the duchy, they may want you to be in HDU for a little while. Just to warn you, as when I was admitted in the morning into HDU I freaked, as it suddenly hit home how major the surgery was. It may be different now that they have had a few PAO patients, as I was their first, and Mr F's first ever reverse PAO.

You must stop taking the pill. Don't worry about being on your period, as Kate says take supplies. You will be washed by the nurses on the first day and perhaps second if the epidural is still running. there after you either use a bowl at the bed or go to the bathroom when you can walk a bit. Its all private, so you really dont have to worry, and the nurses are lovely so will help you all they can. We had a girl on her period while i was in paeds and they just popped a towel inbetween her legs throughout the surgery and changed it after. Noone batted an eyelid.

I would guess the reason they are admitting you the night before is that they need to do bloods etc that have to be recent (cross matching) and if your first on the list, then there wont be time before u go down to get them done.

any other questions just ask
xx

[oscarsmum]

I got half my nighties from primark. They were just the right length and so cheap I could throw them away if they got spoilt (which actually none of them did), just avoid the cute kiddy like ones,lol.
Kate x

[SirenMoonBee]

Talking of periods, thats just one stress i could really do without as mine are so heavy and painful, does this mean my plan of asking the gp for the tablets she gives me to stop them will not be possible? I normally take them 3 per day and start them 3 days before your due on. I was hoping to avoid all this mess and pain on top of surgery.

[Rayray]

How are you doing Janet?

[dreamwalker]

Hi - I'm going to hijack your thread a moment since it seems a lot of you PAO folks are on this one. Anyone have or plan to have a PAO for mild dysplasia? According to my xray reports, 1/3 of my right femur head is uncovered.

[Janet]

Hi all

My parents have been staying with me this weekend, so I've not been able to catch up until now.

I'm fine thanks Rayray - well, not really, but that's what you say, isn't it? I just feel so tired all of the time, which I'm assuming is because of the pain and difficulty in doing simple things, and then I get a bit grumpy. I could have done without having to play 'host' this weekend, but I don't get to see my parents too often. I'm still at work, although I've had a couple of days off sick, and I'm taking every Thursday off as annual leave, as we're well-staffed on Thursdays.

Thanks for the advice re. nighties and periods (sorry any males who are reading this!!). It's very reassuring to know that it's no big deal if you do come on, but still, I'd be a lot more comfortable if I didn't. Debbie - I'd be interested to know if you can take the tablets to stop you from having a period. Let me know when you find out. I've already bought one nightie from M&S, so I'll get a few more, and I'll have a look at Boden too - their clothes are lovely.

Thanks Sam for the info. about how long to expect to stay in. I'm also assuming that I have to go in the night before as I'm first on the list (hope so!), although at Torbay, I was first then, but only went in on the day. Rayray, I thought you were very brave to go knowing that your hubby wouldn't be able to visit you everyday, so I'll think of you and how you managed it when I'm on my own as well. It just makes a lot more sense for my hubby to have time off work when I'm actually back at home.

I've got my pre-assessment on Friday 16th October, and it's now less than 4 weeks to surgery day. I'm more nervous this time, for some reason, but I know there is no alternative. In answer to your question Dreamwalker, my dysplasia is pretty severe I think (don't know exact measurements), but my hip is badly subluxed now anyway. I think you have to look at your symptoms in correlation to the X-ray findings. Are you in discussions with your OS about a PAO?

Take care all
Janet x

[SirenMoonBee]

As soon as i find out, i'll let you know sweetie. I've got a few nighties, new slippers and nice fluffy dressing gown and long socks. I've got the grabber and crutches thanks to Kate, not sure what else is needed, but not long now, i'm 11 days after you!! xx

[SirenMoonBee]

Have googled it, and it's not looking good, maybe Sam could help us out?? Norethisterone Utovlan, used to delay periods but may cause an increase of DVT. So probably wont be advised to use it prior to surgery. Gutted, that was one headache worry i didn't need to keep! x

Dreamwalker, not sure aout how mild or severe dyplasia is on myself. But pain, indicated the surgery for me, and watching people lead the life i want for myself with me on the sidelines never ever joining in. That latter bit has been soul destroying when it's joining in with your children. This decided the course of action for me, i'm desperate to be part of life again, not watching it pass me by xx

[Rayray]

Debbie,

One little idea I have is the implant which goes in your arm. I had one put in at the end of June and it has worked a miracle after years of being incapacitated for four days every month. Things changed for me within two weeks. You can have a slight bleed every day and of course these things are unpredictable so it could be heavier. I was getting fed up with the slight bleed I had for the first few months but it is so minor and I get no pain and no heavy periods. In the last month it has settled to a point of no longer worrying about it. Possibly a bit late for you but have a think about it - I made an appointment and they were happy to put it in there and then. It is perfectly safe for all surgeries - they told me this at the clinic and I double checked at The Duchy. I wish I had known about it a few years ago. If it is not okay you can ask for it to be removed and the affects reverse straight away.

Janet,

I am sure that the tiredness is caused by the pain. Your body goes into overdrive trying to manage and you are taking drugs which also make you tired. This will be compounded if you are struggling to sleep. I know I was really struggling when I was down to 3 or 4 hours a night. It took me a few months after the surgery to catch up and I still have phases where I struggle. I was going down with a really minor cold a couple of weeks ago when we went to London although I didn't realise. I felt dreadful for about ten days. I feel loads better on that front now as my pain is not as constant now as it was pre surgery. You will feel so much better when you have had surgery and recovery time.

It is inevitable that you feel nervous before such major surgery but we all have our fingers crossed for you and will be thinking about you. I think that you will find the time in The Duchy absolutely fine. The nurses and physios can't do enough for you, they won't allow you to suffer in any way and I expect you will be asleep afterwards for much of the time. After months of being so tense in the lead up to surgery I completely relaxed while I was there as it was 'done'.

It is difficult when people come to stay, however close you are, and everything is a struggle at the best of times. I found that although people offer to help you end up doing stuff because you know where everything is and also want to be the host and not be rude!

Take care Janet, thinking about you lots at the moment.

[Janet]

Thanks Rayray and Debbie for your words of wisdom. On the periods front, I think I'll just try not to worry about it, and I am very lucky in that I have light periods anyway. I do feel sorry for you both as you have to cope with the pain and inconvienience of heavy periods. It's just that mine are very irregular and being on the pill is fantastic for that, but I have stopped it, so we'll see what happens. That's great information about the implant though Rayray - are you going to look into it Debbie?

I know exactly what you mean when you're hosting guests Rayray. Mum kept on asking if she could help, and every single time, I told her to sit down and I'd get her a cup of tea etc. It is just easier in a way, and it doesn't feel right to have someone else do these things. My husband has been earning lots of brownie points though. I'll really miss him in hospital, but you have been very reassuring that the staff at the Duchy are so lovely. I still have a very small worry about having major surgery in a private hospital (I didn't watch the 'Panaroma' programme on TV recently so as not to scare myself!), but I'm otherwise fit and healthy, and you and Sam have had surgery there without any problems. And I think that the benefits will far outweigh the risks, especially with having to stay in for a few days.

Thanks girls for your support - it really does mean a lot, and to know that you're only 11 days after me Debbie. Then it's Sam's turn after that. We'll be on here all the time!!

Thinking of you both too
Janet x