PAINKILLERS OR NOT?

Oh, dear. It's all very confusing, isn't it? I've been told I can have a hip replacement (well, go on the list for one) when I feel I need to but that state of affairs 'could be years away' according to my GP. However, my hip is a good bit worse now than it was 6 months ago so I can see a hip replacement on the horizon. Would others recommend that? I have heard a hip replacement can leave you feeling worse!

I had my hip replaced several years ago. If I need another, I would have no concern about having it done. Following the op, I was in pain for a couple of weeks but that reduced over about 4 weeks to a level that did not require pain relief. I was walking on crutches immediately and could walk quite a distance within a few weeks (mile or more). I was able to drive after 6 weeks. I would say it was 5/6 months before I was 90% fit and able to do everything I needed to do. After 10/12 months I had forgotten that I had a replaced hip. There are restrictions early on that you must observe to ensure it does not dislocate, but they are easy enough to follow, I give no thought to that at all now, and have more movement than the good hip.

Everything that Pompa said , I won't hesitate to have my second hip replaced when the pain gets too bad.. it really was such a relief to be free of that grinding constant pain instantly when my first hip was replaced.. I've not regretted if for one second.

Pleased I do not have any problems with my hips as I cannot take either Ibuprofen or Cocodamol. Both affect my breathing. I do have back pain much of the time, but I'll put up with that.

DH has had both his hips replaced and I was amazed how quickly he got over the ops. It's important to follow all the advice and do the excercises but if I ever have to have mine done I won't hesitate.

All painkillers carry their own problems and it is about balancing risks/side effects against the need to lead as normal and pain-free a life as possible.

I never take NSAIDs as I get stomach pain and heartburn; I used proton pump inhibitor to counteract this and finished up with lots of little polyps in my stomach. Opiates (codeine and its friends) make me woozy and constipated and, as others have said, can become addictive and require a period of adjustment if you stop them. Paracetamol is only effective with mild pain; and is very toxic indeed in overdose, but entirely safe if taken as instructed.

So - no problem free options to be had. It is a matter of making choices. It is also important to be clear about which painkillers can and cannot be taken in conjunction with each other. It is easy to make a mistake with this if you are taking drugs from the GP and also over the counter. If you do buy OTC it is good to tell the pharmacist what you are taking and ask if your planned purchase will mix safely with it.