Hip replacement and allotments!

Just in connection with the toilet - I had a hip replaced in December and the hospital provided a toilet raiser which fits over the toilet and you can adjust to whatever height suits best.

Anyone suffer with slipped discs back pain? How on Earth do you get your GP to refer you for an x ray even. My GP says it is degenerate and always suggests opiates for every ill. The pain is excruciating every day, I have been referred to physio, my appointment is 15th May. I am 73 years.

I had one hip replaced 18 months ago and it is fine. Mine was bone on bone and agony, this has given me a new lease of life. The other one needs replacing soon but there is no way I would ever have wanted them both done together. Recovery is a long haul but as long as you do the exercises every day things will soon improve. I do remember saying to my DH (dear husband) thank goodness I didn’t have them both done, I really don’t know how people manage it would be so restrictive especially if you live alone. My DH was an absolute gem helping me get mobilised.

Had mine done in October, now able to walk two miles. I knew someone who had both done together, she was in agony. I don't know how she coped. Having the higher loo seat helps, you also need a grabber to pick things up. I walked with two sticks initially, and went down to one when the physio said I could.

Lisagran, can't see acronyms at the top. Maybe my mobile doesn't show them.

I have a male friend who had his hip done on 14 Feb. He’s pretty headstrong (age 55) and doesn’t take much notice of anyone, including his wife. The point is he was driving 5 days after the op. I saw him yesterday and he was walking with the aid of a stick but he was driving and going into his business. I was incredulous. Apart from anything else he wouldn’t be insured but I don’t want to get into that on here but does anyone else know of such a recovery? Plus he’s a big guy - 6’3” and built like a rugby player.

Thank you all for your very welcome advice... Oh, I agree about mobiles - I live on my own and mine is always with me. And re falling at the allotment... I've done that already so I'm very careful when I'm there. I turned quickly one day and ended up in a heap of newly delivered horse manure. Couldn't get up for the laughing rather than the hip. But seriously I know I shall have to be Mrs Cautious for a long time so I'm mostly growing herbs now and things like globe artichokes which look after themselves well.

Nothing about allotments but you may be advised to get a taller toilet-19” instead of 16” .
Also check out squatty potty.
It isn’t a potty but a little plastic stool
Apparently since man was not destined to walk or sit upright this helps when one goes to the lavatory.

I had a replacement 1.5 years ago. Posterior approach and long scar. Recovery was tricky and a bit slow as I was very unfit before due to bone on bone pain. The good news is that I followed the restrictions, mainly did walking as exercise swapping crutches for hiking sticks. I am now back to swimming, walking, can touch my toes and even sailing and scuba. So it is all possible. You should be absolutely fine! Have a look at the bonesmart.org forum as there is masses of good advice on their both for pre and list hippies. Good luck!

I reiterate about the mobile phone. I fell badly a while ago. Luckily there was someone around, and they had a phone so they could phone the ambulance, but it made me think.

Take great care ArtySue. My friend went alone to work on her allotment some months after the end of restrictions, and managed to dislocate the joint. Silly woman didn't have her mobile phone so it was some hours before her husband went in search. She said it was the worst pain she had ever experienced, and she had to have another op. She still has the allotment but is more careful and grows mainly flowers for cutting these days.
Best wishes for a trouble free operation and recovery.

Thanks Charleygirl5, I'll bear that in mind when I see the consultant.

ArtySue - click on acronyms at the top for DD, SIL, etc

I had a hip replacement 3 years again and manage my garden ok now, swimming, etc. You’ll be glad you had it / them done!

Hi seacliff, I have the consultant appointment in a few weeks and will find out then whether he's prepared to do both hips. I know they're both equally shot! I know of someone my age, 66, living nearby who had two hips done 10 days apart! We have an arrangement here where hips and knees are done in a private hospital but on the NHS. Works a treat. I had a knee replaced three years ago and it's been wonderful. I think whether they'll do two hips depends on patient fitness. Hopefully I'll fit the bill.

It is never a good idea to be talked into having two hips done at once. It is much better to leave maybe 6 weeks between surgery.

It is difficult to cope with postoperatively and it is not easy either for the staff. Very rarely should they be done together- it may sound good but believe me it is not.

Hi Sue

I too have to have a hip replacement very soon, I have been putting it off while I try to lose weight, but it is getting bad now. You say you may have both hips done this year. May I ask, will that be both at same time, or how long between operations?

Thanks and good luck with it, sounds like you will be back in the allotment after a few months (and hopefully pain free).

Yes Daisymae, we have a good arrangement of allocated helpers and I have two sons who willingly help with heavier work. I was more worried longterm but sounds like that's not a problem. I'm totally new to forums by the way. How do I decipher the OH etc initials people use? Should my sons be LS? (Lovely sons.)

Maybe you could ask someone to manage it for you when you are out of action? Others on the allotment?

Wow, thank you both! I can plan to be back on my allotment for the autumn in that case. Yippee.

I agree with tanith. I’ve also had two.

I’ve had two ArtySue and don’t worry the restrictions are normally for 12 wks while you heal depending on the type of implant and method of surgery. I would be led by your surgeons instructions. I do most things that I did before my hips got bad including gardening, swimming etc. You will be fine to resume your allotment duties eventually.