"Joint school preparation for hip replacement"

Very helpful to attend with partner/friend. Useful information and advice about what to expect and how to cope with post operative stages of recovery.

Physiotherapy support in hospital after operation was as expected and was very positive and encouraging.

Had spinal anaesthetic but was very sick afterwards which I had not expected.

After discharged from hospital, I was a bit unsure about how much I should move about and how often I should do the recommended exercises.

I got dreadful cramp in front thigh muscle which lasted for a day and left the muscle feeling very tender and sore for several days, Perhaps I was doing too much.

I phoned and spoke to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Nurse who reassured me that this was not uncommon, with a number of patients reporting muscle cramps and pain.

I have also had trouble sleeping at night, partly due to having to lie on my back which is uncomfortable but mainly due to restless legs and muscle twitching, particularly in operated leg.

I am contacting my GP again to ask for help with restless legs and poor sleep. Initially prescribed DHCodeine 60mg x 1 at night to help with pain at night after discharge from hospital. This, along with Amitriptyline 25mg which I take at night for back pain, has helped but when I stopped the DHC the restless legs started again. Don't think I need a pain killer as hip pain is now a dull ache as opposed to throbbing pain at start but need something to stop the twitching, restless leg and get a good sleep.

I have also been a bit anaemic and wonder if this is contributing to the restless legs?

I didn't realise that my haemoglobin was a bit low before operation. I needed 4 units of blood over two days and was very light headed and unable to start physio for a few days because of that.

3 weeks post op and blood count is slowly coming back up - 9. 4 - was most recent, deemed 'acceptable' by GP

I think the anaemia has affected my energy levels for recovery and wish I had known about it while waiting 8 months for hip operation.

Pleased to have new hip which is working well with no signs of infection and clean dry wound. Just wish I could get a good sleep and hope restless legs problem will pass.

Once again, very happy with Joint School Advice and physio and occupational therapy advice and support - excellent.