Girdlestone Surgery

[Rosie37]

Hello, can anyone please help me on the subject of Hip Girdlestone Surgery. I had a total hip replacement operation 4 weeks ago, but unfortunately it dislocated the following day, but as I have a complicated hip problem there was no further options available for me but a Girdlestone, which means I'm now living with an unstable hip.

I left hospital a week ago, and was just curious to find out if anyone else has a girdlestone and how long I can expect my recovery to take as I'm experiencing some pain and alot of discomfort. I would like to return to work in 2 months, but with the way my hip is I sense this may not happen :(.

[Lighttouch]

Ooohh aaarrr eeee - that sounds painful to me! I don't know how long it would take to get your mobility back.

I guess you're receiving sick pay from work. Before your operation you were obviously having trouble getting about. In order to get back to work you'll have to identify the disabling barriers so your employer can try to make 'reasonable adjustments' before you return.

Your manager and you should review how and where you work. You might need an ergonomic chair with arm rests to help lever yourself out of the chair.

They'll offer you a 'phased return to work' where you will come in a few days a week at first and gradually build your time up at a speed that suits you. You don't need to stay off for as long as your sick note says - you can test the water when you're ready.

Things you might need to think about -

Is there an accessible toilet with rails near your workspace.
Can you drive an adapted automatic vehicle; if yes then can you park in a nearby accessible parking bay.
If you can't drive or use public transport then self refer to JobCentrePlus 'Access to Work' section and they could organise a door to door taxi service until you feel able to cope.

If you have to use crutches make sure health and safety are aware as your colleagues need to be made aware not to leave trip hazards like trailing cables.

You'll need a Personal Evacuation Plan - ask your manager to organise such.

In the meantime welcome to the forum and I hope you're feeling more yourself soon.

[Rosie37]

Thank you for your help Lighttouch, I will definitely look into all that you have suggested.

I've had mobility problems all my life and had a Total Hip Replacement on my right hip which was done five years ago which worked really well. So when my left hip became very painful throught arthritis I went ahead and had it replaced too, but my left hip never grew properly when I was a child, so this didn't help when it came down to the surgery, which then didn't work. I'm finding the recovery alot slower than my previous surgery, but as my Consultant said I mustn't run before I can walk, and my biggest worry is not being able to return to work, but I'm sure with some help from the right people I shall achieve my goals.

Thank you again. :-)