Hip Dysplasia DDH – Natalie’s Story
Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)
You may remember Natalie from her previous story… https://www.stepsworldwide.org/steps-stories/personal-stories/natalies-story/ – She is now post op and has put together some really useful info…
“As a volunteer with Steps I have been writing about my own experience of DDH, my treatment and recovery. I know that lots of people going through this are anxious and ask for information about the operation, what to expect and how to manage while going through the stages of recovery. We hope you find this useful and informative. Thankfully I am now at the optimistic stage, feeling good, healthy and mobile.
I have put together some questions and answers that will, I hope, benefit those preparing for a similar experience.
If on reading this you would like more detail or information you can contact me via, info@steps-charity.org.uk
- What should I take with me to the hospital?
- 2/3 nighties (I was given a hospital gown which I wore for the first couple of days but then it was nicer to change into my own clothes)
- Large tracksuit comfortable trousers
- Book and puzzle book
- Phone and headphones
- Long charging wire
- Sweets and some little treats
- Earplugs
- Toothbrush
- Hygiene wipes
- How long were you in hospital for?
- I was in hospital for 9 days, but it can vary between 5-10 days.
- What anaesthetic did the hospital use?
- They advised me to have spinal and general because it can help with the initial pain once you wake up. I was very scared about the spinal, but the anaesthetists were extremely careful and brilliant with me.
- What painkillers were you given?
- They normally use a morphine drip as well as regular paracetamol, however as I reacted to this, I was given oxycodone tablets morning and night as well as every 4 hours.
- Are you allowed visitors while you’re in hospital?
- The hospital staff were very flexible with visiting hours but this will vary from one hospital to another. I was treated in UCL, University College London.
- Visitors can provide a valuable distraction and I benefitted from the support.
- What help and physiotherapy did the hospital provide?
- I had a physiotherapist visit me every day who helped me to stand up, get on and off the bed, weight bear correctly, change from a frame to crutches and help me gain confidence before going home.
- What were you most worried about?
- I was very nervous about the catheter as I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, you cannot feel it when you wake up as they insert it while you’re asleep and it is extremely quick when they take it out, so overall it was not as dreadful as I anticipated.
- What kept you going?
- My family visited me every single day and brought me a daily card and little things to make me smile. I also had a few visits from friends to give me that added push and brighten my day.
- What should I expect when I get home?
- You will need to arrange for some apparatus to help you at home before your operation as these aids will help you for the initial weeks and months. I received raised toilet seats, a tall perch stool, a handrail for the stairs, a bath seat and a handlebar beside my bed. You will need somebody with you at the start of your recovery as you will not be able to do anything for yourself, but this will quickly begin to improve.
- What can you recommend that will assist and speed up recovery?
- Ensure you’ve researched and arranged the nearest physiotherapist and hydrotherapy (if available)
- Be extra mindful when walking around the house
- Take regular painkillers for the initial few weeks only as prescribed by your doctor
- Employ a strict schedule for exercises given by physiotherapists
- Do not increase weight bearing restriction until you’ve been told it is safe to do so
- Give your body time to rest and recuperate, protecting your hip
Latest news
I am now free of my crutches, feeling energetic, healthier and optimistic. I have physiotherapy every two weeks which is focused on lower limb strengthening and I do feel the benefit of this.
Do get in touch if you want to discuss any of the above as I am happy to share any information that will help if you are preparing for this surgery; info@steps-charity.org.uk “