The Waiting List
When the pain of arthritis of the hip becomes intractable, a hip replacement operation is indicated. Delaying the operation results in the patient suffering continued pain for which they may need to take a large number of painkillers every day. These drugs commonly cause side effects such as indigestion and constipation which then also need treating. Constant pain frequently leads to depression and difficulty sleeping so that sleeping tablets or antidepressants are often prescribed as well. The result can be a cocktail of as many as 15 tablets every day.
“We charted the complicated drug regime of one of my patients during the two years they were waiting for a hip replacement on the NHS. It is a considerable logistical challenge to organise the prescribing, dispensing and taking of such a large number of drugs. Yet even with all this medication most patients suffer pain and distress while awaiting their operations. With an increasingly elderly population the demand for joint replacement operations on the NHS will continue to rise.”
Dr Liz Lee
2002