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Any advice re a TKR pack?

Posted , 16 users are following.

gail24639
gail24639

Do I get a foot strap and a plastic stocking for the shower? What else is helpful and where do I get it? My TKR has been brought forward.

0 likes, 45 replies

45 Replies

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  • PattyLee
    PattyLee gail24639

    Posted

    I'm 4 weeks post-op and I used a  "leg lifter" for the first 2 weeks (my therapist ordered it for me) it helped me get in & out of bed, the shower and the car.  I was fortunate that my Dr. used glue and derma bond, no staples, so I was able to get my incision wet. I'm faithful doing my exercises but  I still have issues with stiffness, any suggestions?
    • caroline46398
      caroline46398 PattyLee

      Posted

      Patience am ten weeks a lot less stiff and swollen. Just seen my gp who said she has watched the operation and it's very tough on the body so no wonder muscles are tense and stiff. Fluids and massage helps a bit. But time as they say is the healer
    • gail24639
      gail24639 PattyLee

      Posted

      The leg lifter definitely sounds like a good idea- several people have mentioned it. Thanks a lot
    • PattyLee
      PattyLee gail24639

      Posted

      If you can't find a leg lifter, the handle of a cane will work just as good!
  • sharon52158
    sharon52158 gail24639

    Posted

    My dressing is waterproof had shower in hospital physio showed me how to use my walking stick to lift leg 
    • gail24639
      gail24639 sharon52158

      Posted

      Not sure how I'd do with the stick - think I like the sound of a leg lifter better. Thanks for the input
    • susan20089
      susan20089 gail24639

      Posted

      Hi remember these things will only be used for a very short time so think carefully before you buy.  I only used the toilet sat for about two weeks, never used the grabber snd never had a leg lifter.  Stick is useful for lifting leg or your hands.
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo susan20089

      Posted

      Even two weeks struggling is a long time!    I think if you have something to hold on to to help pull yourself up, you can do without the toilet seat . .but if you haven't, it is quite difficult, and caused me to fall once at the beginning.  Also depends, I imagine, on how strong your good leg is for pushing up, as if you can't bend the operated one it's hard to get up from a low seat, and most loos are pretty low!  Unless they are very expensive, (and I don't know, because I didn't manage to get one. . .) I would think they were a good idea! Not really something you are likely to be able to sell on ebay though!
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 martinarvelo

      Posted

      Around my part of the country there are groups that take all that kind of stuff, clean , sanitize, repair any defects that show, put on new rubber leg caps and redistribute to the needy. Our medicare system (over65) automatically furnishes a walker, combination commode/shower chair and of course, these stay with you permanently
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      That's good . .as  I had mine done through a private insurance, I don't really know what's available on the State system here. . you don't get anything if you use private medicine, of course!  I 
    • gail24639
      gail24639 martinarvelo

      Posted

      I'm going to a private hospital via the NHS and they seem to offer quite a lot. Time will tell. Keep up the good work. I've just signed on at the gym for 12 half hour sessions with a personal trainer to get my muscles working before the op. I'm normally a total couch potato but as they say, God helps those who help themselves!!
  • louise07185
    louise07185 gail24639

    Posted

    I had showers from day 2, did not need anything as dressing covered staples. After discharge the same shower every morning. After staples were removed there was no need to cover wound. Reading others status it goes to show the difference each area has. I used leg lifter for 3 plus weeks until I was able to lift it myself, this was for chair and bed. 

    I purchased raised toilet seat, litter picker, hubby raised my armchair. Hope this helps. Good luck xx

    • gail24639
      gail24639 louise07185

      Posted

      Thanks Louise - the litter picker is a novel idea and sound very practical. I know where I can borrow one
  • susan20089
    susan20089 gail24639

    Posted

    I as God no showers or baths till staples out and dry
    • susan20089
      susan20089

      Posted

      Sorry just seem the predicted rubbish!  I was told no showers or baths still staples out and dry.
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