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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

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  • Clarkey1962
    Clarkey1962 gail24639

    Posted

    I wasn't given any leg lifter. Was told to use good leg to lift operated leg but ultimately had to lift it on my own, physio said this wS to build up muscle strength. Also didn't need anything for the toilet, just had to sit with operated leg straight at first. It certainly seems that every hospital, physio and consultant gave their own take on what we should do after the op.
    • joy24273
      joy24273 Clarkey1962

      Posted

      Yes they are all different, second day physio told me to use my good leg to help get my other leg onto the bed, but to try hard to do it before that and the muscles would get stronger. No raised loo seat either, straight leg to start with then as the bend gets better. That's one of the exercises at circuit training standing and sitting on a low chair and holding the sit position in the middle! 
    • gail24639
      gail24639 Clarkey1962

      Posted

      Yes - there does seem to be a variety of ways of dealing with stuff but now I've got a rounded view so now I know which questions to ask at the preassessment which is really helpful. Thanks for the response
  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo gail24639

    Posted

    I must say that I would have liked to have one of those seats which goes over the loo to make it higher.  Getting on to it wasn't too bad, although always a bit painful, but getting back up was a real strain, and contributed to causing problems with my 'good' knee. . Nothing to hold on to in my bathroom, . . Depends whether you have anything you can pull yourself up with, but iuf not, I really recommend getting that . . Having cistitis which meants I was up and down on it all night didn't help . . . 
  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo gail24639

    Posted

    Oh, and regarding showers. . I had showers from day two in the hospital . .no problem. the dressing were waterproof, but go by what the hospital tell you .  I had staples. . no problem. thank heavens for the walk in shower though . . Not sure how I would have coped with getting in a bath.  You can get a 'bathboard' which would help with that, if you don't have a walk in shower. . . non slip mat would be a good idea!
    • gail24639
      gail24639 martinarvelo

      Posted

      Got a walk in shower - the non slip mat is a good idea. Thanks. Hope you're progressing ok - you seem to have had a difficult time
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo gail24639

      Posted

      No more than most of us I think!  I'm a bit of a coward when it comes to pain I think . . . probably should have pushed for more bend before now . . . Glad you've got the walk n sower. . it makes such a difference.  If there's room, a plastic garden chair in there is a big help too . . . 
  • terri59470
    terri59470 gail24639

    Posted

    Hi Gail

    It's not a big thing, but I bought a large silk headscarf, with the intention of using it as a bandanna for the early post op days. It turned out I didn't use it for that, but I use it to drape over my wound/scar, as I've found it too sensitive to have a duvet or blanket on it. I'd also suggest "doubling up" on things like leg lifters and long handled grippers, so you have one in your bedroom and one in your lounge, or wherever you will spend your days.

    • gail24639
      gail24639 terri59470

      Posted

      Thanks Terri- the doubling up and the bandana ideas are really useful. I think I will be super prepared with the forums help.
  • Dotty_Lotty
    Dotty_Lotty gail24639

    Posted

    I am 10 days post tkr, so I can say definitely in my opinion buy a leg lifter, I bought mine online     . I know people who have used dressing gown belts instead, same principle., my lifter is quite rigid which I think is a great advantage. When I had an exploratory last year I bought a shower sleeve, it would not stay up at all and went in the bin,but, I have very small legs so that could have been the problem. Good luck with your op  
  • suzanne64053
    suzanne64053 gail24639

    Posted

    Hi

    I had a shower every day in hospital and was fine with the waterproof dressing they used. Once home I couldn't as my shower was over the bath and I wasn't able to get in and out.so made do with a good wash and then twice a week went to my daughters to shower.

    Also regarding the lifter., the physio gave me a length of stretchy crepe bandage and that worked perfectly. I used it a lot in the early days before I could lift my leg on my own. Also found the fashionable scarfs I wear could also be utilised as a lifter.

    In the early days and as I was on my own during the day I used a small back pack and a thermos drinking cup which meant I could still use both sticks and have a hot drink etc. Good luck x

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