Bath.....I've had a bath...

Posted , 14 users are following.

I'm 4 weeks and 3 days post THR......and.....drum roll, please........I've had a bath....and actual real, get in and soak, bath.  It was heaven, it like being in nectar, clouds, champagne, chocolate......

I was careful.....very careful, used the toilet frame that is very near the bath to help step in and out.....and I did have to turn over onto my knees to get upright and step out. Used a non slip bath mat too.

But oh...wow..........

4 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • Posted

    Sorry.... 4 weeks and 4 days......but who's counting haha!!!

  • Posted

    Wow Jackie I so envy you. I cannot even attempt an over the bath shower until 6 weeks. I'm also 4 weeks post op. Absolutely no kneeling before 4 months. I'm so sick of strip washes ! What has struck me is how dry my skin in despite moisturising. Absolutely dying for a shower. However no bath for 4 months.

    Everyone seems to get very different advice.

    Sandra xx

    • Posted

      I just have an over the bath shower, but managed to get in and out using those plastic steps that kids use. A small one, and a taller one to climb up, and a small one in the bath to step on to. Used a crutch to steady myself, but also my husband was there to help. Did that from day 3 until 11 weeks.
    • Posted

      Don't understand the shower business. I took a shower before I left the hospital on the day after my surgery. At home, my husband built a step type platform so I could get into the tub for a shower as the tub is too high to easily get in. And....be sure to install sturdy grab bars if you don't already have them. I was in Florida for the surgery and was in the pool at 8 wks.post op. I have had three hip surgeries in the past 3 yrs. and drs.had no problem with showering. Unless you have an open wound or infection etc.

      good luck to you.

    • Posted

      I know what you mean about the showers.  Even with the most common THR there is such a discrepensy with orders.  I was told that I can take my first shower at 5 days post op.  I could put full weight  bearing and kneeling  on the surgical leg on the day surgery.   I guess it depends upon the individual doctor.  I had the posterior lateral approach and I'm 19 days post op.  My best moment was when I stood in the shower and washed my hair. It's funny how these simple little things can make us so excited.

  • Posted

    Well done it's so lovely that things are getting back to normal !!!

  • Posted

    Haha!  Plus, the bonus, it's just the first!  Great, great feeling although my first was a shower.  Feeling bubbly water on bits after weeks...sheer joy!

  • Posted

    Good for you!! I may actually shower tonight! My incision looks to be pretty good. I have a transfer bench, part is in the tub and part is out of it so I can sit on it, then put both legs in. This way, there is no putting extreme pressure on new hip. I have a detachable hand held shower fixture. Not a bath but a step above all the sponge bath/wash ups of the past couple of weeks. A real bath is a ways off - I'd hate to have to call someone to get me out of the tub. 😛😛.

  • Posted

    wow!!!! i'm six weeks and won't attempt this yet but you go! well deserved i'm sure!

  • Posted

    Wwaahhaaty and me ! 15 days in sort of crab rolled in carefully and can't remember how I actually lay down but had lavender in the water and a glass of prosseco . Paid a bit after pain wise but was soooo good ! Easier than I thought and worth the wait ...,

  • Posted

    I had a shower 2 days after surgery in the hospital. I also have a walk in shower at home. I have waterproof bandages and take a shower daily sitting in a shower chair. As described....it is heavenly! I'm 10 days post op and my bandage came off today. Nice and clean. I'm in the US (Illinois) and my Dr did the anterior approach so they don't go through the back and cut the muscles. Sounds like it makes a huge difference in pain and recovery. Slow going still..... hope you all get showers soon.

    • Posted

      This is hilarious. Never thought I'd advertise that I took a shower but I JUST took a shower!!! 😀😀. Last shower was the night before surgery, 12 days ago!!! I'm in the U. S. as well - DC/Maryland area. Guidance was to change bandage daily. Once no drainage for 2 days I could stop the bandage and shower. I waited an extra day - infection can be so detrimental - being as cautious as possible. Next milestone - staples out on Thursday. Woo hoo!!!

    • Posted

      It was at least 6 weeks, if not7 or 8.  Superglue here in England.  Unbelievable!

       

    • Posted

      In US also with anterior approach. Went to Orthopedic Center of Illinois. It does make a difference. Don't know why the docs don't get together about this. The recovery differs so much depending where you have it done it seems.  Doesn't make sense why they make it so hard on some patients. 

    • Posted

      HI molly - when did you have surgery? I'm post op day 11 today. I have PT today and have ??. How much should I walk/how much is too much? I use my quad cane since yesterday and only my walker at nite for BR. don't feel safe enough at night. What is your typical day like? Trying to find a new normal.....

    • Posted

      I am 9 weeks po.  Day 11 is very early. Listen to your body. I babied myself, resting with ice often and taking pain meds. If they bind you up, take Miralax. That's what I did. The PT about killed me. Didn't do as many reps as they told me but did what I could. I used cane for about 5 weeks. Now I'm good but I do get stiff if I sit too long or when I get out of bed but doc said give it a few more months. I feel great but take an occasional Tylenol Arthritis as needed. 

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