Dianne 07195

Hi Dianne, Its 6 mths since my TKR and still not got enough bend to get in the bath properly. However I bought a bath seat from Amazon originally that goes across the bath and now I have a bath seat that goes in the bath and a rail on the wall to help me get out. Also have an anti slip mat.I also hate showers and would love a good soak but my seat is the best its going to be. Its quite low so I can get as far down as pos. Hope this is helpful x

Have been able to get in and out of the bath for the last 4 weeks, am 10 weeks post op, mind you I do have very strong triceps. Our bath has a bit of a seat at the end of it so I sit on that then put my right elbow on the side and sort of slide in, then getting out I end my left knee then my right till as far as it will go, put my hands on the bit of a seat and push up with my left leg and triceps till I manage to sit on the end.

Have a shower but not a bath yet because you could get an infection If it gets wet - at least with a shower you can keep your leg away from the water

I tried to have a bath at about 3 weeks, not a success! I got in easily but couldn't get out! Had to sit there until I managed to get my husbands attention (he was outside). So I haven't tried again, as an experience it was up there with the humiliation of getting my dress caught in my knickers!

Strangely the family think it hilarious.

Happy new year

XX

Hi Dianne, I am at nearly six weeks.  I could not wait to be able to have a bath as it's beneficial from all sorts of points of view.  I bought some Epsom salts to put in the bath as it's very beneficial to healing and de toxing.  I ran the bath, undressed, put my good leg in, swung the other leg in and found myself standing up with no clue how  would sit down!! Sheer determination got me in.  I sat on the edge at one end and sort of slid down (good job my arms have got strong!) had a lovely soak and then let out most of the water before lifting myself up and back onto the side.  Please be careful and make sure someone is around in case you need help.  When you've done it once it gets easier.  Good luck, happy bathing. 

I could barely get in BEFORE my TKR, so I suspect it will never be an option now! Good luck.

Hi I had a bath every day from the time I came out of hospital. ( 3 times a day)

I have a handle each side of my bath. I sat on the edge and slid my bum back into the bath. Getting out good leg on edge of bath then lift myself up to the edge of the bath. My toilet was next to the bath, so I would then move myself on to it to dry myself.

Good healing

Hey there I'm almost 9 weeks TKR and although I struggle to get into the bath I do enjoy having a soak now that I can get my scar wet ... I step in with my good leg and sort of edge my leg over to lift my sore leg over the side of the bath, then I turn round kneel on my good leg and sort of spin myself round into my bottom ... all this with no water in the bath! Then in reverse let the water out spin round somehow onto my good knee and with a dry towel on the side of the bath I pull myself up as best as I can! The soak in the bath is worth all the hassle of getting in and out I promise you ... I don't attempt the bath unless my husband is in the house though. 

Hi dianne07195, I had mine done on 11th October and, like you, I miss my soak in the bath.  I can get in but can't get out!  I don't have enough strength in my shoulders to lift myself out.  I am showering in the bath which is OK but I really don't like showers.  We have a small shower in  an en suite in our bedroom but it is a cubicle and I can't bend down or turn easily.  I will try the bath again in the future because it's one of my big misses.  Let me know how you go on with this in the future.  We will get there! xx

Dianne,  I practiced getting in and out of the tub fully dressed.  Once I was comfortable I could get out then I took my first soak.

pam