1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Equipment after THR

Posted , 10 users are following.

Amnesia3637
Amnesia3637

Hi All. Failed to ask at pre-op assessment whether I could expect to be given all the necessary appliances and gadgets needed post hip op or whether I have to provide them myself. It was a bit of a rushed process - efficient but rushed- and a toilet raised seat was mentioned but that was all. I'm going to Joint School on Monday (at the Orthopaedic in Oswestry) so guess I'll find out more there but all you old hippies out there'll tell me before then I bet!

Many thanks in advance.

0 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

Next
  • crissy_wissy
    crissy_wissy Amnesia3637

    Posted

    I had to get all mine myself...luckily a friend of a friend gave me some stuff...most definitely a raised toilet seat...physio should measure you...I'm 5'6 and a 4" one was fine ..one with a frame was best....you need a grabber...or two to pick things up. I got a stick thing with hooks on the end...really useful for dressing and all sorts of things! I got a trolley on wheels for by my chair so everything was at hand, a Table Mate...from ebay for meals and a body cushion for sleeping .....oh and crutches if course...I had mine but hopefully they're the least you'll be given!!

    A bin bag is really good for getting in and out of the car and in and out bed as you can sort of swivel on it....when you start your bed exercises its good for sliding your op leg across too!

  • jan00794
    jan00794 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Raised toilet seat was provided and soooo important.   The gripper thing that allowed me to pick up things from the floor was great as was the thing that allowed me to pull up socks!   I bought the latter two from Amazon.  I didn't use any thing else to be honest.
  • cindy6649
    cindy6649 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    I found that they provided some things and I had to get some things on my own. However, not everyone has the same types of restrictions so they don't all need the same things so it might be worth a call to ask them exactly what you'll need and whether or not they supply it.

    This is a very "personal" item that no one told me I would need but after surgery I sent my mom to the drug store for some things and she brought back my favorite item that I had no idea I would need. It is a plastic stick-like thing about 18 inches long that holds toilet paper on the end so you don't have to reach so far after a bathroom visit. It seems odd an a little gross but I'm 5 weeks post op and still use it every day. There was no way I could bend far enough without it.

    I wish you much success and a speedy recovery.

    • crissy_wissy
      crissy_wissy cindy6649

      Posted

      Forgot about that one Cindy..although I used a cheap spongy thing..probably not as 'delicate! lol!!
  • kaleani75551
    kaleani75551 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Here in America you are told what you will need but you have to buy it yourself.  The toilet seat and bath tub chair are useless - save your money.  What i found extremely helpful are the different types of grabers, i ordered mine on Amazon, one is a strong one for heavier items and the others for very small things, one has a magnet at the bottom.  And of course you need the walker and a cane.
    • cindy6649
      cindy6649 kaleani75551

      Posted

      I agree about the grabbers. I also have two different kinds and they are both very helpful. I have what's called a bedside commode. It can be used in the bedroom if you can't make it to the bathroom or just use the frame over the regular toilet so you have hand rails to help get up and down. I also use a shower chair but mainly because I still had it from my labral repair surgery last year.
  • crissy_wissy
    crissy_wissy Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Oh and I forgot the stick on diamontes to bling your crutches...a gal has to keep her standards!!
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 crissy_wissy

      Posted

      Without doubt the most imporant bit of kit. Can't understand why it wasn't mentioned at pre-op! Thanks for all the help and support from you and all the hipsters. I shall be the best equipped and most knowledgeable gal on the ward. Just have to get the op over with now. Bring it on.
  • judiwoo
    judiwoo Amnesia3637

    Posted

    I'm getting crutches, raised toilet seat, a chair (mine are too low) and a trolley walker on loan from the hospital but I have bought a reacher, a long shoe horn and a long handled sponge and a walking stick.  I think it depends on the hospital. I'm in Newcastle upon Tyne so I would give them a ring.
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 judiwoo

      Posted

      The long handled sponge keeps cropping up so that sounds like a must-have. I haven't any chairs the right height apart from a two seater recliner but with only one arm to push up from as the other is too far away, that may be a no no. I'll ask. I have a long handled shoe-horn from years ago so it seems I need a grabber (can borrow that from a friend), a raised toilet seat and a trolley. Crutches ok (with diamantes!) and I have a stick. Nearly there then! Thank you.
  • Paulus1949
    Paulus1949 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Don't forget all these toilet seats,perching stools etc are adjustable,

     just like your crutches.

    The NHS should supply with the toilet seat and a chair..

    tbh I found a reclining chair the most comfortable most of the time for the first six weeks.

    I also  managed to source a plastic gadget where one end fits on the crutch and you then slot your grabber into the other end so you don't have to carry it around..a piece of Velcro might work just as well?.

  • sue87388_UK
    sue87388_UK Amnesia3637

    Posted

    I had everything provided for me by the hospital (NHS).  I was given crutches, a grabber, long handled shoe horn, thing to put my socks on and a toiler seat raiser.  Good luck with your op.
  • ros007
    ros007 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    I was given most of what I needed but if not you can buy gadgets to raise the heights of bed or chairs. I found that a grabber clipped to my trolley plus one in the bedroom and another in the bathroom very useful as inevitably the task and the grabber ended up separated in space.  The long shoe horn is very good for flipping duvets around.

    Your Council will provide assistance with bins if you live alone but the process for mine took about 3 weeks.

    A backpack for carrying bits and pieces outside helps, so does a handbag with a long strap that you can sling across your shoulder. Bags are helpful in carrying things up and down stairs when you are still using two crutches - if necessary hump from step to step.

    Think about your shoes, high heels are out, laces only if you have an assistant, even velcro fastens are tricky with just the grabber. A selection of those useful 4 socket bars which you can plug in before you go into hospital and leave at a convenient height for when you come home is useful (you will have to buy them).

    You'll learn to cope and improvise.

    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 ros007

      Posted

      Many thank Ros007. I do live alone - got rid of my husband as part of my home improvement plan - so am going to have to rely on friends for all the necessary. Thank goodness they're all gold plated.  The shoes bit is interesting -  all these things to think about. I haven't worn heels for years due to rheumatoid disease but need to find something slip-on-able but safe to walk in. Please nobody mention Crocs! I shall sort out bags for carrying etc. This such a great forum; I knew I'd get so much help. I used to be a nursing Sister but so many years ago everything has changed out of recognition so I guess I know not a lot these days. Thanks again to everyone for all the fab suggestions and help.
    • kaleani75551
      kaleani75551 Amnesia3637

      Posted

      I like the the part you got rid of your husband as part of moving on with your life, i did the same over 20 years ago.  I live alone too and i managed thru 2 hip surgeries pretty well, so you will be doing fine too.  We women are resilient creatures.  Good luck and keep going...you have virtual friends from every continent..
    • ros007
      ros007 Amnesia3637

      Posted

      Yes, the shoes weren't mentioned very much at my pre-assessment either, just firm slippers for wearing in the ward. See if you can get something for the summer but a physio recommended sandal types without an open toe - not so much danger of tripping.  Put your chosen pair(s) up on something before you go in to hospital, if like me you keep your shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe or get one of those shoe hangy things.

      Immediately post op I lived in jogger pants, nice and stretchy but if it's a good summer shortish skirts would be good. Since you'll be resting up quite a bit in the early stages, think about whether you have anything you can sit on outside if you have a garden or balcony - and about cutting the grass which is exuberant at the momen!!

      If you live alone there is a thread in the forum which has some good suggestions - internet shopping is a lifeline.  When you get your wheels back my supermarket is happy to provide a trolley pusher out to the car because the car park is difficult and kindly offered one round store.  By the time I was driving I was OK in store it was just the bumps and slopes in the car park.

      We've all come out smiling and so will you.

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.