Feeling stuck at home

I'm 17 days post op.

Hi Kikeena,

Its a bit of a tough one I find but if the seats aren't right for me I simply stood. If you look at a chair you can often tell just by looking at it that's it's very low. The other thing I've seen some people do is carry a metal tape measure around so you can measure in seconds how high it is. Might look a bit odd but it's your safety at stake so who cares if you get the occasional odd look. 

When you sit down on a chair you are unsure of I would always extend the operated leg out whilst you are lowering yourself into it. That always is advised by physios etc. Disabled loos are always a couple of inches higher than your standard public loo so you should be ok if you are out and about. Again, put the operated leg out in front of you whilst lowering yourself if you are unsure.

There is no need to stay stuck in the house. After 6 weeks you would go round the bend!

Good luck.

Ali xx

Hi Kikeena,

I had the funeral of a very close friend around the same time, got someone else to drive and used two crutches. Many places have disabled facilities and I sat on dining chairs, preferably one with arms (carver chair) putting a cushion on car/any other seat.

The thing to remember is to extend your op leg out in front of you before sitting (no bent knee) that way you don't break the 90 degree rule.

It does us good to get out but take it easy at first (short trips) as you will be tired on return.

Best wishes,

Dot.

I am 3 weeks pist op. I went out for breakfast this morning.....normal dining chair. Ok you cant sit for too I ong. Try on just a normal chair at home. If its ok...then go out. Ive also been to a normal toilet. Maybe im lucky but i didt have a problem

Also some of the larger places have scooters for loan.

One of the benefits of being only 5 foot is that seats were rarely too low, extending tje leg was easy for me as that is what I had to do before surgery, however I did actually return to work at 4 weeks as I was going stir crazy, at 6 I drove and as soon as I could I eturned to the gym yes what I was able to do was very limited but we just replicated my physio'a excercises and as I have said already elsewhere at 11 I started the dance lessons I had been promising myself for 4 years and have more recently started Pilates as I have very poor balance now and not much flexibility but as someone else said when I went out I just used two crutches and stood

Take a couple of cushions with you that's what I used to dox

Hi Kikeena, 

Yes, definitely have the operated leg extended and then lower your self ...take a cushion with you - most establishments do have pillows and cushions - 

in the beginning it was uncomfortable after 30 minutes - I just stood up and walked (with cane) around ... I have no shame anymore  - 

try it ... 

my thing is toilet at friend's house -   

Love to hear about your first outing soon 

big hug

renee

I bought (2)  Hermell 4" Hip Cushions to put on low chairs and the couch. They are nice and firm and even 5 months later I'm still using them, they help with my back pain too. It has a carry strap so I take it with me just in case I need it. 

Thanks so much. This is really helpful. I'm 17 days post op and had a posterior approach because of a prior knee replacement. I think that makes recovery more difficult and dislocation more likely than with anterior approach. Also I'm quite tall at 172 cm or 5ft 7inches.

My grandson is being baptised next weekend and I'd like to attend for at least part of it.

I'm still scared to try but getting closer with your tips.

Take a thick cushion when you go out. Most dining type chairs are OK with it. I was measured preop from kne bend crease to floor, then provided with equipment to ensure bed, chair etc were correct height. Perching chair for kitchen and toilet raiser etc also supplied