Had my Pre-admission date...

Hi I’m 9 weeks post op and I’m already back at the gym I used my grabber most and I long shoe horn the most they was both handy for when u get dressed I would also advise that when u go into hospital pack dresses as it is easy to put on as for going to a concert only u will be able to say if u feel up to it 

Hi Caz. First of all congratulations on your family.  Be sure to have lots and lots of help lined up for your kids. I came home with a walker (depends on where you have your surgery . ) And a high rise tolite .  A grabber. Shoe horn  lots of ice packs and I had a cane ,  they didn't give me surgical stalkings so I had to go get some for my swelling.  Yes ware things that can go over your head easy like shifts to sleep in . It was cold in the hospital so I took sweaters .  Socks when you get home with rubber slip free bottoms   I took make up and a brush as you'll be there a couple days if you want,  make sure you have easy dinners around.   I am going on 6 weeks and am planning on going out for a anniversary dinner the end of next week.  I have been out to physical therapy 2 times a week and grocery store but I can't drive yet due to swelling. Your outing will just depend on how you feel,  some are out right away.  You'll do fine just be sure to have lots of help for the kids.  Cheers. I am I. California   Had my thr  October 17th.   It's taken me longer to heal due to swelling in my leg and foot.  

Hi Caz have u got a toilet raiser u will find it easier also u should be ok by February as long as you take it easy and do the exercises I am almost 7 weeks post and can get out and about but use  1 crutch for safety the only prob I get is sitting to long but everyone is differant good luck for your op 

Hi Caz

I'm a 73 year old male now 11 days post left THR. My advice is to also order a leg lifting strap/device if you don't already have one. Like this or similar

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K5Q3P1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have found this invaluable for raising and lowering the operated leg to get in and out of bed. Also useful to move the leg around in bed to get the best position for comfort. I would also acquire a couple of toilet frames. These are just the metal frames with raised arm rests on each side that slip around the toilet bowl. They are essential for lowering and raising yourself without putting too much strain on the operated joint

Hi Caz, 

The grabber will be your best friend. Did you take measurements for the armchair you will be sitting in most and the toilet /bed? I had a frame over the toilet as I had nothing to push up on. A  perch stool which was great for having a wash. Only had shower over bath at the time so had to wait 6 weeks for restrictions to be lifted. For me also in the early days I had a commode downstairs as no downstairs loo and my stairs are steep hence accidents!  I was also given a Soxon which helps you get on sock and tights again invaluable for your independence.  You are going to need help with three young ones initially too. In regards to the concert, it depends on the date of the surgery and the concert, but remember the seats are a lot lower than what you will be used to sitting on and leg room to stretch your leg out will be minimal and uncomfortable.

I had my op 18th Sept 2015, at end of Jan 2016 went to see my niece perform at the O2 in a schools choirs concert in London and it was hell even though I had supposedly been given a seat suitable for disabled it was not. Had to sit sideways to stretch leg out and had to keep getting up for people to pass. In the end i muttered a swear word at one chap who kept going past FFS and he went the other way round lol! 

Best equipment .......... seat raisers, raised toilet seat, and stick clips - see my website - and later on walking poles.

Then there was my wife's brilliant idea of a small trolley on wheels for my pills and other 'stuff', and the office chair to enable me to eat with the family instead of being banished to one of the raised chairs.

The address of my website is in my personal info here ...

   https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ( ?° ?? ?° 

Best equipment .......... seat raisers, raised toilet seat, and stick clips - see my website - and later on walking poles.

Then there was my wife's brilliant idea of a small trolley on wheels for my pills and other 'stuff', and the office chair to enable me to eat with the family instead of being banished to one of the raised chairs.

The address of my website is in my personal info here ...

   https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ( ?° ?? ?° 

As well as a grabber and long shoe horn you will certainly need a raised toilet seat - you should be given one at the hospital, plus canes/crutches if your op is on the NHS. I find a perching stool useful for washing/dressing, and I use wedge cushion(s) for chairs and in the car. A large cross-body bag is handy for carrying things around with you when using canes/crutches. Other useful things are a sock aid, a large plastic bag for sliding yourself onto the bed and a patient friend/partner to get the compression stockings on. Also loads of ready/preprepared meals in the freezer.

Re the concert - I would say six weeks post op is quite early days, you may be made of stronger stuff than me! I'd suggest you take cushions if you have a seat, or if you're likely to be standing for any length of time, maybe one of those shooting stick type things to take the weight off your leg?

Good luck with your op

sjhips