Is a bath possible?

Posted , 13 users are following.

Just passed the four week post op of a THR left leg and would really love a bath.

Is there a technique that can be used without buying hoists and the like? Somebody please say yes.

0 likes, 19 replies

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  • Posted

    I only have a shower but we went away for a week and the physio told me to kneel both on getting in and getting up...I diidnt try as there was a shower too..if you search post op instructions on the internet I think there was a diagram from one of the NHS sites about having a bath...just be careful you really dont need to take any risks!! Hope you're doing your exercises!

    Chris

  • Posted

    Thanks Chris. My wife has said no in any case so thats that wink

    As for the exercise I am a bit baffled. I had mine done in Oswestry and all I was told to do was Walk, Walk and Walk. Got my six week check up in two weeks so will ask if it was overlooked or is it something they dont feel is beneficial.

    Thanks smile 

     

    • Posted

      Again Kev...look on tne internet..I think the BMI hospital where I had mine done has their leaflet on there.

      If you message me your email I can send you the leaflet my physio gave me which includes some to do in the pool which were great. I had 4 hydrotherapy sessions after wk 4 and have 2 more gym based physio sessions.....today is week 11 for me and getting back to almost normal!

  • Posted

    I think you should wait until you have had your six week checkup. My consultant told me then that it is okay to take a bath and getting in is ok but you must not bend forward when getting out - you need to take the operated leg behind you. It all sounds rather tricky so I would not risk it.
  • Posted

    My instructions said not to try sitting in the bottom of the bath or getting into o out of the bath without using a board and seat for the first 10-12 weeks.  Other  - hospitals may be a bit less restrictive but 4 weeks seems a bit early. I'm coming up to 10 weeks and I am considering trying out my technique in a dry bath - much less embarrassing if you need outside help - in a couple of weeks or so. The other possibility after your 6 week check might be to look for a hot tub in a spa which has swimming pool type access which might be safer.
  • Posted

    You lot are no use whatsoever!!!!!! he he. I know it's too risky as am still in early days but am an impatient sod at times.

    Thanks for keeping me on the straight and norrow smile

     

  • Posted

    I was also told to wait until week 6, which I did and then found the bath really easy although kneeling to get out was hard as my knee/thigh muscles were still tight.

    I felt like I could have used the bath in week 5, but waited the extra week.

    I think everyone heals and rehabilitates at different speeds but the 6 week probation period is probably there for a reason :-)

     

  • Posted

    I showered as soon as the dressing came off, i think 7-10 days, i was just careful around the incision.  

     I had both hips replaced, 10 months apart, 2 different type procedures, and never used or needed a bath chair (?) or that toilet thing you put over the standard toilet.   You do not need any of that, save your money.  For getting into the tub, make sure you bend the knee of the operated leg and put your leg backward (bending the knee) it really makes it much easier to get in/out of the tub.

    • Posted

      Yeah, I've been showering with no problems. That first one was sooooooo gooooood smile

      Going to wait a few weeks until I'm more confident and flexible smile

  • Posted

    I was really lucky and called on my mum who has a wonderful bath with a door and seat for disabled people!.......sorry probably not very helpful to you either!
  • Posted

    HI Kevoowen,

                        I had my left total hip replacement on 21 Nov 2013 and like you it did my head in not being able to have a bath or access to a shower at my flat but eventually I was able to use my mother's bath as she has a bath lift and it is heaven so about once a week I have a bath at my mum's  I have now reacently  had  about 5 baths at my flat with no aids by kneeling down then raise my self up using my forearms leaning on the sides of the bath so I can straighten out my legs then to get out I roll onto all fores and hold onto the sides of the bath, kneel and stand up  REMEMBER I AM ROUGHLY 6 MONTHS POST OP and DON'T

    THINK I SHOULD BE DOING THIS but like you I had enough and take the chance, having said this I had to wait untill I was 6 months post op before the domciliary Occupational therapist would come out to assess me so now I have applied and waiting to arange an appointment. My brother kindly bought me the

    same bath lift as my mother's but because my bath has antie slip bobbles on the base of the bath the suction caps dont't work at the front of the bath lift so I am hoping it will be agreed that I need a bath lift and a report will be sent to the

    housing association I rent my flat from and I will get funding to change my bath

    so that I can use the bath lift.

                        Easy for me to say but try and be patient and VERY CAREFUL you don't want to dislocate your hip

                          I also have the phone near by because I live on my own so if I need

    help I can use the phone.

  • Posted

    I had my first bath after 7 wks and struggled to get out! Now I have been left with excruciating groin pain so take care!
    • Posted

      Hi Lynn

                 sorry to hear about the groin pain and hope you are ok

  • Posted

    HI 

        sorry to hear about the groin pain Ihope you are ok

  • Posted

    I am 8 weeks post op and am recovering well from groin pain caused by having a bath too soon! So my advise is DONT DO IT yet! 

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