Is there anything you wished you had done/or so glad you did prior to surgery?

Kept well hydrated no alcohol for few weeks before and a daily probiotic glad I did this both times .

Before: Married my wife - she was such a tower of strength through the recovery.

After: Kept a log of my recoveries and made a website, the address 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 for a good recovery

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(?)_/¯

 

It’s the little things which drove me nuts the first couple of weeks home! 

The shoes I put out for walking wouldn’t fit because of swollen feet - get a couple of pairs to hand.

Put a phone charger where you can reach it- mine was plugged in too low!

Have a ready store of easy to reach snacks. I am not a biscuit eater but I ate loads the first couple of weeks to supplement smaller meals as I dudn’t Feel like eating much but got hungry in the night! 

I read loads of magazines the first few weeks and then moved on to books . Also did puzzles on my phone .

Most of all get friends to call round - probably not the first week home - but I was so glad to see people really perked me up. 

I usually wear leggings and tunics but the leggings rubbed so wore dresses when I got dressed. Leave a few out just in case 

And good luck x

Have you got clothes that are easy to get on and off? Also a grabber, really useful, something to help you get your leg into bed, I was given one of these in hospital, something for icing your hip, you can always use frozen peas. I got something from Amazon but did not need it in the end.  I was given crutches at hospital but found them difficult to use, I bought a stick from Amazon. Some people like a rod with a sponge on the end for washing. Make sure you have everything you need at waist height or above, it is difficult to start scrummaging around in the back of cupboards. I had a walk in shower installed before my op so could shower when I got home. Let your friends know when you are coming home as it is really nice to see them. You may need some box sets, books, anyway something to do when not very mobile. 

A riser for the toilet. Don't know how to describe it, like a litttle kids booster seat in a restaurant. It fits on top of your toilet seat and raises you up higher.

Get mecuracomb and take a mecuracomb shower. This will kill strep and staph bacteria on your skin. You do not want infection anywhere on/in your body, as it will move right to the surgery site.

The doctors in France, check you into the hospital late afternoon the night before your surgery and you have to take a shower with mecureacomb the night before.

I don't know about other countries but in France I had to shave all my pubic hair, ugg. Doctor did not tell me that in advance and the nurse had to do it which was rather embarrassing.

Hi Hannah,

Have you got enough pillows on the bed. Sleeping on my back is awful, I have a pillow between legs, pillows down either side to stop my turning over when I do get some sleep, hubby has moved into spare room during my recovery. If you have drawers in freezer make sure things you want the most are in top drawer, keep crockery, saucepans etc, at hand level if necessary keep them on the work surface. I done exactly the same as you before op and thought I could cope as I am self sufficient and practical but, without hubby I would have found it difficult. I am six weeks on Wednesday and just starting to do more. Good luck with op.

If you haven’t already done it make sure you have loo seat risers, shoes that slip on but can’t slip off.  Your feet may be swollen for a time afterwards.  Grabbers are essential as you can’t bend to pick up anything.  A gizmo for putting on socks - Amazon has them and they work.  Loose clothes over your scar. Everything you’re likely to need - chargers etc. - within easy reach both by your bed and where you will be resting during the day.  If you come home with a zimmer you need a bit more room in hallways, landings etc.  Maybe a gentle laxative a couple of days before you go in so you’re ‘empty’!   I’m 6 days post op after a hip revision.  And finally lots of books, magazines, films to watch while you recover.  Good luck.

All good tips given already. Definitely get a reacher and a leg lifter strap. I put my bedside lamp on Alexa command so I didnt need to roll over and find the light in the dark. Raised toilet seat also. One thing AFTER surgery. Nobody told me this, No pedicures. I'm certain I ended up with a strep B infection due to the tech accidentally going too deep on my skin under my toenail. Bad infection 8 weeks out after that. Doc concurs that is VERY likely.

Hi Hannah 

All the very best with your upcoming new hip! Two and a half weeks post op now for me ... second hip in 12 months! 

All the advice above is really good ... 

but the best advice I can give you is to be kind to yourself and listen to your body !  If your hurting slow down.... if your tired have a sleep 

Eat small and often   Don’t put yourself under too much pressure.  Don’t give yourself time goals.... let yourself heal ❤️

Have someone to stay for a few days  if you live alone.... 

lots of nice pillows for bed ..... 

I’ve got one of the really long v shaped body pillows and I find it helps with sleeping on your back as it supports all the way down and sort of keeps me safe... with a pillow between legs I feel safe and comfortable 

I had it from amazon. .... best money I’ve spent.   Didn’t have one last time and I’m sleeping much better this time 

Anyway , good luck Hannah .... keep thinking positive thoughts and you’ll do fantastically well .... 

take care and blessings to you, 

Lynne xxxx