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Most helpful aids after THR?

Posted , 11 users are following.

Howeller
Howeller

I am having surgery on 30th June and wanted everyone's best tips for after the event. During another discussion I was reading someone advised satin pyjamas as it makes sliding in and out of bed easier! Sounds like a good tip. And where do you get the shower stool from and is a static excercise bike a good idea? All suggestions gratefully received.

2 likes, 26 replies

26 Replies

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  • rona60
    rona60 Howeller

    Posted

    Hi Howeller,

    The best to you on your up coming surgery.

    Tip #1 Follow your doctor instructions, take your time walking. You will probably have a therapist come to your house the first two weeks they want you to move and get better.

  • Jodi-France
    Jodi-France Howeller

    Posted

    I would suggest trimming your toenails right before you have surgery.

    It is gonna be a while before you can get at them again.

    I do have a very simple method for putting on socks and shoes since you are not supposed to bend at the waist past 90 degrees. Here is my method.

    Bring your socks & shoes in bed with you. Lay flat on ytour back and keeping your heel in contact with the mattress, drag your heel up towards your butt (your knee will bend).  Now your foot is close enough where you can put on socks & shoes. We can all reach our butt with our hand, right? We all need to do that whenever we use the toilet. Instead of reaching down to your foot, bring your foot up to where you can reach it. 

    I always wore long pajama pants because I used the pantlegs to grab on to, to lift up my leg and position it on pillows. In other words the pajama pants legs functioned like a sling for me.

    If you don't have one & can afford it an iPad is very handy it is just the right size to move around as you search for a somewhat comfortable position. A laptop is just not as handy as an iPad during recovery. Not a necessity obviously, but it is kind of nice.

    • Guest
      Guest Jodi-France

      Posted

      On all the paperwork I had before my op it actually told you NOT to cut your toe-nails for 1 week before your operation. I only got 5 days notice anyway so I couldn't cut mine lol.
    • renee01952
      renee01952 Guest

      Posted

      interesting .... not heard of that ... do they tell you why? 
    • annedi
      annedi Jodi-France

      Posted

      I cut my toenails before the op too. A word of warning though. My big toe is a lot longer than my others. You have to lie on your back after the operation and after 5 weeks my big toes became incredibly sore in the nail bed. I think this is the weight of the quilt pressing down on my toe. My toe is so sore I can't wear leather shoes now as the leather presses down and makes them hurt. You can get foot cages for the bed but I improvised and used a plastic storage box which I wish I had done from the start not when it was too late. I am off to the docs today as at 8 weeks the toes are no better and if anything worse. It's really impeding my walking as I can only wear plimsolls. the nurse thinks the toes are probably infected. It's a shame as my hip is coming along nicely!

      Anyway if you are in any doubt about your toes get some protection!

  • renee01952
    renee01952 Howeller

    Posted

    Good morning all .... the date is getting closer !!!!   I have a sock-aid - a piece of plastic on some kind of long rope - put sock over the plastic thing, put foot in and pull: plastic thing will put sock on foot  ... works perfectly ... still, now at 14 weeks post op ...big hug  

     

    • jenniferLouise
      jenniferLouise renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee, glad to know someone can use the Sock Aid.  My friend bought me one and, try as I might I still can't get the hang of it!  Any tips please?  I've tried hooking the top of the sock over the back of the plastic, no go.  Must be a knack I've yet to master.  The sock comes just so far and then I have to bend to pull the back up.  Good luck with your op.  Mine isn't due for another three months.  I'm trying to get myself organised, just wish there was more info available although this forum does help.
    • annedi
      annedi jenniferLouise

      Posted

      I had a sock aid as well but couldn't use it. However since they give you compression socks to wear I never wore socks on top of those for the six weeks. I don't think you  would ever get them on with a sock aid as they are so tight so my partner took them on and off every so often. WhenI had the bend all clear I could put socks on my self. it was hard at first because the muscles were stiff but I managed it by lying on the bed and sliding the feet towards me so I could reach. At 8 weeks I can do it normally!
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 Howeller

    Posted

    Re the toe nails , I had a good pedicure the week before and 4 weeks afterwards. It so happens it is a regular treat.

    one of the best things I bought was an implement to enable me to put lotion on my legs and feet which were very dry post op. Body lotion is put in the back, you can then roll the gadget over your skin the lotion is evenly distributed and the roller action of the small balls on the head give a massage at the same time. Still use it even though I can now reach

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK Howeller

    Posted

    Re Toe nails........you are not to cut them beforehand incase you nick yourself...there is a chance of infection....thats what I was told  anyway

    Love

    Eileen UK

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