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Taking Bath After LHR

Posted , 14 users are following.

linda93269
linda93269

Has anyone started taking baths since their hip replacement?  I'm 8 months out from surgery and would like to start up again but I'm afraid.

3 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • Debina
    Debina linda93269

    Posted

    I started swimming again at 5 weeks, and was allowed in the hot tub at 8 weeks. I don't take baths, but I'd assume that a bath would have been approved at 8 weeks, too. At 8 months out, if you have no wound issues, a bath sounds reasonable to me. Just take your time settling in and getting out. You should check with your surgeon if you have concerns.

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure linda93269

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

    Before I managed getting down in the tub I practiced a few days with the techniques the physio worked with me before attempting a bath.  See on you tube. Also try to take a bath when someone is home in case you need that added security or someone to help.I was surprised how easy it was , after practice , which helped  worked up confidence and knowing someone was available in case help was needed. 

    If you have handles placed on bath walls available on amazon , that is also a big help pulling up using secured bath handles for tub and shower is helps with  protection from falling .Shower chair can be helpful untii your ready. Lots of helpful aides online like non slip matts ...

    Wish you all the best and I believe it’s normal to express some hesitation. When your ready to try once practiced technique on floor is complete to feel strong enough to bend & get in and out in time you can do it when your ready. No reason to rush if feeling hesitant. 

     

  • sjhips
    sjhips linda93269

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    I was told to wait till 3 months after my thr before having a bath.  I bought a low (non-slip) step to help me get in and out, though I didn't need it in the end. I get in by leaning forward with my hands on either side of the tub and lift my legs one at a time over the side  behind me. Then I sit down while supporting most of my weight on my arms. You might find you go down the last few inches with a bit of a bump - a bath pillow to land on initially might help! Getting out is the reverse procedure. A nurse friend suggested that if it was difficult getting up to standing to have a towel within easy reach to put round the taps and pull yoursef up with, but you may manage without that. I practised getting in and out first fully clothed in a dry bath, to build up my confidence. And I agree with hope4cure that it's a good idea if you can to have someone within shouting distance the first time. Good luck and enjoy your first bath for eight months. Bliss!

    • linda93269
      linda93269 sjhips

      Posted

      Thank you for the detailed instruction!  I have yet to physically sit on the floor or try to get up off the floor so I'm scared about sitting down into the tub.  I tried to put my weight on blended knees and it hurt the leg that was operated on.  I don't know if I can get out by pushing up with my arms.  I was getting first to a kneeling position and then pushing up from there.  I like the idea of a towel around the faucets to help me up.  Did you have any pain sitting on floor level?

    • sjhips
      sjhips linda93269

      Posted

      Hi Lnda

      I think sitting in a tub is much easier than sitting on (or getting up and down from) the floor. You have the tub sides there to lever yourself up and down with, and also to keep you steady. Maybe practice a bit by pushing yourself up from sitting in a chair with arms? I didn't have any pain at all sitting in the tub, and the enjoyment of the hot water and being able to lay back and relax was just wonderful. Don't let fear hold you back!

       

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK linda93269

    Posted

    8 months is fine, I was told no limits to swimming at 12 weeks.
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      wrong button ....  to continue .... I think I was allowed to bathe at 12 weeks too, certainly there should be no problem at 8 months unless you have special circumstances like infected wound.
  • judith12644
    judith12644 linda93269

    Posted

    Hi, I was told after 3 months that it would be ok, but at first I found it quite tricky getting in and out. If you had grab handles it would be easier. Maybe practice sitting on the floor and getting up first? Good luck, hope you manage it soon. 
  • tom50748
    tom50748 linda93269

    Posted

    If your wound has healed successfully you're waterproof.  So go for it.

  • lori25353
    lori25353 linda93269

    Posted

    I’m 8 months out and I have Linda. Just be careful getting in and out. I love soaking in bath and body uculiptus   It’s so relaxing. Just be careful making your bed. 
  • Saltspringer48
    Saltspringer48 linda93269

    Posted

    Hi there

    I've been taking baths since 3 months post op. Have a bar inside so it helps. Make sure you gave non slip bottom. Started by going in knees first. It's bliss. Talk to your physio for some tips. Then practice in dry bath. Build up those muscles. By the way I'm 14 months post. Game changer.

    • margaret45049
      margaret45049 Saltspringer48

      Posted

      Hi Saltspringer48!

      I was interested to read your reply to the bath issue, especially as you are 14 months post op. Me too (roughly), Nov  2016! 

      On the whole I'm very pleased with my LTHR, very active with aqua aerobics and some zumba weekly. BUT I'm finding I'm still getting regular discomfort in the new hip, mainly  round the outside hip area. I'm wondering if you ever still get discomfort, enough to take a painkiller? Maybe I need to get some more physio, just hoping it's only muscular and will improve.  Thanks.  Margaret 

    • Saltspringer48
      Saltspringer48 margaret45049

      Posted

      Hi Margaret

      I periodically get a little ache but nothing serious. Muscle not bone. I did have a recent visit with an osteopath. That helps. And I see a chiropractor often. Do you see either? Susan

    • margaret45049
      margaret45049 Saltspringer48

      Posted

      Hi Susan

      Thanks a lot for the reply. I do think it's only muscular, not sure what the buttock muscles are called - glutes?! I've arranged to get further physio with the  gp practice so lets see if that helps. I just assumed that if I was doing aqua aerobics x3 pw + 1x zumba, and a fair amount of walking that would  be enough and not need to continue the exercises I was given initially, I will try anything to get right though!

    • Saltspringer48
      Saltspringer48 margaret45049

      Posted

      Me too! Although I must admit to hating aquafit. Hate the chlorine. But I walk and run up and downstairs. But the stretching makes a difference. I'm taking a private Pilates vlass on Friday to work on 'at home' exercises. I am inherently lazy I think. But I really don't want to lose it and so it's worth exploring what is right for you. Keep me posted

      Susan

    • linda93269
      linda93269 margaret45049

      Posted

      Hi.  I'm not noticing pain.  I'm just afraid to finally sit in the bathtub (or on the floor).  I've tried kneeling and it is uncomfortable 

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