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upcoming surgery

Posted , 11 users are following.

gavvy
gavvy

I am getting my right hip done in 4 and a half weeks from today and am asking what is the best advice on preparation for the op itself and coming home and coping with the pain...and excersizes. I need all the advice I can get. I live with my partner but would appreciate some help with this from former hip replacements.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • kristen888
    kristen888 gavvy

    Posted

    Hi Gavvy,

    This is good news, as the start of your new life post THR is just 4.5 weeks away!

    Everyone will tell you to faithlfully do your exercises (pre and post op), take your pain meds and stay ahead of the pain, as well as take a stool softener and/or Sennacot with the pain meds to prevent constipation, as well as drink your fluids....ice, ice, ice and elevate.

    My "extra" recommendations are: if your home is 2 stories, have 2 walkers and 2 raised toilet seats. It makes it easier for you and your caregiver. Also find a basket and load it with snacks, a water bottle, a book, your meds, thank you notes(postage & pen), an extra phone charger, a handout of your exercises, and a nice hand cream. Have your care give move this with you from room to room. Most anything you need will be right at hand, making you feel slightly independent and in charge.

    All will go well, just be patient. Your hip issues didn't happen overnight (most likely) and the recovery won't either!

    Best to you

    Kristen

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy gavvy

    Posted

    I think the two most useful things I had was a grabber for picking things up, including putting on your pants, and a long piece of material, a dressing gown chord would do, for lifting my operated leg in and out of bed. I was given one by the hospital. I was also given raised toilet seats by the hospital. I did buy a thing from Amazon for icing the wound but never used it. I was given crutches by the hospital but packed them in when I got home as I was rubbish with them. I used a stick outside and furniture surfed inside. I am sure that is not recommended though. I was petrified about coming home and was really surprised how able I was to do things. I had been able to use the shower in hospital and had a walk in one at home. I did not have a stool in the shower although some people have them, I just leant up against the glass bit. I found initially I could not stand for very long so cooking was a problem, although my sister was with me for the first week. I found I did not really need pain killers once I got home although I was given Tramadol and paracetamol. I did take the paracetamol for about a week along with the other drugs given such as anti coagulants.

  • cecelia96750
    cecelia96750 gavvy

    Posted

    hi gavvy, I'd like to add a bit to Kristens suggestions. cook and freeze as many meals as you need for at least a week or more. have easy slip on shoes or slippers, gowns instead of pants or pajamas. A picker upper for things on floor. A sock helper that really helps putting on compression stockings. i had a walker with a tray to help carry meals to a straight back chair. Dont expexpectbto sleep well for weeks but youll be walking within days!! BEST OF LUCK

  • jacqui23456
    jacqui23456 gavvy

    Posted

    Have easy clothes ready to wear and slip on shoes. I never wore socks for weeks as too hard to put on. Definitely get a grabber for picking things up. I found a hot water bottle very comforting at night as sleeping is a nightmare.

    You need to do your physio to aid recovery too.

    I would ask for a commode for during the night and have it right by your bed to save toilet trips in the dark.

    I am going in for my 2nd one tmw so fingers crossed. I also live on my own so just have to get on with it.

    Just be patient.

    Good luck

  • HLMUK
    HLMUK gavvy

    Posted

    Hi gavvy, a few more to add: if you have stairs, try and acquire an extra crutch as after the first few days you only need one to get upstairs, leave one at the bottom and one at the top, so eradicating having to carry one up/down when you get there. Also remove all loose floor matting, including the bathroom, you can always use an old towel and get someone remove it once you are out of shower. Cut your toenails day before op!!! Have a small handled bag that will hook over crutch handle so that you can take books, tablet, thermos upstairs when you need to lie down. Invest in a good heel cream, they will get sore. I you have a walk in shower, great suggest a seat, if not they will provide an over bath board, not the greatest but needs must, also a long handled squeegy/loofa to clean your feet. Instead of a grabber, I got an aid that had an s shaped crook at one end, for lifting stuff off the floor, pulling knickers/ trousers up and it had a shoe horn at the other, helpful for getting slip on shoes on. Stock up on E45 and bio oil for messaging scar after about 4 weeks. Hope this helps

    Helen

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