When can I take care of my own feet?

Dear Pat

I understood that with the anterior approach one was allowed to do much more in the way of bending than with the posterior method. Perhaps your question should be addressed to your surgeon.

Putting your socks on is easily done with a cheap and simple sock aid which I found could also enable me to put on those elasticated stocking things.

Toe nails is a bit of a challenge I have to say but six months on from a posterior approach no real problem though it was earlier on.

Cheers Richard

Putting on socks - I used a sock aid (see picture), until I could get down to do it at around 10 to 12 weeks.

Toenails, I left them a bit longer, about 4 months.

Posterior approach THR.

Graham

I cannot answer your question yet. Here is where I am.

I am 80 years old and have had 3 stents installed-no heart attack.  My only other hospital problem has been getting a new shoulder-good health otherwise.

Posterior procedure.

Day 1 & 2: in hospital 

In the following days cited. I have not taken any pain meds yet 

Day 3: Getting home no problem-just followed instructions-now that the hip was done tryng to understand how to organize the house needed changes. Which chair? How many pillows? What to use to get up out of chair? Where to sleep? These would all change as the days went by. I found out what better or worse means. My wife, always my hero, was awesome.

I did the basic therapy for the day and I felt fine. I am walking fine.

That night we got me into our bed which we thought would work well because it is like a hospital bed. The head and foot can be adjusted. No good. (I simply could not use the leg wedge provided in the hospital. It did not work in the hospital as I wound up in the chair every night.) So we decided to use the couch which would keep me on my back. We put some barriers next to the couch.  I slept for three hours and had to get up. Yes, she was there to help.  Anyway it was somewhat of a fitful night.

Day 4:Thanksgiving-The therapist showed up and we went through some extra exercises. I again felt fine.

Sleeping was about the same. I was sleeping during the day sitting up. I used an airplane pillow. I am still feeling only discomfort-not pain. Eating normal. No problem walking.

Day 5: My leg is swelled-the hip and calf about 11/2 /  2 inches larger. We were concerned because no where were we told to expect swelling. So we called the VNA visiting nurse association.A nurse was dispatched. We began icing and raising the leg.. In the meantime I looked on line and found this site which affirmed that some people had swelling-it was a relief. The nurse affirmed it was onl swelling and not a blood clot. Sleeping improved but still somewhat fitful

Day 6: Therapist shows up and we do some exercises and he also affirms swelling is just trauma.

Sleeping still fitful.Walking good. Struggling with swelling.

Day 7: Sunday       Walking well. Icing leg a lot-keeping elevated as much as possible. Doing exercises.

Struggling with swelling.

Day 8: Therapist show and we do our workout-helpful with ideas and knowledgeable about other folks problems. Struggling with swelling. Sleeping a little better but still getting up a few times at night. Sleeping during the day a lot.

Day 9: Therapist shows. Walking getting better-went outside for a walk. Still no real pain just limping along.

While I still got up two times I slept much better-a good 8 hours.  Still struggling with swelling.

I have decided to do this chronologue because It might help. I will be glad to answer specific questions. I will do a complete update every few days.

Good luck>

Socks and tights I used the Soxon  aid the hospital gave me, for around 3 months.  When I did put on my socks/tights  after it was not a problem as could cross operated leg over below knee, now just lift leg up with bended knee. for tying shoelaces i put my foot on the stairs and leaned in the opposite direction and was able to tie them up after a bit of huffing and puffing. i also used a long handled shoe horn to help get my shoes on.  Toe nails took ages, and i cannot remember exactly. I had a friend who is a beauty therapist come in and give me a pedicure once the stockings were off and she used to cut my toenails for me on a regular basis till i could. 

I am 40 and had posterior. they didn't give me the go ahead to sort of lift restrictions until 3 months. My PT guy (also a friend) for got to tell me to cut toe nails as low as possible before surgery. He laughed when he heard my 5 yr old son cut them for me. I used a truck wash brush in the shower until recently. I am now trying to bend operated leg over the opposite knee to do socks. Its a pretty funny show to watch and my kids laugh at me. So at least someone getting a kick out it. The sock aid works great! Especially short socks. I have bad back problems also that limit movement.

Good luck

Podiatrist better make good money! So they can take care of there parents! I had a huge swelling problem day 8 and was ordered on my back for a week with leg in air wrapped and on ice, not to move unless going to toilet. My 8 year old daughter loved painting my toes during that time, then the boy finally cut them down. There is a ladies toe nail salon thingy next door to my PT clinic. My buddy kept trying to get me to go there after PT each visit. I have had some pain and rough times and still in pain. But some good laughs along the way.

I suggest going to a podiatrist and letting them trim your toenails until you doctor says you can bend further than 90 degrees at the waist.  You should have been given a list of precautions letting you know what not to do and for how long

My toe nail clipper is quite long and I was able to clip them at 5 weeks and then used a long nail file to smooth them. They are still not looking perfect at 8 weeks but I can easily reach them now. I used a sock aid for the first 6 weeks and can now put socks on without it but I scrunch the sock up and push my toes in then pull it back and over my heel rather than bend my leg into an awkward position. 

I’ve been doing a clinical Pilates class at the hospital from week 6 and it’s surprising how much you can do with proper advice. 

Regards

Ann