When did you start doing housework after operation

Sue, I didn't do any housework at all for at least 3 months. By 3 weeks I was able to get some food from the fridge for myself and do most of my self-care. I took my first shower at 9 days, using a bathtub transfer bench. You sit down on the seat, which extends over the edge of the tub, swing your legs over the tub (I needed help with this from husband for 2 weeks), and then sit during your shower. I couldn't have done it any other way as I was too wobbly to stand alone in the shower for a long time. 

You are in a time of constant accomodation as your body heals. I recommend resting as much as possible to allow your body to do that healing!

I havent had my op yet but i can tell you 11 days after i wouldbt be attempting anything as complicated as that. That the time to rest and heal. I keep saying it isnt a competition and if you rush you could make things a lot worse for yourself

I'm going to jump in here with my two cents' worth - insofar as fatigue goes, my take is that there's a finite amount of energy available to us upon waking each day - picture an energy pie - and right now an enormous amount of that pie is going to healing.  That doesn't leave much for housework. Healing takes precedent!  : )  When you're tired, rest!  I found (and still find, 18 days later) that even 5-10 minutes of just plain rest makes all the difference.

I personally wouldn't lift my leg over the tub side yet. We have an extremely deep tub, but even so - I'd stick to a transfer bench or sponge baths, for now.  

Hi Sue,

Because I live alone, and only because if that, I have had to do things for myself around the house, but I only do what I deem to be necessary - simple meals, washing-up, washing (with my grabber) and making my bed.  Plus my personal care of course.  I space things out and rest inbetween and make sure I never break any of the rules.  If I had help I would have done less.

My shower is over the bath and personally I would not risk it yet.  I'd kill for a shower but until I feel safe it's a strip wash for me and hair washing over the kitchen sink.  

I understand Skidget's energy pie and agree with that analogy.  If you have to do anything, do it slowly and take frequent rests.  

Cels xxx

I'm day 18 today. Yesterday I cleaned my kitchen (with care) and it took me twice as long as it usually does and I was exhausted afterwards, so I can sympathise on that front.

Cooking wise - I've been able to prepare simple meals since I came home, not going to try anything complex!

As for a shower, technically I'm banned as my shower is over my bath. My physio's told me this was a definite no. But I desperately wanted to wash my hair, and strip washing isn't really cutting it! However, using a step I am able to get in and out with support and with my other half right there in case I fall or slip, and him passing me what I need so I don't have to keep twisting round to pick things up, I have managed to shower a couple of times. Don't feel brave enough to do it on my own though, the risk of slipping and hurting myself is too high. I think it depends on the person and you have to listen to your body. All your energy will be used up to heal the surgery for a while to come yet. X

Hi Sue

I know what you mean about the after care not being very good. It makes you feel very vulnerable and all you want is someone to talk to. I got in the shower after 2 weeks and my shower is over the bath. My husband wanted to make sure I was ok, he watched me sit in the side of the bath and gradually raise my operated leg onto the top then into the bath. It was easy to get my other leg in the bath and have a lovely shower. As for housework I haven't attempted much. I put washing in with my grabber but I'm lucky I'm only diddy so I don't have to bend far. The ironing is done by someone else and I only have to use my small Hoover. I'm now 9 weeks post op and I still get tired when I try to do anything. The main thing is to look after yourself, I always say the house will be there when I'm not.

Brenda xxx

I am 19. Days today and managed to sort some clean and dirty washing whilst sitting on the bed today , plus bleach sink and a few others bits , but now feel exhausted . I had to do something today as feeling really frustrated not being able to , but I have been very careful whilst doing stuff . I have a wet room with a chair thankfully so showering has not been a problem - make sure you don't over do it

X

Thanks everyone I've rested all day since my spurt of housework and feel ok now. I think you are all right in what you are saying keep your energy for the healing process.

Don't think I'll risk the shower I'll ask the physio on Thursday.

I think I'll do just a little bit a day say 5 to 10 mins of light cleaning and make sure I rest afterwards.

Best wishes to you all, take care

Sue xx

Hi Sue, 

Like Cels, I live alone and also did what was absolutely necessary - I bought a Dyson, cordless and lightweight, which was/is very easy to use - I could not wait for someone to do it for me because there were crumbs and other things on this tile floor - shower after staples were removed (day 14) with help of Home health nurse who also straighten my bed - 

I think what you just said is really good - do a little bit , minding of course the restrictions like 90 degree and (for me) pivotting - The grabber is invaluable indeed - Once I started driving I had one in my car - I had dropped my keys and had to wait for a stranger to come by to ask if he could pick it up for me - after that incident, grabber in the car - 

You are doing great, darling ... Listen to your body - she knows what is best for you ...

big warm hug

renee

 

Wow! I love reading all the comments...I live alone also and am having my left hip replacement on 4/5. I'm having trouble cleaning now because of pain and unsteadiness and using a cane. I'll stay with my brother for a few days then go home. I've never had an operation and don't know what to expect. I will definitely keep everyone posted! From what I hear it's exhausting. I figured I do a little bit at a time, kind of like I do now!

I find this thread very helpful as I am 15 days post op. I haven't attempted to do any house work or anything really since I have help. But I feel so lazy like I should be doing something I get up and walk with walker every 1-2 hrs but I get wore out