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When did you start doing housework after operation

Posted , 20 users are following.

susyp
susyp

Hi I have so many questions which I should of asked but you don't know what you need to know until you need to know it , if that makes sense.

I'm day 11 post THR and decided I could do a little bit more around the house. I ironed for about 20 mins making sure not to bend , filled and emptied the washing machine (using my grabber which I'm finding invaluable ) and now feel absolutely exhausted. My operated foot is puffed up so I'm now resting it. Is this too soon.

What time span do you think I should give.

Also I haven't braved a shower yet as it's over the bath. I think I could lift my leg over from behind if I used a small step. I won't do this alone though. How long did you take to do this.

Sorry for all the questions but after care is not very good to say the least. I was never advised about these things. I know everyone will be different but just trying to get an idea.

Thanks

Sue xx

1 like, 32 replies

32 Replies

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  • lors23
    lors23 susyp

    Posted

    I was issued with a bath board and toilet seat raisers before my first thr in dec. The hospital assesed what l would need at home to help out so l was able to have a shower right away. Like everyone says the first couple of weeks l never done any housework until l was a bit more mobile and could do certain things above waist height it just took time fot my body to tell me ifcl was up to it. Don't rush it as you might do more damage

    Laura xx

    • susyp
      susyp lors23

      Posted

      I was sent home with a grabber and a raised toilet seat. No one assessed the house I just took measurements in on the height of my sofa and bed.

      The shower is over the bath so I'm a little apprehensive to try yet but I feel I need one sooner rather than later.

      Best wishes in your recovery

      Sue x

    • CelsB
      CelsB lors23

      Posted

      Hi Lors,

      I asked for a bath board but o/t shook her head and said 'No, no showering over the bath for 3 months!'  I should cocoa!  I bought a bath board anyway and can now swing my legs over the bath whilst seated and soak my feet in a bowl.  I tried standing up but I didn't feel safe.  For some reason I put the bath board at the end away from the shower, I think because I wanted to lift my operated leg in last and the other way round I'd have to lift it in first.  I might try moving the seat to the other end and see what happens.

      Cels xx

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK CelsB

      Posted

      Cels, I sat down on a bath board (with a seat back!) and showered sitting down for 6 weeks. It was heavenly to take a hot, lathery shower every day. I looked forward to it so much. 
    • CelsB
      CelsB AnnieK

      Posted

      It won't be long Annie.  My nurse friend has just changed my dressing and put my last one on.  Tiny bit of seepage (awful word) but not much.  They're not waterproof so I'll leave it on until the weekend and then go dressing-free amd maybe try my first shower.  I'm excited at the thought.

      She has been in the theatre during hip replacements when she worked in orthopaedics.  She had some interesting tales to tell eek

      She's retired now so things have probably changed.

      She says I have a beautiful scar cheesygrin

  • lynn66084
    lynn66084 susyp

    Posted

    I'm totally lazy, I want to protect myself, I don't want to have a permanent limp anymore, had six yr of that.Also need to be fit to go back to work.

    I'm lucky though because my hubby and son don't work a lot of hours.  I won't use my shower because it's over the bath until my consultant gives the go ahead. Got told off from physio for opening the washer door, even though it was only once, because you have to bend, even using the leg behind thing. But I have help, I'm pleased I'm not alone for this. I really don't know how you cope when your by yourselves. Well done.

    Lynn xx

  • Lallydye1
    Lallydye1 susyp

    Posted

    Hi Sue

    I understand where you are coming from.  It does make you feel more normal when you are able to do these thing for yourself.  I am lucky in that I have a walk in shower and had a waterproof dressing so was showering from day 3.  In fact showering was part of the 'exam' I had to pass  in order to graduate from hospital.  I would hate not to be able to shower but getting in the bath would be very risky I think. I did always need assistance to get my TEDs on and off though for 6 weeks which was very annoying (to both myself and hubby). However re doing the washing.  No way did I do that biggrin

    I am still pleading infirmity when it comes to housework.. wearing a bit thin with hubby now though especially when I am back at workbiggrin

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK Lallydye1

      Posted

      Oh that first shower was so wonderful to 'wash off' the operation - I had mine on the morning of day two.  I think it was also part of the exam, but I think I surprised the nurses by doing it before they came in to see me as I was up peeing all darned night long anyway. sad

      Goodness only knows how I got the TEDs off - with the help of the long handled shoehorn.

      Graham - 🚀💃

  • linda20838
    linda20838 susyp

    Posted

    I just found this and am so excited to find those that are experiencing the same things I am.

    I had my THR 17 days ago (Feb 15). Am I expecting too much to think I should be able to walk without a cane by now? Is anyone else experiencing knee pain? I am so anxious to do some light housecleaning. Is it too early to clean bathrooms as long as I don't twist or bend?

    Thank you so much for any advice.

  • linda20838
    linda20838 susyp

    Posted

    I just found this and am so excited to find those that are experiencing the same things I am.

    I had my THR 17 days ago (Feb 15). Am I expecting too much to think I should be able to walk without a cane by now? Is anyone else experiencing knee pain? I am so anxious to do some light housecleaning. Is it too early to clean bathrooms as long as I don't twist or bend?

    Thank you so much for any advice.

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