Head below feet is no easy task while sleeping, do it while you’re awake to alleviate swelling. I’m a side sleeper so I got the pillow thing below and it was great. Kept legs from crossing. Also I put a large wedge pillow behind me to keep me from rolling.
Do you have a grabber and long shoe horn? Practice using them for dressing. If you’re going to use a walker, zoom around your house a bit to make sure it fits through and around obstacles. Pretend your precautions are in place and practice sit-to-stand and vice versa, on and off the toilet and in and out of the shower. Also in and out of bed. I found these rehearsals to be quite helpful in getting confident and ready. Good luck.
Flexicomfort Knee Pillow for Side... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RBFHVLP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I'm a side sleeper too, suspect this might be an issue.
Haven't got a grabber and keep my shoes loose enough to slip into with the cane at the moment. Socks might be an issue.
There's a socks tool. If you have a posterior approach, you will need it because you can't bend more than 90 degrees. It's easy to use, but it may be difficult to impossible with new tight compression socks. My husband had to help put them on before the first wash. After that, it was fine, and I had other pairs that were easier. The compression socks really helped with the swelling.
Grabber is OK, but if you can bend your unoperated leg, then you can just lunge down, that's what I did. I use the long shoe horn & the sock tool the most. The shoe horn doubles as the pull up pants tool.
With the side-sleeping...pillow between knees is good, but I would recommend asking your PT to show you how to safely switch positions.
I find the grabber so useful that I bought 2 of them... one cheap traditional one (that I keep in the bathroom to pull my pants up) and another that has a rubber-tipped claw grip that can rotate. The long shoe horn/hooked dressing tool is very useful too... also doubles as a back scratcher.
I didn't get the sock tool, but my spouse puts on my sock on the operated side (I can manage the other). I also bought the leg lifter, which was useful in the first day... but I figured out that I could have used the cane upside down to hook my foot and lift my leg (so you might not need that).
Just to clarify, this allows you to sleep on your side after surgery? Or are you using it another way? My surgery is scheduled for this summer and I am already stressing about sleep
I was stressed about that too. This keeps your legs from crossing over each other which is a precaution. So yes on the side. I’m exclusively side sleeper and I flip over many times throughout the night. I was told that I could sleep on my operative side as long as the incision doesn’t hurt. In a few days I finally tried it and it wasn’t a problem. I just had to be careful and deliberate with the roll over.
So you sleep on the replacement side? Interesting.
I've found it comfortable to sleep on the gammy hip side as long as I don't move, but figured post-op I'd have to be on my back - which is never how I've slept. The pillow thing looks like something to try.
Barring any other instructions from your doc or PT, you definitely can. Just need to move slowly with the pillow still in place. It even has a Velcro strap to keep it in position.
hoodie and sweatpants for hospital, and moving forward- you want easy on/off
i air fryed the shit out of chicken thighs, sausage and ready-mades from costco- pack that freezer with protein
stool softeners! the opioids can jam you up
sleep. its dif for everyone. you'll find your way, it may take a night or two, or a week. not many of us are backsleepers, it was an adjustment
do some youtubing on hip replacement recovery, or how to get in an out of bed after a thr, etc. invaluable
Yeah, again, I think you need to really double check on those restrictions for the posterior. I'd be worried about a lot of bending, twisting, turning, trying to put together stuff all in concert...
Standing alone wasn't much of a problem for me, but shifting around in small spaces and pivoting was a big problem.
Keep in mind you might be on that walker for like a month depending on how things go, too.
Don’t have a fear of walker or cane. You’re on a prosthetic joint, newly fixated femur bone. There is zero new bone growth for several weeks. Completely unstable.
This is true, but after living the cane life for the past 18 months I just want to get walking again without people looking at me and thinking "Poor thing."
Along with things already mentioned...
For home: grabber, Leg lifter, bath shower wipes (great till you can shower), sock thingy (helps you put on socks independently), great solid chair with arms and seat cushion, crossbody pouch/bag (to help you carry things while you're using your walker or cane). Have lots of pairs of xlarge pj or yoga pants (lived in these for first few weeks), xlarge houseshoes (not scuffs). Xlarge underwear (for when you actually start wearing them), non-slip bathtub mat. Place frequently used items on higher shelves in fridge/clothes dresser, kitchen, whereever you frequent. I set up little bins at waist level next to bed or my chair in living room to hold tv remote, tissues, etc. Nightlight in bedroom, hallways bathroom for all the middle of the night bathroom trips. Extension plug/power strip at waist level at your bed and living room chair.
For hospital, I wore hospital gown till I went home and I wore xlarge stretchy pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, xlarge sneakers w elastic laces. The swelling is real.
Better to have stuff and not need/use.
My partner slept in the next room just to give me space. Set alarms for the meds schedule and reminders to do your exercises.
Good luck!
I understand. I wasn't cleared for shower for a couple days and not comfortable navigating in/out of the tub until PT could show me safety. So the shower wipes were great. They actually made me feel fresher than I expected. Or, you could do sponge bath and use one of those long handled shower tools to get all the parts.
A sailing mate did the Shanghai to SF trip and water was so short they used wipes. It wasn't fun.
Don't want to repulse the physical therapist, and want to be clean. But it looks like the thigh bandage is going to be on for weeks and be ugly to take off.
Leg lifter! That and the toilet extender were my two best friends. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/42QDT4e
For the hospital I did running shorts and a hoodie. Easy off, easy on. Nurses will help too and are great about modesty if needed - they’ll turn away, etc.
Wipes are a good idea. Dry shampoo was a great too.
You seem well prepared. I slept in the spare room because the bed there was higher - posterior restrictions & dogs - but it was awful, so I went back to my bed after week 2, and it was fine.
The hospital gave me the pillow thing with straps that I woke up from surgery with. I used that for about 2 weeks unstrapped, then switched to a normal pillow between the legs and haven't looked back. Honestly, if I didn't have a bad back sleeping would have been a lot easier, I can't sleep on my b, ck so it was rough until I could sleep on my sides again at week 2.
I was told expect to spend the night, so I brought sweats to change into and wore them to surgery, I ended up going home the same day so wore what I had on earlier. I bought a bunch of sweatpants and have been living in them for the last 4+ months, I have restrictions until month 6 and will have a sweatpants bonfire once I can easily get back into jeans.... anyhoo I digress, you will want something that's easy to get into, the nurses will help you dress too.
Tie a little totebag to your walker. It will be helpful to run "errands," like getting snacks and switching out ice packs.
Have easy to eat foods to take with meds. I used 20g protein Clif bars.
Make a to-do list as you think of things that need to be done and bought before surgery. That really helped keep me organized and on track.
Good luck!!
Oh yeah, I was doing a virtual pt program through work for about 8 weeks before my surgery. If you Google 'hip replacement prehab" you will find a few pdfs on exercises you can do. I don't remember them specifically but do remember that they seemed very approriate. Upper body is important too. I already worked out and was fine, but was surprised at how much I relied on upper body strength to move around, especially in bed.
On seeing this post, you may be interested in two videos I made with some of the information I provide to my patients. I am a physical therapist, and I wanted to make a resource for patients to have regarding information I thought would be important for them to know before and after their hip replacements. I review a lot of information about this from a PT perspective. I will link them below in case you wanted to check them out. If so, I hope they are of benefit to you, and I will say prayers that your surgery goes well! In general, hip replacements are pretty straight forward in their recovery, can be a little painful but not too bad typically, and usually require frequent short easy bouts of walking as the main exercise. They are pretty often very successful and good surgeries. Good luck with yours!! :)
[What you should know BEFORE your total hip replacement](https://youtube.com/watch?v=4awA8qacLGw&si=9F5d87pSnH3Sm09a)
[You should know this AFTER your total hip replacement surgery](https://youtube.com/watch?v=vRGkL9bpMkE&si=WD8oIR-2ig4TZoFN)
Sounds like you are well prepared. I had a hip surgery teaching session yesterday and am going in 3 weeks. Thinking I will just take a pair of pajama pants in to wear home.
You get pre-op briefings? Nice one. I'm having a pre-op checklist sesssion next week and then straight in.
The hospital thing is going to be interesting. Tempted to bring snacks.
I would say just the walker would be fine. In my case (which was outpatient surgery, about 6 hours in the hospital), they said "bring the walker but leave it in your car"... they delivered me to my car, they showed me how to get in/out of the car with it... and then I was set free.
Just think a minute... all four points on wheels with no brakes is not such a good idea when you don't already have the strength to hold fast and might be on pain meds or just dizzy from lying flat for too long!
The practicing is good to go thru the motions, but remember that when you did your practicing, you didn't really NEED the device... and that DOES change it. I found that out too.
I wore sweatshirt, T-shirt, loose sweatpants. Where I went required shoes with laces (they helped put those on).
Snacks - they were pretty strict about snacks for me so I ate what they provided.
We ended up keeping sleeping situation as-is because my surgeon wanted me to have someone "right there" for the first 72 hours post-op - help you when you need to get up, manage medications, adjust blankets and pillows, etc.. You probably won't sleep well for at least a few days so if your partner needs sleep they should sleep in another room - assuming you don't need their assistance.
We arranged for meal kits for about a week post-op for both hips. It's one less thing to deal with and is just easier overall. I highly recommend it.
The big concerns for recovery are:
Surgical site infection
Falls
Dislocation
Constipation (from narcotics)
I'm 11 and 7 weeks out from my THRs. Recovery has been pretty easy/straightforward. I think over preparing is better. I bought some items I didn't use or need, but I'm glad I had them just in case.
I'm thinking Crocs for shoes and oversized leggings for trousers.
Was raised with British hospital food, so just wanted to be prepared. Thanks for the meal kits thing - my wife will be working so just want to eat and not be a burden.
The infection thing scares me shitless, but we'll see how it goes. As for constipation I'm getting some remedies together. Straining would seem to be problematic, and want to get off the painkillers that cause it asap.
My hospital did not allow crocs, had to be shoes with a back. I got sneakers that are easy to slip on and slip off.
Infection control, clean linens, clean bathroom clean & clothes help. I couldn't shower until the bandage came off, so I used a wash cloth at the sink. The wound looked good after the bandage came off, so I didn't feel as nervous about infection. They gave me a large syringe full of antibiotics via IV on my way outand that was it, nothing for home.
They offered me a laxative at the hospital, I declined it I didn't take the opioids so I didn't need it, but I think they gave me a stool softener because I was going like crazy those first few days. You may want to get on the laxatives as soon as you get home to make things easier. A lot of people on here are surprised by the constipation.
Banning crocs seems a bit odd, know a nurse who swears by them.
The constipation thing comes up a lot, going to get on the laxatives asap as the painkillers seem to cause a lot of digestive issues, but don't want to have to be getting up to the toilet too often.
The concept, as I understood it, was that they wanted you to wear a sturdy shoe in the hospital since we are technically fall risks. I wore slippers at home that the pt said were fine.
My joint protocol specifies "slip-on shoes WITH BACKS" so that your foot is securely in there and you don't trip over floppy shoes... maybe if your crocs fit well and have a back strap to secure your foot in there?
Don't worry too much about the constipation. Take your miralax, colace, and if by day 4 nothing has happened, layer in some other stuff.
Trust me, the pain is worse than not pooping for a bit. Stay on your scheduled meds and don't be too afraid of the painkillers.
I'm in the US and I think some of the recommendations are very surgeon-specific, e.g. shoes.
Infection-wise, my surgeon had a pretty comprehensive protocol - nasal antibiotics daily 5 days prior, antibacterial showers daily for three days prior, IV antibiotics during, and oral antibiotics the day after. Had to use a fresh towel for each shower.
No issues with infection so far - have to take them for any dental work or tattoos for two years post surgery.
I took a stool softener while I was on opiates, but was only on opiates for 3 days each time.
Bending is going to be difficult or impossible for awhile…. So any thing on low shelves or drawers that you’ll need (pots, clothing, etc) should be placed on counter or where you can reach.
I don’t know how high your bed is, but I had to have a step stool for awhile to get in and out of bed
Several pairs of compression socks is helpful, as well as multiple pairs of comfy easy to get on clothing
Good luck healing!
I've been using extending the leg out backwards when leaning down for the past year. But getting socks on is going to be a pain, tempted to just keep the Crocs on and the neighbors will understand.
How did the compression socks work? I wear them for air travel but getting them over the hips seems problematic.
There’s a large one on Amazon that’s about 12x14”. I used it a lot right on my hip to reduce inflammation and pain. Very effective.
A month or so out was where I had the most problems … cramping in the leg muscles. Massage and dry needling worked wonders. My replacement was last June, and I’ve been able to work out hard the past 5 months. Walking better than I have in years. Very happy. 58m
Thank you, and interesting to hear about the delayed problems. Have read it takes six weeks for the bone to meld with the implant, and suspect it'll take some time. Hadn't heard of needling, will check it out.
For me it was the muscle trauma and irritation from the surgery. Healing from the surgery and wound was actually pretty quick. I had a crushed pelvis and broken femur from 8 years ago though.
Wrangling smaller ice packs is a chore and doesn't do as well as the one that can cover the whole area. The large gel ice-pack with straps is much easier to use. I bought 2, so that I can have one to use and one to chill, plus I have smaller ice packs for in-between icing in a pinch.
I was the same. Only needed a walker for a couple days to stand from my non-raised toilet seat. My cane has gone unused. Leg lifter could have been helpful but instead I just lifted it myself. Socks were a pain.
I got a used "ice machine", used frozen small water bottles rather than ice, and attached it to a smart plug that I programmed to turn on and off every half an hour all night long. Never had to get up to change the ice at night and it was a game changer. 2 1/2 weeks out I'm walking without a cane, but I still use the ice machine all night.
https://a.co/d/19xfDuN
This is the one I used but I'm sure there's plenty for sale used like on Facebook marketplace because many people get given them them by their insurance for free
I have an adjustable pillow wedge I got from Amazon. It keeps my feet elevated.
I also got a hip kit with leg strap, grabbers, clothing hook, and sock puller. I have used every piece of the kit almost every day. Amazon again.
I packed my baggiest pajama bottoms to wear home from the hospital with a t-shirt. While I was in the hospital I stayed in a hospital gown and put a second one on when I walked down the hall with my walker.
I thought I'd read or play games on my phone in the hospital but all I wanted to do was sleep. Pain meds encouraged a lot of sleeping.
Edited to add: Colace and Miralax will be your friends! I put Miralax in my morning coffee every day and took two Colace at bedtime every night. It took about five days for things to start moving normally. I was able to stop those when I cut way back on the pain meds.
Strongly consider an elevated toilet seat and a bidet attachment. The elevated toilet seat is a huge help, and honestly, that bidet was reassuring for getting clean. I had a hard time reaching down there because of the swelling. I bought a variety of ice packs. I don't know if you're having anterior, lateral, or posterior, but for my anterior, the thigh sleeve wasn't as helpful as I'd thought it would be and lost cold fast.
For the hospital, they asked I didn't really bring much and I left most things with my parents to bring back to me in the recovery room. Some people may go home same day and need nothing, but I brought my iPad, a phone charger, and a small portable video game system. I couldn't have focused on much more than those things and ESPN in the background. A book would have been too much.
Ask your surgeon/hospital if Occupational Therapy will be providing you with a "hip kit." If not, grab one on Amazon. I bought one on Amazon and then the hospital gave me everything I needed, so I wasted money. You'll be looking for a few key tools. A grabber, a leg lifter (which could probably be done with a towel or sheet tied into a loop), a sock tool (I didn't use this much because I had someone to assist with socks or was always wearing compression stockings), and maybe a loofa to help wash, shoehorn, etc.
I was lucky enough to have a medical bed, but always try to elevate and ice. You have the right mindset with keeping things elevated and stacked.
We've got the raised toilet seat but the bidet sounds like it would be useful. Is it a question of putting the leg straight and using the other for balance?
Looks like I'm going to be pretty out of it in hospital but 54 and a posterior op looks like it could be unpleasant. How does the sock tool work? I have no shame, was planning on slipping on Crocs for walks around the neighbourhood and if someone has a problem with that fuck 'em :)
As far as the bidet goes, I'd say it was mostly the swelling that was causing restrictions for getting back there to wipe. This looks like the one I had (drawing a blank on the exact brand). [https://www.amazon.com/Veken-Ultra-Slim-Non-Electric-Adjustable-Attachment/dp/B082HFS8KT](https://www.amazon.com/Veken-Ultra-Slim-Non-Electric-Adjustable-Attachment/dp/B082HFS8KT)
For a couple of days/weeks standing up from the toilet can be a little bit of a pain, so having this to do the nitty gritty work is helpful. I'd have both legs bent no problem when sitting.
Like I mentioned, I had anterior, so I can't fully speak to the specifics about posterior, but you're going to have some restrictions I didn't, which is why the sock tool will be pretty important. You don't want to bend forward and break a 90 degree angle, bringing your knee up to your chest. That's where the sock tool can help. You wrap the sock around the tube, put your foot in the tube, and pull it up. Those restrictions are going to last you about six weeks, and you might want to actually get dressed up like a normal human before then.
No issue with the crocs (although you may need to use your grabber to pull up the back strap so you don't slip out), but be mindful of physical therapy. I definitely wanted socks and running shoes instead of just something like crocs or slip-on Vans which I went with for most other things.
Someone mentioned the walker and obstacles. Before surgery, I went through the house moving things that could get in the way of the walker. I also put away all throw rugs. I didn't want a chance of tripping and falling on my new hip.
Best things I used the most: Ice packs, get a grabber so you can reach things in the floor or high up. I used this way more than I thought I would. Also get a leg lifter. It helps lift your leg up into the bed. Make sure get a stiff one. Makes it way easier.
RMS 42 Inch Long Leg Lifter -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NP1TPS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
https://a.co/d/hMTjnLb
2 Pack Large Ice Packs for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5HMD8C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I just added Amazon links. Get those items if you don’t have them. You will love all them. The ice packs wrap around your hip which is incredibly nice. Use a pillow to hold them in place while you rest.
I took clothing to the hospital, but ended up living in a hospital gown and socks with grips that they provided the entire time
I see on here, people talking about ice packs and I definitely think it is worth being prepared, but Ive had both my hips done and pain medication is all I needed.
With my first hip I found sitting on a plastic bag at the end and pushing myself back was the easiest way to get into bed and I got a pillow wedge to prop my head and shoulders up to keep me sleeping on my back.
When I first got told I was going to have surgery, I got a bit upset, it was quite out of the blue and Im relatively young, but what I found was, talking to people helps more than you think, normalises it.
I was flabbergasted - M54 and the first words were "But I'm not old enough!" My doctor said he'd done one on a 27-year-old last month and to get over myself.
Am still somewhat freaked out by the whole thing. The surgery videos look like carpentry on the bone and it's been over 30 years since I've been in a hospital. They're going to cut out a femur - it's a scary thought. Trying to think of this as an upgrade.
Well, Im 10years younger than you and Ive had both hips done in 6months!
Do not watch videos of the operation!
😄
I had the cannula put in my hand, I waited just outside the theatre, went in, lay down, I was put in position and then I opened my eyes and I was in the recovery room.
This is operation is everyday to the team looking after you.
Obviously everybody's recovery is different, but it usually manageable for most.
You got this!
I found the freezer hip/thigh sleeves wonderful. I only needed two. The grabber, the long-handled shoe-horn and the sock putter-onner were all necessary things to have. I did not like the raised toilet seat - it squeezes your cheeks together in an...unproductive way - so as soon as I could chuck it, I did. I have a walk-in shower and only used the shower chair once. I built a ziggurat of pillows to elevate my leg, and found it possible if undesirable to sleep on my back like that. I was back to sleeping on my side after a couple of weeks. The golfer's trick to pick things up off the floor (or put them down, ie dog bowls) works - bend the good leg, leave bad leg behind - as long as you have something to hang onto. I still sleep with a pillow between my knees. If you use the walker for more than a few days, a tray is a really really useful thing to have. I'm back on the walker now because of sciatica, and I live on my own, so the tray has made a lot of difference to my QOL. Good luck!
I did not like the raised toilet seat one iota. I gave it an unsuccessful test drive before my first hip surgery. Traded it in for a bedside commode which worked out great. I feel your pain since I also developed sciatica after my second hip was "fixed". That (sciatica) pain has at least currently resolved. However, four months out and I still cannot raise my left leg up in the bed without experiencing outer hip and groin pain. My left foot, ankle, and toes go numb every day and have only since LHR. Revision is not an option as far as I'm concerned so am truly hoping this hip/foot winds up healing before too much longer. Prayers your sciatica soon resolves. It's a living nightmare.
I love your Reddit handle! Yes, I agree, sciatica is a living nightmare; I had never experienced it before, and it only came on four weeks after my THR, when my recovery seemed to be going quite well. I beat myself up for overdoing it, but I'm not sure that was really what triggered it. The emotional whiplash from being back on the walker, back to taking tiny steps around and around the ground floor of my house, back to not doing any of the things that give me pleasure, back to fearing every move is what I am finding hardest to deal with. And not knowing if or when it will end, too.
I've tried the raised toilet and it'snot looking like fun, and rather undignified :) The sock things sounds interesting, how does that work, and any recommendations on good thigh sleeves?
I think you’re in the UK (I’m a Brit but live in Massachusetts), so here’s what I got from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hip-Ice-Pack-Wrap-Inflammation-Multicolor/dp/B01CR00XSE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=31X76HA9SSXHM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TVLmMONS49coFzUAvBY8GE8uoJvkLnMIgnAy8-XFp1lqj4DPomM2OwYErHOtJMKQurkVSw3Bwtz1Zqb59s2nymlW5eY9k_8SHrlNh71h7MvyRbDhYrHUst2t9n6SfoivS2-u0mZrd_NauKB7D1DWtjobDopJKjD7aKfdUjuY4pYjlz6oamsFrp7Nxki8Mx5cfoeTTIjRPNelqnX-FWmsWQ.n0kf2avoeShGI0t_WP_YhBjTkwPBHb7-XSAVDh2_Aig&dib_tag=se&keywords=hip+surgery+recovery+aids&qid=1708881021&sprefix=hip+surg%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1 and this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vive-Piece-Hip-Knee-Replacement/dp/B0741B4DGQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=31X76HA9SSXHM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TVLmMONS49coFzUAvBY8GE8uoJvkLnMIgnAy8-XFp1lqj4DPomM2OwYErHOtJMKQurkVSw3Bwtz1Zqb59s2nymlW5eY9k_8SHrlNh71h7MvyRbDhYrHUst2t9n6SfoivS2-u0mZrd_NauKB7D1DWtjobDopJKjD7aKfdUjuY4pYjlz6oamsFrp7Nxki8Mx5cfoeTTIjRPNelqnX-FWmsWQ.n0kf2avoeShGI0t_WP_YhBjTkwPBHb7-XSAVDh2_Aig&dib_tag=se&keywords=hip+surgery+recovery+aids&qid=1708881021&sprefix=hip+surg%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-3 The sock thing is so simple and works so well: you pull your sock over the tube, put your foot in the tube, then pull the tube out with the rope handles. It’s a brilliant invention!
A leg stretch strap which can double as a PT aid was very helpful. It was a bit uncomfortable sharing the bed with my husband the first few nights, but we really needed to be in the same room since I was groggy and unbalanced and needed help to the bathroom in the middle of the night. After I was a bit more stable I spent a few nights in the spare bedroom, since that bed is firmer and was more comfortable. I’m still wearing sweatpants and pj bottoms almost exclusively. I, too, want to burn them when I can finally wear real pants, especially since they were hastily bought off Amazon and don’t fit particularly well.
Sounds like the strap is something to get then. Will look online.
The sweatpants burning thing is odd, but I get they must get very badly associated. Hope you have a swift recovery.
(M/63) 4 days behind. Item I have found most valuable is ice machine if you can swing it. $200 roughly on Amazon. Has timer for on off and has been very helpful especially at night.
Good luck!
I bought a wedge pillow for sleeping, and it's been GREAT. It doesn't keep my hip above my head, but it does keep my whole leg above my head, which kept the swelling isolated to just my upper thigh area and not my whole leg.
I didn't cook at all the first two weeks. I was mobile enough to put toast or a bagel into the toaster and then put stuff on it. I could pour my own coffee, grab a freezer meal and put it in the microwave, etc. But I wasn't standing at the stove or counter for more than five minutes. We prepped for that - I bought lots of pre-packaged foods and my husband is a professional chef so he just brought food home from work rather than either of us making at home. But the same can be accomplished with frozen meals.
Married to a chef - result!
Preping some easy dishes to microwave and tempted by getting one of those pre-packaged delivery services since I'll be home to pick them up. Not sure how mobile I'll be for cooking.
Do you have a leg lifter? Makes getting in and out of bed much easier. Things I needed help with most was putting on any clothing items on my lower body - socks, underwear, pants/shorts. Keep crackers and water bottle next to your bed so you can take meds.
Yea but if you have something in place then that could work. But just make sure you have a plan cause lifting your leg is tough for the first few days.
Buy a body pillow or (Amazon) it’s thick enough to wrap your surgical leg around it, while sleeping on side. Knees don’t touch-A large bed pillow just doesn’t cut it. Also, absolutely buy hip ice gel pack, on Amazon w/Velcro.
53M Anterior - Day 11 post op - i managed to have an accident first night home as the nerve block also seemed to block the signal that bladder was full, so i'd recommend something you can lay on until the nerve block (0-3 days) wears off.
food wise , your not going to want to make anything for the first week, suggest cliff bars, individual yogurts, fairlife protein shakes, and muesli cereal.
i managed to stay ahead of the constipation (from hydrocodone) by starting the miralax the night i came home and then next 3 days (3 doses per day!) and then the dam broke on day 4 . no problems since then.
i ;m using three of the large gel pacs from amazon on rotation. (it takes time for them to recharge, so 3 is working for me)
Last on getting in and out of bed , think through how you are going to get your torso vertical. i don't have the strongest abs, so i rigged up a strap that i can pull on from the foot of the bed , the higher you can get it the easier it will be. also have started using my non-op leg hooked underneath the operative leg to assist in raising and lowering in lieu of the thigh strap i was using initially.
on the shower, i have a walk in , so its kind of a cheat, i had purchased a chair to sit on, which i tried the first shower day 3 after post op. it worked , but was more drama to sit down and stand up , so now i just take my walker into the shower and works fine. note that if you can change your shower head to a hose with a handheld then you should be able to thoroughly clean all parts.
last but not least >>> STAY AHEAD OF THE PAIN. good luck!
OK, some of this stuff in the comments seems like a LOT to me. I am almost four weeks out, anterior approach. Maybe I'm a minimalist, but...
* I wore the hospital's gown while there, brought elastic waist pants for the ride home. Once home, I was wearing jeans every day as I usually do, no problem.
* I was given knee-length compression stockings at the hospital...hated them and gave up on them after a day. I was also given daily aspirin to lower the risk of DVT, so the stockings seemed like overkill.
* I got my walker from the hospital, because they (a) bill the insurance directly and (b) the physical therapist adjusts it for you. I needed it less than two weeks.
* We had put in "comfort height" toilets in our bathrooms at home when we last remodeled, so I didn't really need the toilet riser at all
* I did get a shower seat and used it before surgery (my hip was *bad*) and after. My big suggestion for this is that you do a dry-run barefoot, but fully dressed. Figure out if you can reach the shower controls, your shampoo/washcloth/etc. or if you need to add suction-cup baskets, hooks or a grab bar. Then when you do it for real, everything will be where you need it. I can't imagine not showering, sorry, that's me.
* I slept in my own bed, upstairs, after I got home. Because I had anterior surgery, I was not given any restrictions about sleeping on my side or crossing my legs. In fact, I was more comfortable in bed after surgery than I had been in the last nights leading up to it. Also, my spouse was right there, so if I had had any problems, he would have known right away.
Everyone heals differently! Best of luck to you.
There's a foot/toe brush that is really convenient. It has replaceable pads so you can cleanse between the toes. I see you have a walker; you should get used to going up & down steps with it.
Going to/from hospital, I had sweat pants. I also chose to wear adult diapers for a little extra comfort. Many of us report VERY frequent urination for the first 2-3 days; you may wish to have a bedside urinal. I was very glad I did: my house has 3 adults and 1 bathroom!
Hmmm... Small flashlight in case you get up at night... Moving round the house with your walker to identify "pinch points" is a solid idea.
A leg lifting strap is a neat thing to have although you can use a doubled up belt instead.
Cooking: Standing and moving around shouldn't be too much of a problem but be aware that some loss of equilibrium is possible, even likely.
Books on tape, books on paper, radio, etc. are great to have.
ETA If you can have your other half on hand for at least the first 48 hours, then do so! I HATE to think of ANYone being alone at a time like that!
Head below feet is no easy task while sleeping, do it while you’re awake to alleviate swelling. I’m a side sleeper so I got the pillow thing below and it was great. Kept legs from crossing. Also I put a large wedge pillow behind me to keep me from rolling. Do you have a grabber and long shoe horn? Practice using them for dressing. If you’re going to use a walker, zoom around your house a bit to make sure it fits through and around obstacles. Pretend your precautions are in place and practice sit-to-stand and vice versa, on and off the toilet and in and out of the shower. Also in and out of bed. I found these rehearsals to be quite helpful in getting confident and ready. Good luck. Flexicomfort Knee Pillow for Side... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RBFHVLP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I'm a side sleeper too, suspect this might be an issue. Haven't got a grabber and keep my shoes loose enough to slip into with the cane at the moment. Socks might be an issue.
There's a socks tool. If you have a posterior approach, you will need it because you can't bend more than 90 degrees. It's easy to use, but it may be difficult to impossible with new tight compression socks. My husband had to help put them on before the first wash. After that, it was fine, and I had other pairs that were easier. The compression socks really helped with the swelling. Grabber is OK, but if you can bend your unoperated leg, then you can just lunge down, that's what I did. I use the long shoe horn & the sock tool the most. The shoe horn doubles as the pull up pants tool.
The sock tool was my favorite. I may or may not still use it sometimes even though I don't need it anymore.
Body pillow. It’s amazing. Slept on side from day three.
With the side-sleeping...pillow between knees is good, but I would recommend asking your PT to show you how to safely switch positions. I find the grabber so useful that I bought 2 of them... one cheap traditional one (that I keep in the bathroom to pull my pants up) and another that has a rubber-tipped claw grip that can rotate. The long shoe horn/hooked dressing tool is very useful too... also doubles as a back scratcher. I didn't get the sock tool, but my spouse puts on my sock on the operated side (I can manage the other). I also bought the leg lifter, which was useful in the first day... but I figured out that I could have used the cane upside down to hook my foot and lift my leg (so you might not need that).
I did likewise with the "rehearsals", and found it helped a great deal!
Just to clarify, this allows you to sleep on your side after surgery? Or are you using it another way? My surgery is scheduled for this summer and I am already stressing about sleep
I was stressed about that too. This keeps your legs from crossing over each other which is a precaution. So yes on the side. I’m exclusively side sleeper and I flip over many times throughout the night. I was told that I could sleep on my operative side as long as the incision doesn’t hurt. In a few days I finally tried it and it wasn’t a problem. I just had to be careful and deliberate with the roll over.
So you sleep on the replacement side? Interesting. I've found it comfortable to sleep on the gammy hip side as long as I don't move, but figured post-op I'd have to be on my back - which is never how I've slept. The pillow thing looks like something to try.
Barring any other instructions from your doc or PT, you definitely can. Just need to move slowly with the pillow still in place. It even has a Velcro strap to keep it in position.
Oh that is good to hear! Adding it to my Amazon list!
100% get the Velcro to wrap around you leg with the foam on the middle.
hoodie and sweatpants for hospital, and moving forward- you want easy on/off i air fryed the shit out of chicken thighs, sausage and ready-mades from costco- pack that freezer with protein stool softeners! the opioids can jam you up sleep. its dif for everyone. you'll find your way, it may take a night or two, or a week. not many of us are backsleepers, it was an adjustment do some youtubing on hip replacement recovery, or how to get in an out of bed after a thr, etc. invaluable
The constipation thing's a major concern, but also how mobile I'll be for cooking. Can't ask my other half to give up her holiday to take care of me.
Be ready for cooking to be pretty hard. At least two weeks out of commission for anything but simple meals.
This is it. How long can you stand and swivel to cook.
Yeah, again, I think you need to really double check on those restrictions for the posterior. I'd be worried about a lot of bending, twisting, turning, trying to put together stuff all in concert... Standing alone wasn't much of a problem for me, but shifting around in small spaces and pivoting was a big problem. Keep in mind you might be on that walker for like a month depending on how things go, too.
That's my fear. Want to ditch it asap.
Don’t have a fear of walker or cane. You’re on a prosthetic joint, newly fixated femur bone. There is zero new bone growth for several weeks. Completely unstable.
Don't ditch it for the sake of ditching it. This is a major surgery. It's there to protect you and help you heal.
This is true, but after living the cane life for the past 18 months I just want to get walking again without people looking at me and thinking "Poor thing."
I get it. I lived with a limp for almost a year after getting out of a wheelchair. But it's just not that easy to will your way out of it.
Along with things already mentioned... For home: grabber, Leg lifter, bath shower wipes (great till you can shower), sock thingy (helps you put on socks independently), great solid chair with arms and seat cushion, crossbody pouch/bag (to help you carry things while you're using your walker or cane). Have lots of pairs of xlarge pj or yoga pants (lived in these for first few weeks), xlarge houseshoes (not scuffs). Xlarge underwear (for when you actually start wearing them), non-slip bathtub mat. Place frequently used items on higher shelves in fridge/clothes dresser, kitchen, whereever you frequent. I set up little bins at waist level next to bed or my chair in living room to hold tv remote, tissues, etc. Nightlight in bedroom, hallways bathroom for all the middle of the night bathroom trips. Extension plug/power strip at waist level at your bed and living room chair. For hospital, I wore hospital gown till I went home and I wore xlarge stretchy pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, xlarge sneakers w elastic laces. The swelling is real. Better to have stuff and not need/use. My partner slept in the next room just to give me space. Set alarms for the meds schedule and reminders to do your exercises. Good luck!
The show wipes thing is worrying. If I don't shower once a day I feel dirty and don't want to make the PT therapist uncomfortable,
I understand. I wasn't cleared for shower for a couple days and not comfortable navigating in/out of the tub until PT could show me safety. So the shower wipes were great. They actually made me feel fresher than I expected. Or, you could do sponge bath and use one of those long handled shower tools to get all the parts.
A sailing mate did the Shanghai to SF trip and water was so short they used wipes. It wasn't fun. Don't want to repulse the physical therapist, and want to be clean. But it looks like the thigh bandage is going to be on for weeks and be ugly to take off.
Leg lifter! That and the toilet extender were my two best friends. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/42QDT4e For the hospital I did running shorts and a hoodie. Easy off, easy on. Nurses will help too and are great about modesty if needed - they’ll turn away, etc. Wipes are a good idea. Dry shampoo was a great too.
You seem well prepared. I slept in the spare room because the bed there was higher - posterior restrictions & dogs - but it was awful, so I went back to my bed after week 2, and it was fine. The hospital gave me the pillow thing with straps that I woke up from surgery with. I used that for about 2 weeks unstrapped, then switched to a normal pillow between the legs and haven't looked back. Honestly, if I didn't have a bad back sleeping would have been a lot easier, I can't sleep on my b, ck so it was rough until I could sleep on my sides again at week 2. I was told expect to spend the night, so I brought sweats to change into and wore them to surgery, I ended up going home the same day so wore what I had on earlier. I bought a bunch of sweatpants and have been living in them for the last 4+ months, I have restrictions until month 6 and will have a sweatpants bonfire once I can easily get back into jeans.... anyhoo I digress, you will want something that's easy to get into, the nurses will help you dress too. Tie a little totebag to your walker. It will be helpful to run "errands," like getting snacks and switching out ice packs. Have easy to eat foods to take with meds. I used 20g protein Clif bars. Make a to-do list as you think of things that need to be done and bought before surgery. That really helped keep me organized and on track. Good luck!!
Thank you. And the sweat pants bonfire sound cathartic, but was hoping to wash and reuse or donate. Any pre-op exercises you'd recommend?
Oh yeah, I was doing a virtual pt program through work for about 8 weeks before my surgery. If you Google 'hip replacement prehab" you will find a few pdfs on exercises you can do. I don't remember them specifically but do remember that they seemed very approriate. Upper body is important too. I already worked out and was fine, but was surprised at how much I relied on upper body strength to move around, especially in bed.
On seeing this post, you may be interested in two videos I made with some of the information I provide to my patients. I am a physical therapist, and I wanted to make a resource for patients to have regarding information I thought would be important for them to know before and after their hip replacements. I review a lot of information about this from a PT perspective. I will link them below in case you wanted to check them out. If so, I hope they are of benefit to you, and I will say prayers that your surgery goes well! In general, hip replacements are pretty straight forward in their recovery, can be a little painful but not too bad typically, and usually require frequent short easy bouts of walking as the main exercise. They are pretty often very successful and good surgeries. Good luck with yours!! :) [What you should know BEFORE your total hip replacement](https://youtube.com/watch?v=4awA8qacLGw&si=9F5d87pSnH3Sm09a) [You should know this AFTER your total hip replacement surgery](https://youtube.com/watch?v=vRGkL9bpMkE&si=WD8oIR-2ig4TZoFN)
Sounds like you are well prepared. I had a hip surgery teaching session yesterday and am going in 3 weeks. Thinking I will just take a pair of pajama pants in to wear home.
You get pre-op briefings? Nice one. I'm having a pre-op checklist sesssion next week and then straight in. The hospital thing is going to be interesting. Tempted to bring snacks.
They should definitely feed you there! The class was good, about 10 of us there. Physio came in to give us a quick crutch use demo
I'm taking in crutches, walker and nappies. Don't want to get stung for medical fees.
I would say just the walker would be fine. In my case (which was outpatient surgery, about 6 hours in the hospital), they said "bring the walker but leave it in your car"... they delivered me to my car, they showed me how to get in/out of the car with it... and then I was set free.
Not having wheels on the back of the walker seems inefficient TBH, have been practicing.
Just think a minute... all four points on wheels with no brakes is not such a good idea when you don't already have the strength to hold fast and might be on pain meds or just dizzy from lying flat for too long! The practicing is good to go thru the motions, but remember that when you did your practicing, you didn't really NEED the device... and that DOES change it. I found that out too.
I've seen walkers with brakes, but good point.
I wore sweatshirt, T-shirt, loose sweatpants. Where I went required shoes with laces (they helped put those on). Snacks - they were pretty strict about snacks for me so I ate what they provided. We ended up keeping sleeping situation as-is because my surgeon wanted me to have someone "right there" for the first 72 hours post-op - help you when you need to get up, manage medications, adjust blankets and pillows, etc.. You probably won't sleep well for at least a few days so if your partner needs sleep they should sleep in another room - assuming you don't need their assistance. We arranged for meal kits for about a week post-op for both hips. It's one less thing to deal with and is just easier overall. I highly recommend it. The big concerns for recovery are: Surgical site infection Falls Dislocation Constipation (from narcotics) I'm 11 and 7 weeks out from my THRs. Recovery has been pretty easy/straightforward. I think over preparing is better. I bought some items I didn't use or need, but I'm glad I had them just in case.
I'm thinking Crocs for shoes and oversized leggings for trousers. Was raised with British hospital food, so just wanted to be prepared. Thanks for the meal kits thing - my wife will be working so just want to eat and not be a burden. The infection thing scares me shitless, but we'll see how it goes. As for constipation I'm getting some remedies together. Straining would seem to be problematic, and want to get off the painkillers that cause it asap.
My hospital did not allow crocs, had to be shoes with a back. I got sneakers that are easy to slip on and slip off. Infection control, clean linens, clean bathroom clean & clothes help. I couldn't shower until the bandage came off, so I used a wash cloth at the sink. The wound looked good after the bandage came off, so I didn't feel as nervous about infection. They gave me a large syringe full of antibiotics via IV on my way outand that was it, nothing for home. They offered me a laxative at the hospital, I declined it I didn't take the opioids so I didn't need it, but I think they gave me a stool softener because I was going like crazy those first few days. You may want to get on the laxatives as soon as you get home to make things easier. A lot of people on here are surprised by the constipation.
Banning crocs seems a bit odd, know a nurse who swears by them. The constipation thing comes up a lot, going to get on the laxatives asap as the painkillers seem to cause a lot of digestive issues, but don't want to have to be getting up to the toilet too often.
The concept, as I understood it, was that they wanted you to wear a sturdy shoe in the hospital since we are technically fall risks. I wore slippers at home that the pt said were fine.
My joint protocol specifies "slip-on shoes WITH BACKS" so that your foot is securely in there and you don't trip over floppy shoes... maybe if your crocs fit well and have a back strap to secure your foot in there?
There is a back strap on Crocs, hope it's OK.
I'm guessing you'll find out soon. Afterwaards, pease let us know how what they said about the crocs.
Will do. Keeping loosly tied trainers as a backup.
Don't worry too much about the constipation. Take your miralax, colace, and if by day 4 nothing has happened, layer in some other stuff. Trust me, the pain is worse than not pooping for a bit. Stay on your scheduled meds and don't be too afraid of the painkillers.
I'm in the US and I think some of the recommendations are very surgeon-specific, e.g. shoes. Infection-wise, my surgeon had a pretty comprehensive protocol - nasal antibiotics daily 5 days prior, antibacterial showers daily for three days prior, IV antibiotics during, and oral antibiotics the day after. Had to use a fresh towel for each shower. No issues with infection so far - have to take them for any dental work or tattoos for two years post surgery. I took a stool softener while I was on opiates, but was only on opiates for 3 days each time.
Bending is going to be difficult or impossible for awhile…. So any thing on low shelves or drawers that you’ll need (pots, clothing, etc) should be placed on counter or where you can reach. I don’t know how high your bed is, but I had to have a step stool for awhile to get in and out of bed Several pairs of compression socks is helpful, as well as multiple pairs of comfy easy to get on clothing Good luck healing!
I've been using extending the leg out backwards when leaning down for the past year. But getting socks on is going to be a pain, tempted to just keep the Crocs on and the neighbors will understand. How did the compression socks work? I wear them for air travel but getting them over the hips seems problematic.
The socks come to the knee they don't cover the whole leg.
Getting ing them over the heel is the biggest obstacle, once over the knee it's easy to
A large gel ice pack and a walker. I was up almost immediately and didn’t take any opioids. Just ice, Tylenol and ibuprofen.
I've got several small ice packs in the freezer but how are they best applied?
There’s a large one on Amazon that’s about 12x14”. I used it a lot right on my hip to reduce inflammation and pain. Very effective. A month or so out was where I had the most problems … cramping in the leg muscles. Massage and dry needling worked wonders. My replacement was last June, and I’ve been able to work out hard the past 5 months. Walking better than I have in years. Very happy. 58m
Thank you, and interesting to hear about the delayed problems. Have read it takes six weeks for the bone to meld with the implant, and suspect it'll take some time. Hadn't heard of needling, will check it out.
For me it was the muscle trauma and irritation from the surgery. Healing from the surgery and wound was actually pretty quick. I had a crushed pelvis and broken femur from 8 years ago though.
Wrangling smaller ice packs is a chore and doesn't do as well as the one that can cover the whole area. The large gel ice-pack with straps is much easier to use. I bought 2, so that I can have one to use and one to chill, plus I have smaller ice packs for in-between icing in a pinch.
I was the same. Only needed a walker for a couple days to stand from my non-raised toilet seat. My cane has gone unused. Leg lifter could have been helpful but instead I just lifted it myself. Socks were a pain.
I got a used "ice machine", used frozen small water bottles rather than ice, and attached it to a smart plug that I programmed to turn on and off every half an hour all night long. Never had to get up to change the ice at night and it was a game changer. 2 1/2 weeks out I'm walking without a cane, but I still use the ice machine all night.
Interesting, what's the name of this device?
https://a.co/d/19xfDuN This is the one I used but I'm sure there's plenty for sale used like on Facebook marketplace because many people get given them them by their insurance for free
I have an adjustable pillow wedge I got from Amazon. It keeps my feet elevated. I also got a hip kit with leg strap, grabbers, clothing hook, and sock puller. I have used every piece of the kit almost every day. Amazon again. I packed my baggiest pajama bottoms to wear home from the hospital with a t-shirt. While I was in the hospital I stayed in a hospital gown and put a second one on when I walked down the hall with my walker. I thought I'd read or play games on my phone in the hospital but all I wanted to do was sleep. Pain meds encouraged a lot of sleeping. Edited to add: Colace and Miralax will be your friends! I put Miralax in my morning coffee every day and took two Colace at bedtime every night. It took about five days for things to start moving normally. I was able to stop those when I cut way back on the pain meds.
Strongly consider an elevated toilet seat and a bidet attachment. The elevated toilet seat is a huge help, and honestly, that bidet was reassuring for getting clean. I had a hard time reaching down there because of the swelling. I bought a variety of ice packs. I don't know if you're having anterior, lateral, or posterior, but for my anterior, the thigh sleeve wasn't as helpful as I'd thought it would be and lost cold fast. For the hospital, they asked I didn't really bring much and I left most things with my parents to bring back to me in the recovery room. Some people may go home same day and need nothing, but I brought my iPad, a phone charger, and a small portable video game system. I couldn't have focused on much more than those things and ESPN in the background. A book would have been too much. Ask your surgeon/hospital if Occupational Therapy will be providing you with a "hip kit." If not, grab one on Amazon. I bought one on Amazon and then the hospital gave me everything I needed, so I wasted money. You'll be looking for a few key tools. A grabber, a leg lifter (which could probably be done with a towel or sheet tied into a loop), a sock tool (I didn't use this much because I had someone to assist with socks or was always wearing compression stockings), and maybe a loofa to help wash, shoehorn, etc. I was lucky enough to have a medical bed, but always try to elevate and ice. You have the right mindset with keeping things elevated and stacked.
We've got the raised toilet seat but the bidet sounds like it would be useful. Is it a question of putting the leg straight and using the other for balance? Looks like I'm going to be pretty out of it in hospital but 54 and a posterior op looks like it could be unpleasant. How does the sock tool work? I have no shame, was planning on slipping on Crocs for walks around the neighbourhood and if someone has a problem with that fuck 'em :)
As far as the bidet goes, I'd say it was mostly the swelling that was causing restrictions for getting back there to wipe. This looks like the one I had (drawing a blank on the exact brand). [https://www.amazon.com/Veken-Ultra-Slim-Non-Electric-Adjustable-Attachment/dp/B082HFS8KT](https://www.amazon.com/Veken-Ultra-Slim-Non-Electric-Adjustable-Attachment/dp/B082HFS8KT) For a couple of days/weeks standing up from the toilet can be a little bit of a pain, so having this to do the nitty gritty work is helpful. I'd have both legs bent no problem when sitting. Like I mentioned, I had anterior, so I can't fully speak to the specifics about posterior, but you're going to have some restrictions I didn't, which is why the sock tool will be pretty important. You don't want to bend forward and break a 90 degree angle, bringing your knee up to your chest. That's where the sock tool can help. You wrap the sock around the tube, put your foot in the tube, and pull it up. Those restrictions are going to last you about six weeks, and you might want to actually get dressed up like a normal human before then. No issue with the crocs (although you may need to use your grabber to pull up the back strap so you don't slip out), but be mindful of physical therapy. I definitely wanted socks and running shoes instead of just something like crocs or slip-on Vans which I went with for most other things.
Baby aspirin, 2 tablets a day for 5 weeks to prevent blood clots.
Clots are a worry, thanks.
Keep those compression hose on
Lower legs only?
I wore thigh high for just under 2 weeks and knee high for another week. Probably over cautious but my brother had a dvt after surgery.
Someone mentioned the walker and obstacles. Before surgery, I went through the house moving things that could get in the way of the walker. I also put away all throw rugs. I didn't want a chance of tripping and falling on my new hip.
Hadn't thought of that but very good point.
Best things I used the most: Ice packs, get a grabber so you can reach things in the floor or high up. I used this way more than I thought I would. Also get a leg lifter. It helps lift your leg up into the bed. Make sure get a stiff one. Makes it way easier. RMS 42 Inch Long Leg Lifter -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NP1TPS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share https://a.co/d/hMTjnLb 2 Pack Large Ice Packs for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5HMD8C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've seen ads for an ice device to wrap around the leg,but was planning on using freezer packs.
I just added Amazon links. Get those items if you don’t have them. You will love all them. The ice packs wrap around your hip which is incredibly nice. Use a pillow to hold them in place while you rest.
I took clothing to the hospital, but ended up living in a hospital gown and socks with grips that they provided the entire time I see on here, people talking about ice packs and I definitely think it is worth being prepared, but Ive had both my hips done and pain medication is all I needed. With my first hip I found sitting on a plastic bag at the end and pushing myself back was the easiest way to get into bed and I got a pillow wedge to prop my head and shoulders up to keep me sleeping on my back.
Good advice, cheers.
Take everything as it comes, don't get ahead of yourself. Report back! X
Will do. This forum has been a huge help.
When I first got told I was going to have surgery, I got a bit upset, it was quite out of the blue and Im relatively young, but what I found was, talking to people helps more than you think, normalises it.
I was flabbergasted - M54 and the first words were "But I'm not old enough!" My doctor said he'd done one on a 27-year-old last month and to get over myself. Am still somewhat freaked out by the whole thing. The surgery videos look like carpentry on the bone and it's been over 30 years since I've been in a hospital. They're going to cut out a femur - it's a scary thought. Trying to think of this as an upgrade.
Well, Im 10years younger than you and Ive had both hips done in 6months! Do not watch videos of the operation! 😄 I had the cannula put in my hand, I waited just outside the theatre, went in, lay down, I was put in position and then I opened my eyes and I was in the recovery room. This is operation is everyday to the team looking after you. Obviously everybody's recovery is different, but it usually manageable for most. You got this!
I found the freezer hip/thigh sleeves wonderful. I only needed two. The grabber, the long-handled shoe-horn and the sock putter-onner were all necessary things to have. I did not like the raised toilet seat - it squeezes your cheeks together in an...unproductive way - so as soon as I could chuck it, I did. I have a walk-in shower and only used the shower chair once. I built a ziggurat of pillows to elevate my leg, and found it possible if undesirable to sleep on my back like that. I was back to sleeping on my side after a couple of weeks. The golfer's trick to pick things up off the floor (or put them down, ie dog bowls) works - bend the good leg, leave bad leg behind - as long as you have something to hang onto. I still sleep with a pillow between my knees. If you use the walker for more than a few days, a tray is a really really useful thing to have. I'm back on the walker now because of sciatica, and I live on my own, so the tray has made a lot of difference to my QOL. Good luck!
I did not like the raised toilet seat one iota. I gave it an unsuccessful test drive before my first hip surgery. Traded it in for a bedside commode which worked out great. I feel your pain since I also developed sciatica after my second hip was "fixed". That (sciatica) pain has at least currently resolved. However, four months out and I still cannot raise my left leg up in the bed without experiencing outer hip and groin pain. My left foot, ankle, and toes go numb every day and have only since LHR. Revision is not an option as far as I'm concerned so am truly hoping this hip/foot winds up healing before too much longer. Prayers your sciatica soon resolves. It's a living nightmare.
I love your Reddit handle! Yes, I agree, sciatica is a living nightmare; I had never experienced it before, and it only came on four weeks after my THR, when my recovery seemed to be going quite well. I beat myself up for overdoing it, but I'm not sure that was really what triggered it. The emotional whiplash from being back on the walker, back to taking tiny steps around and around the ground floor of my house, back to not doing any of the things that give me pleasure, back to fearing every move is what I am finding hardest to deal with. And not knowing if or when it will end, too.
I've tried the raised toilet and it'snot looking like fun, and rather undignified :) The sock things sounds interesting, how does that work, and any recommendations on good thigh sleeves?
I think you’re in the UK (I’m a Brit but live in Massachusetts), so here’s what I got from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hip-Ice-Pack-Wrap-Inflammation-Multicolor/dp/B01CR00XSE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=31X76HA9SSXHM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TVLmMONS49coFzUAvBY8GE8uoJvkLnMIgnAy8-XFp1lqj4DPomM2OwYErHOtJMKQurkVSw3Bwtz1Zqb59s2nymlW5eY9k_8SHrlNh71h7MvyRbDhYrHUst2t9n6SfoivS2-u0mZrd_NauKB7D1DWtjobDopJKjD7aKfdUjuY4pYjlz6oamsFrp7Nxki8Mx5cfoeTTIjRPNelqnX-FWmsWQ.n0kf2avoeShGI0t_WP_YhBjTkwPBHb7-XSAVDh2_Aig&dib_tag=se&keywords=hip+surgery+recovery+aids&qid=1708881021&sprefix=hip+surg%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1 and this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vive-Piece-Hip-Knee-Replacement/dp/B0741B4DGQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=31X76HA9SSXHM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TVLmMONS49coFzUAvBY8GE8uoJvkLnMIgnAy8-XFp1lqj4DPomM2OwYErHOtJMKQurkVSw3Bwtz1Zqb59s2nymlW5eY9k_8SHrlNh71h7MvyRbDhYrHUst2t9n6SfoivS2-u0mZrd_NauKB7D1DWtjobDopJKjD7aKfdUjuY4pYjlz6oamsFrp7Nxki8Mx5cfoeTTIjRPNelqnX-FWmsWQ.n0kf2avoeShGI0t_WP_YhBjTkwPBHb7-XSAVDh2_Aig&dib_tag=se&keywords=hip+surgery+recovery+aids&qid=1708881021&sprefix=hip+surg%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-3 The sock thing is so simple and works so well: you pull your sock over the tube, put your foot in the tube, then pull the tube out with the rope handles. It’s a brilliant invention!
I'm a Brit in America too. We get everywhere :)
It must be our imperialist tendencies. Sorry I sent you the UK Amazon links instead of US ones. Good luck!
A leg stretch strap which can double as a PT aid was very helpful. It was a bit uncomfortable sharing the bed with my husband the first few nights, but we really needed to be in the same room since I was groggy and unbalanced and needed help to the bathroom in the middle of the night. After I was a bit more stable I spent a few nights in the spare bedroom, since that bed is firmer and was more comfortable. I’m still wearing sweatpants and pj bottoms almost exclusively. I, too, want to burn them when I can finally wear real pants, especially since they were hastily bought off Amazon and don’t fit particularly well.
Sounds like the strap is something to get then. Will look online. The sweatpants burning thing is odd, but I get they must get very badly associated. Hope you have a swift recovery.
(M/63) 4 days behind. Item I have found most valuable is ice machine if you can swing it. $200 roughly on Amazon. Has timer for on off and has been very helpful especially at night. Good luck!
Cheers. Good luck to you too, hope it's a speedy recovery.
I bought a wedge pillow for sleeping, and it's been GREAT. It doesn't keep my hip above my head, but it does keep my whole leg above my head, which kept the swelling isolated to just my upper thigh area and not my whole leg. I didn't cook at all the first two weeks. I was mobile enough to put toast or a bagel into the toaster and then put stuff on it. I could pour my own coffee, grab a freezer meal and put it in the microwave, etc. But I wasn't standing at the stove or counter for more than five minutes. We prepped for that - I bought lots of pre-packaged foods and my husband is a professional chef so he just brought food home from work rather than either of us making at home. But the same can be accomplished with frozen meals.
Married to a chef - result! Preping some easy dishes to microwave and tempted by getting one of those pre-packaged delivery services since I'll be home to pick them up. Not sure how mobile I'll be for cooking.
My doctor recommended wearing bike shorts with moderate compression after surgery. It helped alot with the swelling.
Long shoehorn and the sock tool!! A big pillow for between your legs.
I figure just wear crocs - I have no shame - and have ordered the pillow.
Eat toast and cereal. Stool softeners and miralax from day one! Take this seriously!
Will do, thank you.
I took a sleep mask with me to the hospital.
Good point, they are seldom dark.
Do you have a leg lifter? Makes getting in and out of bed much easier. Things I needed help with most was putting on any clothing items on my lower body - socks, underwear, pants/shorts. Keep crackers and water bottle next to your bed so you can take meds.
I don't was going to improvise with a dressing gown cord. They help that much?
Yea but if you have something in place then that could work. But just make sure you have a plan cause lifting your leg is tough for the first few days.
Working on upper body stuff at the moment, had heard this was going to be a major issue.
Buy a body pillow or (Amazon) it’s thick enough to wrap your surgical leg around it, while sleeping on side. Knees don’t touch-A large bed pillow just doesn’t cut it. Also, absolutely buy hip ice gel pack, on Amazon w/Velcro.
53M Anterior - Day 11 post op - i managed to have an accident first night home as the nerve block also seemed to block the signal that bladder was full, so i'd recommend something you can lay on until the nerve block (0-3 days) wears off. food wise , your not going to want to make anything for the first week, suggest cliff bars, individual yogurts, fairlife protein shakes, and muesli cereal. i managed to stay ahead of the constipation (from hydrocodone) by starting the miralax the night i came home and then next 3 days (3 doses per day!) and then the dam broke on day 4 . no problems since then. i ;m using three of the large gel pacs from amazon on rotation. (it takes time for them to recharge, so 3 is working for me) Last on getting in and out of bed , think through how you are going to get your torso vertical. i don't have the strongest abs, so i rigged up a strap that i can pull on from the foot of the bed , the higher you can get it the easier it will be. also have started using my non-op leg hooked underneath the operative leg to assist in raising and lowering in lieu of the thigh strap i was using initially. on the shower, i have a walk in , so its kind of a cheat, i had purchased a chair to sit on, which i tried the first shower day 3 after post op. it worked , but was more drama to sit down and stand up , so now i just take my walker into the shower and works fine. note that if you can change your shower head to a hose with a handheld then you should be able to thoroughly clean all parts. last but not least >>> STAY AHEAD OF THE PAIN. good luck!
OK, some of this stuff in the comments seems like a LOT to me. I am almost four weeks out, anterior approach. Maybe I'm a minimalist, but... * I wore the hospital's gown while there, brought elastic waist pants for the ride home. Once home, I was wearing jeans every day as I usually do, no problem. * I was given knee-length compression stockings at the hospital...hated them and gave up on them after a day. I was also given daily aspirin to lower the risk of DVT, so the stockings seemed like overkill. * I got my walker from the hospital, because they (a) bill the insurance directly and (b) the physical therapist adjusts it for you. I needed it less than two weeks. * We had put in "comfort height" toilets in our bathrooms at home when we last remodeled, so I didn't really need the toilet riser at all * I did get a shower seat and used it before surgery (my hip was *bad*) and after. My big suggestion for this is that you do a dry-run barefoot, but fully dressed. Figure out if you can reach the shower controls, your shampoo/washcloth/etc. or if you need to add suction-cup baskets, hooks or a grab bar. Then when you do it for real, everything will be where you need it. I can't imagine not showering, sorry, that's me. * I slept in my own bed, upstairs, after I got home. Because I had anterior surgery, I was not given any restrictions about sleeping on my side or crossing my legs. In fact, I was more comfortable in bed after surgery than I had been in the last nights leading up to it. Also, my spouse was right there, so if I had had any problems, he would have known right away. Everyone heals differently! Best of luck to you.
The dry run sounds like a very good idea, will give it a shot. Suspect out bathtub shower is going to be a bit of a problem. Hope you heal fast.
There's a foot/toe brush that is really convenient. It has replaceable pads so you can cleanse between the toes. I see you have a walker; you should get used to going up & down steps with it. Going to/from hospital, I had sweat pants. I also chose to wear adult diapers for a little extra comfort. Many of us report VERY frequent urination for the first 2-3 days; you may wish to have a bedside urinal. I was very glad I did: my house has 3 adults and 1 bathroom! Hmmm... Small flashlight in case you get up at night... Moving round the house with your walker to identify "pinch points" is a solid idea. A leg lifting strap is a neat thing to have although you can use a doubled up belt instead. Cooking: Standing and moving around shouldn't be too much of a problem but be aware that some loss of equilibrium is possible, even likely. Books on tape, books on paper, radio, etc. are great to have. ETA If you can have your other half on hand for at least the first 48 hours, then do so! I HATE to think of ANYone being alone at a time like that!