Do I get a foot strap and a plastic stocking for the shower? What else is helpful and where do I get it? My TKR has been brought forward.
My dressings were waterproof, did not need anything for the shower? They gave me new dressings just in case they got dirty but was in the shower the day I got home.
I was told to wait till staples were out and wound was dry before showering. I found a waterproof "sleeve" was useful. Got it in Boots for about £5,
Good luck!
I wore a plastic carrier bag in the shower! Able world do sell fancier, more expensive coverings. I would see what the hospital will lend you as regards anything else.
Best Wishes. x
Usually showers and tub baths are not allowed until stitches/staples are removed and all signs of drainage has completely dried up. Until then sponge baths are the order of the day so I wouldn't see any need for a plastic wrap or cover of any kind. Others may have a different approach.
I said to the nurse the day I came out , what can I put over my leg to shower. She said you will be fine to have a shower straight away the dressings are completely waterproof. I didn't have a drain after my op. She took the dressing of to check the wound and put a new one on and gave me about five new ones in case. So I had a shower from day 4 everyday.
I didn't have staples or stitches, my wound was glued. I had waterproof dressing and had a shower on day 2 of my op, in hospital. Once home had shower everyday and then once dressing was off was told to cover wound with cling film. I'm now 8 weeks post op and since about week 5 have used nothing. I'm sure the hospital will advise you anyway after surgery.
Good luck!! 😉
I used a carrier bag and a dressing gown cord it's only until the wound is dry and dressing / staples out. Max three weeks post op. Just wash legs in a bowl or sit in shower with leg out! You will manage don't worry . A trolley on wheels is very useful for moving things around. A toilet frame to help you sit and stand. A shoe horn! A litter picker for picking things up. I needed these as I was on my own but otherwise get a Slave! You should be advised by an occupational therapist as everyone is different . My mum had an amazing raised toilet seat as she is 83.
I'm 4 weeks post-op and I used a "leg lifter" for the first 2 weeks (my therapist ordered it for me) it helped me get in & out of bed, the shower and the car. I was fortunate that my Dr. used glue and derma bond, no staples, so I was able to get my incision wet. I'm faithful doing my exercises but I still have issues with stiffness, any suggestions?
Patience am ten weeks a lot less stiff and swollen. Just seen my gp who said she has watched the operation and it's very tough on the body so no wonder muscles are tense and stiff. Fluids and massage helps a bit. But time as they say is the healer
My dressing is waterproof had shower in hospital physio showed me how to use my walking stick to lift leg
I had showers from day 2, did not need anything as dressing covered staples. After discharge the same shower every morning. After staples were removed there was no need to cover wound. Reading others status it goes to show the difference each area has. I used leg lifter for 3 plus weeks until I was able to lift it myself, this was for chair and bed.
I purchased raised toilet seat, litter picker, hubby raised my armchair. Hope this helps. Good luck xx
I as God no showers or baths till staples out and dry
I wasn't given any leg lifter. Was told to use good leg to lift operated leg but ultimately had to lift it on my own, physio said this wS to build up muscle strength. Also didn't need anything for the toilet, just had to sit with operated leg straight at first. It certainly seems that every hospital, physio and consultant gave their own take on what we should do after the op.
Yes they are all different, second day physio told me to use my good leg to help get my other leg onto the bed, but to try hard to do it before that and the muscles would get stronger. No raised loo seat either, straight leg to start with then as the bend gets better. That's one of the exercises at circuit training standing and sitting on a low chair and holding the sit position in the middle!
Sounds very similar to what I've been told to do as well.
I must say that I would have liked to have one of those seats which goes over the loo to make it higher. Getting on to it wasn't too bad, although always a bit painful, but getting back up was a real strain, and contributed to causing problems with my 'good' knee. . Nothing to hold on to in my bathroom, . . Depends whether you have anything you can pull yourself up with, but iuf not, I really recommend getting that . . Having cistitis which meants I was up and down on it all night didn't help . . .
Oh, and regarding showers. . I had showers from day two in the hospital . .no problem. the dressing were waterproof, but go by what the hospital tell you . I had staples. . no problem. thank heavens for the walk in shower though . . Not sure how I would have coped with getting in a bath. You can get a 'bathboard' which would help with that, if you don't have a walk in shower. . . non slip mat would be a good idea!
Sorry just seem the predicted rubbish! I was told no showers or baths still staples out and dry.
I was wondering what God had to do with it!