I don't know if anyone here is in the same boat as me, living alone and facing hip replacement. If there is, my message to you is don't worry - it can be done.
I was very nervous about how I was going to manage when I was discharged from hospital. I organised everything in my home to be just right, setting up a 'station' by my favourite chair with a basket containing all my necessaries (comb, mirror, pen, notepad, tissues, moisturiser, hand cream, remote controls), trailing socket for easy access plug sockets for laptop, phone and hairdryer etc.
I bought a mobility trolley with two shelves for anything I needed to move from room to room which I kept on the other side of my chair, and on it I keep my phone, book, grabber, long handled shoe horn, jug of water (with lid - very important!), glass, medication and specs. It's also great for bringing meals and drinks through so I can eat in comfort.
I asked a few friends if they would be on the end of the phone for me. They had in fact already offered but I wanted to be sure they really were happy to be 'on-call' in an emergency. Of course my children are also there for me but both out at work all day and living further away than my friends.
The first night was scary I must admit but it was okay. My trolley was next to the bed and safe and stable to trundle to the toilet and back. My mobile phone was on it just in case, as were my painkillers if I needed them in the noght (which I did). When that first night was over and I had managed to get myself up and into the living room nursing the first coffee of the morning I felt a huge sense of achievement.
Simple meals were easy. I had stocked up on ready meals, soup etc, but found I was able to make egg on toast, cheese on toast, porridge and bacon sandwiches.
Each day my confidence increased and I found it easy to put a load of washing in, take it out with my grabber and hang it on an airer.
A strip wash in the bathroom was easy - no need to rush it. Washing my hair was easiest over the kitchen sink with a bowl of hot water on the draining board and a jug to pour water over my head. I needed an extra towel to mop up the water I spilt on the floor -DANGER ZONE!
Living alone through this is both a blessing and a curse. I have had to do things maybe a partner would have done for me and I'm sure that has helped with confidence, movement and strengthening muscles. For instance, there had been no-one to help lift my leg into bed so I have been doing it and now I don't even give it a second thought, I just lift it right into bed. The flip side is there's always a "but what if ???" at the back of my mind when I try something new, but planning it in my head instead of charging in is the key here.
Things you will need help with:
TED stockings if you have them - impossible to put on alone for a couple of weeks.
Shopping - do it online or ask a friend.
Lifts - if you have appoinments to attend.
I'm sorry for the epistle. I just wanted anyone who is facing this alone to know you don't have to be Superwoman or Superman. It's all about planning, positivity and a few good friends.
Cels xxx
