Not being able to bend the hip more than 90 degrees makes life tricky. I'm well set up at home with raised chair, bed and toilet. But I'm not going out anywhere because I'm scared the chairs will be too low. Am I being paranoid? What height is the chair others are sitting in? Do you go out sit on a low chair and risk a dislocation?
I'm 17 days post op.
Hi Kikeena,
Its a bit of a tough one I find but if the seats aren't right for me I simply stood. If you look at a chair you can often tell just by looking at it that's it's very low. The other thing I've seen some people do is carry a metal tape measure around so you can measure in seconds how high it is. Might look a bit odd but it's your safety at stake so who cares if you get the occasional odd look.
When you sit down on a chair you are unsure of I would always extend the operated leg out whilst you are lowering yourself into it. That always is advised by physios etc. Disabled loos are always a couple of inches higher than your standard public loo so you should be ok if you are out and about. Again, put the operated leg out in front of you whilst lowering yourself if you are unsure.
There is no need to stay stuck in the house. After 6 weeks you would go round the bend!
Good luck.
Ali xx
Hi Kikeena,
I had the funeral of a very close friend around the same time, got someone else to drive and used two crutches. Many places have disabled facilities and I sat on dining chairs, preferably one with arms (carver chair) putting a cushion on car/any other seat.
The thing to remember is to extend your op leg out in front of you before sitting (no bent knee) that way you don't break the 90 degree rule.
It does us good to get out but take it easy at first (short trips) as you will be tired on return.
Best wishes,
Dot.
I am 3 weeks pist op. I went out for breakfast this morning.....normal dining chair. Ok you cant sit for too I ong. Try on just a normal chair at home. If its ok...then go out. Ive also been to a normal toilet. Maybe im lucky but i didt have a problem
Also some of the larger places have scooters for loan.
One of the benefits of being only 5 foot is that seats were rarely too low, extending tje leg was easy for me as that is what I had to do before surgery, however I did actually return to work at 4 weeks as I was going stir crazy, at 6 I drove and as soon as I could I eturned to the gym yes what I was able to do was very limited but we just replicated my physio'a excercises and as I have said already elsewhere at 11 I started the dance lessons I had been promising myself for 4 years and have more recently started Pilates as I have very poor balance now and not much flexibility but as someone else said when I went out I just used two crutches and stood
Take a couple of cushions with you that's what I used to dox
Hi Kikeena,
Yes, definitely have the operated leg extended and then lower your self ...take a cushion with you - most establishments do have pillows and cushions -
in the beginning it was uncomfortable after 30 minutes - I just stood up and walked (with cane) around ... I have no shame anymore -
try it ...
my thing is toilet at friend's house -
Love to hear about your first outing soon
big hug
renee
I bought (2) Hermell 4" Hip Cushions to put on low chairs and the couch. They are nice and firm and even 5 months later I'm still using them, they help with my back pain too. It has a carry strap so I take it with me just in case I need it.
Thanks so much. This is really helpful. I'm 17 days post op and had a posterior approach because of a prior knee replacement. I think that makes recovery more difficult and dislocation more likely than with anterior approach. Also I'm quite tall at 172 cm or 5ft 7inches.
My grandson is being baptised next weekend and I'd like to attend for at least part of it.
I'm still scared to try but getting closer with your tips.
Take a thick cushion when you go out. Most dining type chairs are OK with it. I was measured preop from kne bend crease to floor, then provided with equipment to ensure bed, chair etc were correct height. Perching chair for kitchen and toilet raiser etc also supplied
Hi
i am 5'6. I had hip surgery with a posterior approach. I take a hip cushion with me everywhere. With my leg extended. If you do not have a hip cushion just make sure your hip,is always higher then your knee. Dependant on where the christening is happening, they could possibly have a stool that you could perch on and sit off to the side. Do not be afraid to ring and ask- once people know where you are at - they tend to be happy to assist.
Where did you purchase these? I could use some! Thanks!
Church with pews or chairs? After my replacement I got them to put one of the chairs with arms from the hall, that plus a cushion and I was the right height, sat for the hymns. Chair was placed fairly near the front
Hi, Kikeena! I'm 5'10" (tall for a girl). I've been through this before and my trick was to line up chairs from home that did work with my walker or cane to make sure the chairs I faced when out were truly high enough. It was just a visual cue for me & no one else had a clue. I do like the idea of bringing along sturdy cushions. I had posterior both times & cushy pillows are actually more uncomfortable. I'm 13 days out right now, so I'm right behind you! Don't feel like you're being paranoid. It's called being cautious. You've made it through the hardest weeks already! My best to you & I hope these tips give you confidence to go out! - Kristin
I bought them on line, type in the name Hermell and it will show you where to buy them. I paid around $36.00 each. They are great!
I think you are being a bit paranoid, it takes a lot to did.locate hip
Hi,
i realise now how lucky I was both in terms of rapid recovery and being able to drive, with permission, at 5 weeks. In the boot of my car I carried a spare loo raiser in a nifty bag, and a big square social cushion. When visiting friends Or family could take my cushion in to their sofa and also brought my own loo seat. I only had to use them a few times but was happy to have them. Then when I went back to work, and I travel with my work, I found that having the loo seat in the car was great when staying in some hotels. Now at 3.5 months all contraptions are in the loft until next time. I am fully functioning, walking totally normally, sleeping with out being surrounded by cushions and driving hundreds of miles with no discomfort.
Laura
My daughter had a baby boy today! The car was parked a long way from the ward so I used an old wheelchair we had sitting around. Thanks to my fellow hippies for your advice and encouragement in sitting on a seat that is lower than recommended. You gave me confidence and I'm so glad I was able to see my grandson when he was only 2 hours old! This group is the best!