Dear All. Yet another question which I forgot to ask at Joint School today (doh!). Have any of you tried, or for that matter ever used, a female urinal to save energy and time after THR? I ask because I saw them in the Ableworld shop and wondered how handy one would be. (Not talking about a 'She-Wee but a proper urinal for gals). Be interested to know any experience of one and would it push the hip out sideways too much? Oh, how complicated but I'm fairly sure I'll get some uncomplicated answers!
As usual thanks in advance.
Hi there, I don't have any experience of the articles to which you refer, but I can tell you that I had a catheter inserted for about four days following THR earlier this year. I never had one before, but all I know is that I was never aware of doing a 'wee' during the time it was connected - it just happened! After it was removed I was able to use a normal toilet with a raised seat. So what I'm really saying is that you don't have to get yourself all worked up about it, 'cos it happens to us all. Best wishes. Marg
Dont know why you'd need one...I used a bedpan for the first night after the op.A bit embarrassing but you manage! Next day I was up on a zimmer and using the ordinary toilet...it did have handles to each side and was higher than normal but they tell you how to sit and stand with your op leg straight out in front.....after that on crutches and no real probs...even managed to stand and have a wash!
Had a raised loo seat at home and a frame that fits around the loo so you can lever yourself up...still using it now as its easier !!
Hi, Although going to the actual toilet is tiring and can be uncomfortable, it's the main way of exercising and keeping moving which is essential for preventing blood clots.
In the hospital my bed had a hanging handle over it.
I simply grabbed the handle and lifed myself up while the staff slid the bedpan under me. It was uncomfortable with my newly operated hip to use the bedpan, but you manage. What is especially important is that they don't leave you sitting on the pan and not come back. Most nurses aids I convinced to stay there until I was done. I used the bedpan from Thursday through Monday morning.
I found that the IV was really important and made me pee a lot, however that urinating is what eliminates the anestesia from your body.
Hi Chris - just noticed that you were still around. How's it going now that you're back at work? Hope you're not doing too much. Best wishes,
Marg