Footstools - to use or not to use????

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I've just been reading that you shouldn't use footstools following THR!  I use one for most of the time when I'm sitting - wondered what other people's views are on this????? Maybe that's why I still get pins and needle effect????  It never occurred to me not to use one ! 

 

2

Hi Carol

I was advised not to use a footstool because of the danger of breaking the 90degree rule. ie when you are sitting with your feet up (L shaped if that makes sense) you musnt bend forward. Its the same if you are sitting up with pillows in bed.

Linnet x

3

The thing is that you have to obey the 90 degree rule post op. This applies whilst you are sitting or preparing to stand as well as all other times. Like everything else In this game advice and opinions will vary considerably. I suspect if you take measurements of foot stool height etc at the same time as the measurements for your seat, bed, loo and body and discuss it with the physios etc they will tell you if it is OK. Would not be for ever in any case

4

I always use something like a tin of sweets just enough to get my feet off the ground. But being 8 months post op I also have a footstool but I soon get uncomfortable when using it. I don't like just sitting with my feet on the floor.

Gill xx

5

Hi Gill I'm the same I hate sitting with my feet on the floor, I end up with a "dead leg" then it takes me a while to get going lol!!!! 

6

I just hate sitting with my legs down I end up with a dead leg and then when I stand up I hobble before I get going lol!!!! I suppose as long as I don't break the 90 degree rule I will be fine! 

7

I'm sure I'll be fine as long as I don't break the 90 degree rule, just hate having my legs down, always did even before this op lol!!!! 

8

Quite honestly I think you should do whats most comfortable, as you say as long as you dont break the 90 degree rule.😀

Linnet x

9

Thanks Linnet, certainly will do x

10

Hi Maggie:

Re the 90 degree rule; if I reead this correctly, we cannot sit up in bed, we must recline so that we are not sitting at a 90 degree angle.  If we are on a chair, we will be at a 90 degree angle, unless the set slopes!  How on earth are we going to be able to eat?

My mattress is an Airsprung with a soft layer on top which is part of the mattress.  The bed is an antique French Baroque, and I am not prepared to get rid of it.  The furniture is all antique Arts and Crafts, including the dining chairs, which have arms.  The bed in thes pare room is very low and Beergere, so I would not be able to sleep in that either!

I have a nasty feeling that I am going to be running into all sorts of nasty problems.  At what point do Social Services become involved?  

My initial consultant appointment was canclled due to a bereavement over the Christmas holidays, which I suppose has resulted in his entire schedule having to be rebooked.  So, my new appointment is with another consultant at the same clinic on February 1.  

Have to say, I am becoming increasingly concerned about how I am going to cope, living alone, with all these R&Rs and no outside help.  Daughter in Bath does not drive, so no help there.

11

Yes, use a footrest but keep leg slightly lower than hip.

12

Hi Susie

I had a few problems with the bed and chairs in the beginning - The bed I have loads of pillows around me so that I am reclining, my chairs were too low, I couldn't get in or out of them so after struggling for the first few days I got some chair raisers from Amazon (a lifesaver). You can get these for your bed as well, if you can get all of this sorted before you go into hospital you will manage fine on your own, it's getting everything at the right height and organising things so you don't have to bend down.  I wish someone had told me before and I would have definitely got it all sorted before admission.  I do still struggle a bit with sitting at a table eating, at my daughters I put a few cushions on the chair and sit slightly slopped, not the most comfortable of positions!  At home, I eat on the raised chair with a lap tray ( much easier).

Hope this helps and good luck with the surgery x

 

13

Hi Carol:

Many thanks.  I use Amazon a lot, but I do wish they would pay their taxes!  I am trying to get as much sorted as possible, so that I do not find myself left high and dry and helpless when I am released.  

In San Francisco, I went through a pregnancy termination at 5 months, because the baby was Downes Syndrome, and felt pressured to have it done.  Their after care was non existent!  Within a couple of hours of the baby coming out, I was put into a wheelchair, pushed through reception, tipped onto the sidewalk outside hospital grounds, and I was on my own, waiting for someone to collect me!  Going into hospital in the UK fills me with dread, as I have had nothing by bad experiences.

14

Hi Susie

Omg how horrendous for you!!!! Hopefully your experience here will be much better than that.  💕💕💕💕

15

That is why your chair has to be at the correct height. If it is when you sit down the angle between your hip and body does not break the 90 rule. If the chair is too low the angle is incorrect.

no one will suggest that you get rid of a much loved bed but they may suggest that you allow it to be raised on blocks for the duration required, or to raise the one in the spare room. The blocks are usually part of the equipment that you get on loan. Dining chairs with arms will be a help

16

Hi Susie, 

I live alone and went through 2 THR surgeries - the last one I was living (and still am) in a little bungalow in the middle of the woods - no cars allowed !!!  The rent includes furniture - We have put blocks under the couch , put another mattress on the bed plus a thick comfy matress topper - Thick cushion on dining room chair - 

You'll find out that you will be able to manage, become very creative and are a lot more mobile than you think right now - 

take care and  try not to worry too much - 

big wam hug

renee

 

17

My first attempt to reply didn't work. Strange...

I have been keeping my feet up, either on the coffee table or on a footstool under my computer desk, since a few days after I got home. The hospital staff never told me about the 90 degree rule; I read about it on here after a few weeks. So I have just been doing whatever makes me feel more comfortable. In the early days, when I used the coffee table as a footrest, I always lay back a bit on the sofa anyway so wasn't breaking the rule and most of the time don't break it on the footstool as it's back near the wall, rather than close to my chair.