I am now at the point where I need to seriously consider THR. I have been doing some research and I came across a description of how to get in and out of bed post-surgery. My bed is quite tall with a very thick mattress and I am wondering how I will managed to get in and out of it. I think it will be especially difficult in the first few days and weeks, especially when I have to get up in the night to use the bathroom. Any suggestions?
Hi Anne, I'm sorry your at that point where you need to have a THR is this for one hip or both, have you been given a date yet.
As for post op, you will be given some physio in hospital before release and they will show you how to get in and out of bed, if your only having one you can always use the other foot/ankle to lift operated leg up onto bed, there's hundreds on the site who will give advice when the time comes so don't worry
Very slowly. I first sat on the bed and then put my good leg under the operated on to lift it up and slowly swing it around. Did this for about 3 weeks. Had thigh pain in the femur where the inplant was pounded in.
Dear Anne
I do not think you need to worry too much. The way in which I get onto my bed is quite simple. back up to it half way along and then pull myself across it as far as possible, then swing my legs around and get straightened up.
You are likely regardless of the height of the bed to experience some pain in moving the new joint leg up and around but it gets easier after a few days. How about practicing doing it several times before the surgery.
Good luck
Richard
My physical therapist showed me how to safety do this while I was in the hospital. I'm in the USA. Was in the hospital for 3 days HTH
Vickie
Hi Anne
To get into bed, I put a plastic bag on the edge of the bed, sat down on it with operated leg straight out in front of me, leant back, and then could swivel myself round quite easily on the slippery plastic and lift my legs up together onto the mattress without breaking the 90 degree rule. Then you just slide the plastic out from under you and there you are. Getting out is easier as gravity is working with you, just swing your legs round keeping your operated leg straight and push off the mattress to standing using your stick/walker to steady you.
The plastic bag trick is also very helpful when getting into the car to come home from hospital. Have a quick practice before your op and you'll be fine!
Good luck,
Sjhips
Hi, my bed is also tall with a thick memory foam topper. I sat on edge then shuffled back using my arms then using good leg I hitched up with that once you've gone far enough back your bad leg knee will be on the bed and you can then head up to pillow end!!! Once in place you can then sort out all your underwear etc. It takes practice but is doable just slow. I can now get in and out with no issue and I'm 8 weeks post op. Good luck
I don't know how tall your bed is. I had a similar problem that I resolved by getting one of those steps they use in exercise classes,,, it was very sturdy and, to me more importantly, very wide. It helped a lot's. Hope that helps. Good luck with your surgery.
Oh, great idea! A firm, wide step would be perfect! Wish I'd thought of that. I used my good foot to lift my op'd leg, but sometimes needed help lifting both legs. That only lasts a few days. Good luck with you surgery!
Hi Anne,OK what you need to do is go to the red cross centre.You can borrow a commode,walking frame.A slippery sheet for your bed.If your having your right hip done you will need to get out of your bed on the left side & then it's the same for your left hip you need to get into bed on the right hand side.Please get as much help as you can.The hospital will not let you come home till you have done stairs.Regarding cooking.get someone to prepare you a sandwich at lunch time,also order in microwave meals.oakhousefoods foods are amazing and deliver all over the country.You will have good days & bad.But if your fit it will all come together.regards Amanda h
I do not have a date set yet. I will get one hip done at a time. but both hips need replacement. This morning I went for my steroid shots and the doctor asked me how long the previous shots helped with the pain. I told him that it was only two months. He said that he had looked at my most recent x-rays and he noted that the arthritic changes were pretty severe at this point. I think he is trying to tell me that surgery will be needed sooner rather than later!
Steve, I am really dreading this stage in my life! I'm not good with pain, so I imagine I'll be crying a lot. My daughter is encouraging me to find a surgeon who does the anterior method because she said the pain will be less than with the posterior. But the doctor I have been seeing all this time, and who has a very good reputation, does not do the anterior method. I am doing all the research I can, including the in and out of bed issue!
Richard,
I certainly appreciate your suggestion that I practice. That is an excellent idea.
Thank you, Vickie. I'm already starting to worry about everything. Is three days the normal length of stay in the hospital?
The plastic bag idea is great! I'll certainly give that a try when the time comes.
Kirsty, thank you for this explanation. At eight weeks, are you pretty much pain free now? Obviously I need to continue to build up strength in my arms.
Now I am annoyed at myself for selling my step at the last yard sale. My daughter-in-law's mother bought it so, if she still has it, maybe she will sell it back!
Amanda,
I live in the US and I don't think our Red Cross is in the business of lending equipment. My husband will be able to stay home for a few days so I'm not so worried about having someone to help with food, etc. I think my biggest worry is having to get out of bed at night in the dark.
I couldn't get out of bed at night due to pain caused incontinence. My husband helped me use a bed pan when I got desperate. Yes he is a sweetie, couldn't have gotten this far without him. Today begins my eight week. Still using a cane. Got a steroid shot in painful knee same side as operated hip today hopes that will help me walking more. Hip pain nearing gone just thigh soreness when I do too many exercises. Good luck top you. Oh yes there is a leg lifter on line that sure helped me. My other hip wouldn't let me lift.
The things I am learning here! I will have to check out the leg lifter. I may need a supply of Depends!!!