How long will i need help

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi I have finally got my letter confirming date for op so my partner needs to get holiday booked for looking after me how long did others need initial help we are not sure if 1 or 2 weeks will be needed.  Thanks 

2

Hi Tracey, I'm sure it differs with individuals and how generally fit you are, but for both of mine I appreciated help for the first two weeks. Mainly because I was on crutches and a bit wobbly if I tried to carry anything, coffee, lunch etc. some people manage with a hostess trolly earlier. I'm now into week three and looking after myself fine. Only issue is around getting shoe on when I go out for my walk.  I never did invest in those elastic shoe laces which means I have to loosely tie the shoe and crowbar my foot in using the grabber and the long handle shoe horn that the hospital gave me. Hope that this helps x

3

Hi Tracey, my wife has just gone back to work after having 1 week off to help me after my thr op. I think it was probably about right. Another week would have been great if she didn't need the leave at other times but I've been able to manage the basics on my own this week so far. The boredom is another issue though!

4

Hi Tracey

As noted, we are all different. Although I am 64 I am fairly fit and flexible and I was down to one crutch a week after my op but still needed help to get the damn socks on for total of two weeks. My partner made sure I rested as much as possible to ensure a speedy recovery but I worked full time after seven days. Play it by ear and do what suits you. Good luck

5

Hi Tracey, my husband had the first week off (don't know what I would have done without him). Week 2 I was still on 2 crutches so couldn't carry anything like cup of tea or lunch into the lounge, so struggled a bit. By week 3 was on 1 crutch which made life a lot easier. Week 5 now, I'm flying!!!!!! Hahahah

 

6

Hi Tracey 

I'm 64 and 5 weeks post op. My husband took one week off and I managed with sandwich boxes and flask until I was down to one crutch from week 3. A messenger bag (across body) and/or a carry bag (!) were useful too for day to day things like phone/pills/iPad/chargers etc. The darn TED stockings can be done either before he goes to work or when he gets back! But it does depend as has already been posted on you and your recovery. 

Hope all goes well with the op, keep us posted!

Linnet x

7

Thanks all for replies 1 week seems to be what we shall go for there is a possibility employer may grant 2 or 3 carer days so may stretch to almost 2 weeks the therapists have provided a trolley which will be useful for transporting drinks etc, got a flask for milk cos fridge is low plans set  just need April 9th to hurry up lol 

8

Hi Tracey

i had my op 12 days ago and live alone.I basically had to get on with it with friends popping in from time to time.It is amazing how quickly you learn to adapt to your circumstances.I needed most help with getting support stockings/socks on and off however left the support stockings on for longer-that is not an issue-i was told that in hspt.I have slip on shoes and loose fitting trousers,i used my grabber to put on trousers and made sure freezer full of food.You get used to having a "top and tail" which i did myself.

Now things have progressed so much,i am out and about,shopping with back pack and doing house work as normal.I am 49.

9

I defnitely needed help for the first week, then having sorted myself out with my grabber I was a lot more organised the second week, although still needed help wih the washing of feet.  I managed easily having a strip wash  but it was lovely having help with a bowl of water to put my feet in for a soak.  I would say 10 days would be the most useful.

10

I am 43 years old 7 weeks post op THR.  Seems that in the USA we have the option of either going home or going to rehab.  I choose to go to rehab.  I was there 7 days.  Even though someone was at home to help me, I think being in different surroundings really helped me to be more independant.  I would think 7-10 days would be enough time for you to get used to post op hip replacement.  Good luck to you.

11

Hi Tracey

As you see we are all different but I appreciated the 2 weeks my husband had.

As for those trolleys they are a godsend. Prop your crutches/sticks up beside it, take it into kitchen , make a meal/sandwick or just coffee, put it on it and take it back.

For anyone else in the UK reading this.....if you aren't offered one try asking for one. I wasnt offered on the first THR but someone had told me about threm so I asked and got it...no trouble. After you are fitter they are great for putting things on to transport them from room to room.

Love

Eileen   UK

12

Hi all again thanks for replies looks like my OH bosses at the nhs are kindly allowing 4 days leave no carers leave as I am not a child!!!! Eileen I have the loo seat with frame in place now and dont know how i coped without it! Really looking forward to joining all you happy hippies on the other side.  I know it is not going to be easy but am prepared to do all I can to help myself.  6 weeks and 1 day yay