Morning everyone. I've got up today with a more positive attitude! Lots of tears shed last night! All gone for the time being!
The body brace has now been put to the back of the cupboard. I still have the granny chair, will it be ok to sit in ANY chair now? My friend is taking me out for lunch, scared of sitting too low down! I don't really want to take a cushion out with me. Also, the toilet seats, can I take them off yet! Thanks in advance. Julie.
Have you been given the go ahead to sit on low chairs etc? If not proceed with extreme care. I have been out fo lunch a couple of times, took a cushion in a carrier bag and used it.
As you have already had a manipulation ( looked at your previous post) I would be extra careful.
I took cushions with me even before my op when I went out - I haven't been out for meal since yet- I'm 4 and a half weeks - however I would take cushions with me if I did - who cares what anyone thinks - your health is more important - I would want to be comfortable and not sit too low. I would keep the toilet seats and sit in a high chair as well until you are well and truly confident that you can bend without causing a problem! You could always just add a pillow or cushion to a different chair if you don't want to sit in the granny chair! I take cushions out to the garden when i want to sit out!
Have you had your 6/8 week check up yet? If not, I would be very careful about sitting in a low chair just yet. If you have to for any reason, keep your leg out in front of you with a straight knee, so that your leg is not bent too far. Also the same with toilet seats, grab something , even walls will do, and try to keep your operated leg straight out in front so that it is lower than your hip. Best of luck.
Hi Julie ... I agree ... take a cushion with you, just to make sure - and you will be much more comfortable too--- I went out to lunch on week 5, didn't think of the cushion and boy, it felt uncomfortable - I am still sort of panicky about using the toilet in restaurants or friend's houses ... I am 10 weeks post-op -
Okay, I have been reading about the "granny" chair ... what kind of a chair is a Granny chair ... - thank you ...
oh, the body brace julie, what is it and why did you need one? sorry for these questions .... warm hug
Maggie, Ann, Barbara & renee, I was only out for just over an hour, I wish I had taken a cushion now! I wasn't in pain but I did concentrate on putting most of my weight on the left cheek! I was uncomfortable so next time a cushion it will be!
I went back to see the surgeon for a 4 week check, he just had a prod & watched me walk that was on 4/5/15, I'm due to see him again 15/6/15 he's also going to do an X-ray.
Hi renee, A granny chair is like the ones you get in care homes, it's a straight back with arms, the feet of the chair resemble the crutches, you can change the height at the front & back, not the most comfortable things to sit in but they keep your posture in the correct position.
As for the body brace, they put a rubber sleeve on my thigh (loosely) then a gauze over the top of that, then plaster Paris it to a stainless steel thing with a cog on it, they set the cog at 70 degrees to stop me from bending to far forward, back or trying to rotate. It was strapped around my waist & I had to wear it 24/7. When I was in hospital I wasn't told anything really, all the physios did was walk me to the end of a corridor then walk up & down 4 steps!! At no point did they say how I should bend lift twist...just nothing, I was rushed out of the hospital bed as they neede it! Apparently I was supposed to have someone come round and show me this....they had lost all my records & therefor I had no house visit from the physios!
That wasn't the first time they had lost my records, when I had a lump removed from my toe she said oh I see this is your first time in hospital! It was my 4th operation in that hospital!!
Anyway so, this is why I had a dislocation, because I felt ok and did everything like I'd just had a tooth removed!!
Hi Julie have you had your follow up appointment with the surgeon? If you have to follow the 90degree rule just be carefull. I like everyone else used a cushion for a couple of trips out until I knew I was safe.
Use the disabled toilets if you go out, you dont want to get stuck in a normal cubicle. No matter how good your operated leg feels it is not worth dislocation.
Enjoy your lunch xx M
Hi Julie, I am in the proffession and found this the most helpful patient leaflet of all I have seen:
http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/Services/A-Z/Orthopaedics/HipConditions/HavingAHipReplacement.pdf
I hope it helps you as it appears your hospital is not particularly supportive.
Very best wishes for a speedy recovery, Dot xx
thank you for explaining the granny chaor and body brace - seems like a contraption of some sort .... i don't know what to say about the lost record and the lack of information you had while in the hospital without using explicits ... you are in such a vulnerable state ...
Wihsing you a good and restful night Julie ... big hug
Aw thanks renee, hope your ok. I think I should sleep better tonight, I've had a busy day. Lunch out with a lovely friend, my 6yr old grandson came to see me, so we have to play a game or two, he's my tonic, I made him a snack & a drink then he said...Nanny now you can walk better you can come to my garden & we can play football again! Bless his little heart! Anyway renee I hope you have a good nights sleep. Big hugs to you to. 😘
Just thought I'd send you this photo, this is what I've been wearing for 7 weeks!! So glad to see the back of it!
good Lord Julie .... you are my new hero ! 7 weeks .... well, you know what , it served its' purpose whatever that was .... good riddens ... take care and take it easy ....
Thanks renee, it feels so strange without it! I feel undressed! So now I have to learn to listen to my body & not push myself too much. It'll be a long haul ahead, I just have to try & fill my day. Good luck with your recovery. I'll stay in touch. Hugs. Julie x
Hi dot - a very informative leaflet thank you for the link!
How horrible. Still it did its job
Thank you for going to the trouble dot, very kind of you. X
julie
I was told by physio they have relaxed the rules on high seats for toilets and said I could sit on a recliner if it was comfortable had op last Friday side room in hospital had a normal toilet ok to use from day 1 a bit aches in thigh bending down but got better. Recliner is electric and don't have it too far back but legs up enough to take heaviness out. In kitchen sitting in chair at right angle have cushion as extra padding when use any chair though.
Wow! If I'd of known that! Right the sofa it is tomorrow then, mine is also a recliner but a manual one, it's so comfy on there, I haven't sat on that since the 1st op...14th March! I love a little doze on that too! It will take the swelling down in my legs & feet too. So you are 1 week op tomorrow? Hope you have an easy & fun filled recovery, enjoy the rest while you can.
Julie
Hi Julie did you try the recliner my bum a bit numb today and a bit of restless legs but pain on walking less every day it's sitting that gets boring do you sleep on your side?