I have been scheduled for a THR Nov 30th, posterior approach. Because of the relative suddenness of the scheduling, I will miss "Hip Camp" at the local hospital where they prepare you for the before and aftermath. i will talk to a nurse and do some reading but as always, the best source is those who have lived through it. I'm wondering what you have found most helpful to have on hand,(frozen meals, commode, etc.) and also what my expectations should be about recovery time. I am a psychotherapist. Is it realistic to think I could at least do phone sessions with clients two weeks post op? Thank you for any ideas you have.
I'm from MI too. You will be able to do phone sessions immediately, your hip pain will be gone. As long as you can rest in between and elevate your leg you should be fine.
A grabber, a toilet riser, a cane, put things you use most at a height above your waist to avoid bending too low Remove loose rugs, you don't want to trip.
I bought a few microwavable dinners, and had some other dinners pre-made, but I was standing and walking around within 2 weeks and was able to prepare dinners for myself. We all heal at a differant pace, but I think within 2 weeks it's all uphill.
I was able to get up and down stairs to bathroom when I came home on day six. Fortunately I have a partner and two grown up children at home so meals were not an issue, had I had to I don't think I could have cooked though, I was making tea at about say 10. Probably could have done a day or two earlier had they lete, so if you are on your own ready meals may be a good option for a week or two.
I work as an adviser for an older people's organisation, because I could not drive for 6 weeks I was restricted in what I could do but went back into the office after 4 weeks and resumed full normal working at 7weeks, you will be very tired and may have some discomfort still at two weeks but every one is different.. Hope it goes well
Elbow crutches....sticks
Shower stool
Toilet seat...raised seat that goes over the loo.
Leg lifter....easier than a belt ir scarf
Grabber or 2
Lots of pillows
Woollen underlay for heels
Pre made dinners ready for the oven.
Cushios for low chairs
I used an over the bed triangle. ..lifter...puller...excellent for pulling yourself u pin the bed when you slip down.
Adjustable back rest for the bed
Books
Sense of humor
Hi gail,
Of course you can manage phone sessions. I am a private tutor working from home and I only had to cancel two days of lessons when I had just come home and kept nodding off to sleep in the afternoons.
I didn't use a commode to be honest because they are a nuisance to empty when you are on crutches. Just used a raised seat on the toilet. Called a toilet raiser I think.
It is impossible to carry a hot drink when you are on two crutches so have a plastic carrier bag to hang from your crutch. Then you can fill a thermos flask and pour drinks from it when you need them. Same with food. Sandwiches are easy to wrap and carry. You cannot handle a plate of hot food easily.
Best wishes
I am also waiting for my operation, I work from home supporting computer users. My consultant said to me that i could go back to work as soon as I felt up to it as there in no physical labour involved.
He said that should be 2 to 3 weeks under normal circumstances but everybody's recovery rate is different so I would just have to wait and see what happens.
Thank you, Loral!
Thanks, this is helpful!
Great list-thanks! So far, all I have are books but I'm working on the rest!
oh i never thot about my coffee!! Thanks. I have a toilet raiser -- was wondering about that vs. commode. You answered my question. TY!
Yes, I know recovery rates vary and it's so useful to be able to see sort of the spectrum of "normal" on this forum. THANKS!
What part of MI are you in?
I'm in Macomb County, Southeast MI.