Upcoming THP Replacement May 7!

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi everyone, I am new here and have a couple questions for my upcoming THR, anterior method on May 7.  Curious whether to use a walker or crutches and how useful is a shower chair?  I am an avid horseback rider, so wondered how many of you also ride and how long was it before you were back in the saddle..no pun intended!!!  Thanks everyone!!  So glad I found this forum, I am just starting to get pretty nervous about this procedure!!

2

Started slowly riding after I was cleared by surgeon 7-8 months after surgery. Posting while riding was suggested . Switched to tenn Walker they have easier gait long wheel to wheel base so to speak and no jumping and no longer competed in endurance racing up and down mtns etc. Trail rides easy does it ,yet as you no matter how well trained horses are unpredictable . 

They are great therapy just walking every day with them on lead helped get thru rehab.

good luck 

happy trails,

3

Wow, that is a really long time to go without riding!  Surgeon told me at 6 weeks if all went well he would clear me, but it was up to me how I felt.  Guess I was trying to be optimistic!  I just trail ride mostly, and yes, they are unpredictable regardless.  Guess time will tell for sure!  THank you!

4

My surgeon recommends a walker and I agree that it is better than crutches  Less chance of falling and much more comfortable. He doesn't want his patients to use the 4-wheel one as the is possibility of it moving away while using it. I did use a 4-wheel one after the first 2 weeks when I went out which was good with its seat to use if I was tired.

I have a shower chair and used it once or twice after I was allowed to shower. Mostly wanted it for the security. I do have grabber bar in shower but thought it would help, too. Suggest some grabber bar if you don't already have one. Can usually get suction kind.

5

Well hello Kathy,

I just had THR anterior on March 30th. I stayed one night came home in the early afternoon. Yes, I find the walker to be very helpful and as for the shower chair a must. Also, a raised toilet seat makes things a lot more comfortable. So I am 10 days post op. Each day seems to get a little better. Getting into bed has been painful but that is getting even better. Can't help on getting back to riding, sorry. Try not to be nervous. It will be a good thing.

Good luck

Loni

6

THank you Loni!  I was going back and forth about toilet rider and shower chair...think I will have them on hand just in case.  Did you get the chair with the sides..handles?  I have a desk job...how long are you taking off work?  I need to be back as soon as I feel up to it/.  Hoping 3 weeks will be the most.  When are you clear to drive?

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I used a walker....then crutches....then a cane. All are so helpful as you recover!

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I used a walker....then crutches....then a cane. All are so helpful as you recover!

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I had a shower chair and was very glad that I did. I would get weak and a bit dizzy the first week or so and really needed the chair.  I also got a raised toilet seat which also came in very handy.  Try not to worry.  You will be so much more comfortable soon.

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Thanks for the advice!! Much appreciated and,needed!

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That's what I had kind of planned on, so thank you !!

12

I used a walker for 1 day .... then straight onto two sticks.

See my blog on my website for tips from hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...

   http://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   http://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

13

The hospital provided me with crutches and a toilet seat raider. Think they are standard on NHS if you are in the U.K. Only used a walker in hospital the first day after my operation. Only used a shower seat in hospital and once after I came home as I was stable enough to stand after that.

What I found invaluable was a grabber to pick up anything that dropped on the floor and to help when getting dressed.

6 weeks sounds pretty early to ride again but my consultant advised me at 6 weeks I could try to do anything. However, if it caused me pain, I should stop and wait a few weeks. So see what your body tells you.

14

Thanks so much for the info Melody!!

15

Hi Kathy, the most frightening bit is not knowing what will happen and the waiting, after that it is downhill all the way. Like the others I had a walker the first day and crutches after that. When I got home I chucked the crutches and just furniture surfed, mainly because I am rubbish at using crutches. I did not use a shower chair and just stood and leaned against the glass. Good luck.

16

THank you so much!  Im probably way over thinking everything!