Who needed a Zimmer frame? In my preparations I just phoned the central hub to organise a perching stool and a couple of Zimmer frames but was told I can borrow a perching stool but have to go via my GP to get Zimmer frames as I would have to be asessed. I could buy them to avoid the hassle of going via the GP but then how long would I need them for anyway? I've got everything else I need I think.
Cheers
Ann
I got a trolley with trays at a charity shop and it has been a great help can use it to take my laundry out to the line. Plus of course the first few days carrying my drinks and meals.
I bought a trolley thing and it's been a lifesaver. Living alone has meant carrying things would have been impossible.
Grabbers too have been essential . And definitely need more than one because I drop the grabber then have to get another to pick it up.
I badgered social services into sending me an electric bath chair on loan . After 6 weeks of being unable to bath and not having a walk in shower I really needed a good bath. It works really well!
Xx
Hi Anniepaint
I used a Zimmer frame just for the first hour or two of day one after the op in hospital - then I was onto two sticks with instruction from the physio, and using just one stick on day two and when back home. I guess it depends on how good your balance is before the op, and how much help you have at home, but you might well not need to buy a zimmer - as Ann47985 suggests, a trolley (or one-handled tray) is practical for carrying food and drinks etc around once you're back home. I guess a wheeled zimmer wth trays would do the job well, but would probably be a very expensive buy for such short term use.
sjhips
My GP did not want to know about any equipment and said they had nothing to do with it. The hospital had a price list of various things such as sponges, grippers etc which were all cheaper on Amazon. They were good in recommending things but the only loan was raised lavatory seats and crutches. You even have to take your own soap to hospital.
It really does seem people get different treatment I was done at a private hospital thru the nhs and got all the equipment free I did buy extra grabbers and log handled sponge
Hi, I just had the frame on the day of the op. The next day I was on crutches. I think the trolley idea would be really useful if you are on your own.
Wishing you all the best, Judith
Hi have you tried the local red cross? They hire out all sorts of things.We brought a raised toilet seat from Amazon. I also brought a long handled leg strap via Amazon very useful for help lift the poorly leg into bed!! Grabbers too are useful.If you sleep upstairs useful to keep a canvas bag downstairs for all your needs to save going up & down.Please make sure you get as much help as you can.Regards Amanda
Hi I am six weeks post op second hip replacement used zimmer first time out of bed then crutches now on walking sticks . Physio at the hospital sorted al my requirement s out bothe times raised toilet raised seat, raised feet for chair and trolley with wheeles so I could make something and put it on the trolley to transport the only thing they didn't provide was the grabber.
hi annie,
warm welcome to the hippies forum ...
when is your surgery scheduled for?
I live alone and was advised to get the 4 wheeled walker (rollator) - I had to buy it and cost me about 70.00 euro dollars - Came to good use because I had 2nd THR surgery 6 months later - It is handy, you can put things on it, which is great when you live alone .. I took it outside and could sit on the little bench to rest when needed ..
I would not bother buying a zimmer frame, darling ...
please let us know how you are getting on, okay
big warm hug
renee
Ann
As others said I hope you can get everything you need from the hospital or the Red Cross.
But if you need anything else try ebay. Mostly people only need thus stuff for a short period and some ends up on ebay. I just saw a zimmer for 12gb pounds.
Hope the op goes well.
Mike
I only used zimmer for 1st day then went to crutches. I did get mine loaned from hospital as well as raised toilet seat All I had to buy was a grabber and sock aid. IF you have to pay I would suggest waiting until you actually need things as you progress.
Thanks everyone. I will probably be discharged from hospital next weekend (My op is on Thursday) so just wanted to make sure I am prepared. My friend has offered to lend me a walker if I need it. I only have a small cottage so limited for space so I will wait and see. I am managing my anxiety by trying to be fully prepared I guess. My sister will be staying with me for a couple of weeks so I have help.
Best wishes
Ann
You will be surprised at how much you can actually do yourself after a week even. I live in a small flat and find it makes things easier as there is always a wall or worktop nearby which gave me confidence
I ditched my zimmer frame in hospital and went onto two sticks, then I had to prove I could go up and down various staircases (carpeted and hard) before they would let me out.
Some people find a 'rollator' useful as you can apply a hand brake to adjust your speed.