Advice on what to get ready for THR

elsa56

Have now got a date or should I say 2 dates for my op.
One could be the 7th December this year or the other is the 4th January 2014.
I'm thinking it will be January. I would appreciate any help on what type of clothing I will be needing as somewhere I read that underwear and nightwear should be at least 2 sizes bigger than normal to allow for swelling.
I'm scared but relieved to get rid of the pain hopefully

sailrib

Good Luck, hope you get some answers. I personally haven't bad a THR so I wouldn't know about your questions

stickywicket

Interesting, Elsa. I've never heard that though I've had three TKRs in all. The knee will certainly swell after all that's been done to it and probably the ankle and foot too. I've had real problems getting my feet into shoes post-op and it's the only time I ever wear slippers. I wear the wrap-over kind because they allow for the foot changing shape.

I always wear nighties (and knickers) as there's always someone wanting to look at the knee but you'll want some Day Clothes too. I go for wide-legged trousers that I can slide up if someone wants to inspect my knee but I guess skirts would work too. It's just that I never do skirts anyway.

If there's anything else you want to know just ask. I hope your TKR is every bit as successful as mine. (I had one replaced 4 years ago. It was 27. Its twin is still there

lululu

SW Elsa asked about Hip not knee. This intersts me too as I am in line for THP sometime down the road.


Elsa maybe this would be better on LWA.

barbara12

Hello Elsa
I didnt bother with knickers on the ward...I had cotton nighties knee length and no shorter has getting out of bed makes them ride up ...good slippers...and best of all the grabber..it will become your best friend....I was in mid summer so it was very hot..but baby wipes were a must..even for winter...and make sure your wash bag has a string or handle to hook on your crutches..xx

lululu

Barbara how long till you went home. Were you able to look after yourself. I live alone.

stickywicket

lululu wrote:

SW Elsa asked about Hip not knee. This intersts me too as I am in line for THP sometime down the road.


Elsa maybe this would be better on LWA.

:oops: My apologies, Elsa. However, it's the same for me whether hips or knees except I tend to ensure larger knickers for hips so no tight elastic near the site.

Lululu, you're as bad as me. This is LWA

lululu

We have had a long day SW !

Sorry Elsa I seem to have taken over your thread I hope you do not mind having to shsare.!

cherrybim

Hello Elsa, I think Barbara has got it spot on

Don't even worry about knickers, they're completely superflous! Medium length nighties are the way to go and the physio will be happy when she gets you up and about doing the walking exercises etc if you are wearing 'sensible' shoes, not slippers.

Obviously I don't know the procedure followed by your hospital but here in Eastbourne for hip and knee replacements, autologous blood transfusions/infusions are used (whereby the patient's own blood drained from the surgical wound are restored to the patient) You certainly don't need to wear knickers for that The procedure doesn't last for many hours and I think it's a wonder of modern science

We also have a system whereby if you are discharged from hospital after three nights and three nights only, the Assisted Discharge Scheme comes into effect. A nurse will visit, every day if necessary and involve any other professional, such as a physio or a practical support worker for example.

As you live alone I think it's most important for you to get some kind of aftercare in place. Possibly your Doctor or Practice Nurse could help you with this?

Best wishes for your op, once it's healed and you've got good mobility you'll be so pleased you've had it done.

Cherry x

stickywicket

Well, I'm still a big believer in knickers but then I'm always hot in hospitals so I tend to lie on top of the bed a lot with no blankets. Also remember that, post-TKR, the legs have to be slid carefully across to get up/out of bed, usually one at a time, I find, but that's just me.

Elsa, all hospitals differ in how they deal with discharges but you will be seen by an Occupational Therapist before you leave and she will ensure you can cope with the basics.

However, do try to ensure that your first 2-3 post-op weeks are dedicated to making the hip work by means of rest and exercise. Housework and cooking are out. Buy in some ready-meals or get some prepared and frozen now. Get groceries delivered either by friends or online supermarkets.

Good luck

kathbee

I'm ef dwith sticky on the knicker debate.

Would feel far too exposed without.

I had a hip replacement in 2009
Right Knee replacement in 2012
and am now on the list for the other knee.

Good Luck with op.

Kath

dreamdaisy

After my synovectomy I wore knickers in hospital but rather than have to change them every day (my leg was far too heavily bandaged and I couldn't bend it) I used panty shields which could be changed without too much effort. Once I got home I dropped the drawers.

Sticky is spot-on about what NOT to do post THR. I remember a lady on here who was given no help or advice whatsoever after her THR and she was doing the hoovering once she got home. Hospitals do very widely in the pre and post-op advice so don't be afraid to ask questions - doctors and surgeons tend to assume that we know what they know because they are dealing with these things all the time. Am I right in thinking you have family around, yes? Make sure they are aware of what they will have to be doing for a good month or so after your operation, you will need the exercising, healing and resting time, end of. It's not selfish, it's necessary. DD

villier

Sorry Elsa cannot advise, I just want to wish you well for your op whenever you get it, let us know how you get on..................Marie xx

hileena111

Hi Elsa,
I was having my 2nd THR 13th Dec but was postponed ....it will probably be Jan/Feb now.
I found big knickers helpful....like DD {I think it was} I used panty liners and changed those during the day.....that was helpful.
I was in from Fri until Mon....out Mon morning.
That includes a blood transfusion
I have a group physiotherapy appointment next week. A group of people due to have THR meet and a physio puts us through all the do's and dont's what exercises pre op and post op.
All authoritys are different I know. That's my experience.....make sure they know you live on your own.

Love
Hileena

elsa56

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and ideas, they will come in useful.
SW I had to look twice after your first comment (TKR) am so pleased that I am not the only one who has senior moments (xx). And lulu too
I will go for the big knicks as I would forget I hadn't got any on and show the world and I wouldn't be able to crawl under the bed to hide :oops: .
Baby wipes another great idea thanks Barbara . Another thing I heard somewhere was dry shampoo.
When I went to see the Specialist he said that they would not let me out until they are satisfied that I could cope and that I was as fit as could be expected.
Like the rest of you must have been, I am scared but I have to keep telling myself it is for the better.
The hospital that I am going too is Saxon Clinic, it is run by Bupa but I am going as an NHS patient.
I still don't know wether it is this year or next, I should think it will be January 4th now unless I get a call this coming week.
Does anyone know what I need to do about DLA and when I should tell them of changes? When I got the higher rate mobility this year it was for life because of other parts of me are knackered as well but that has all changed now.
These people want to try living in our shoes for just a day and thay would re think what they are doing.

hileena111

Hi Again
Sorry cant help with DLA
Dry shampoo def.
I found one on line......I think it was called No Rinse Shampoo
Basically you put it on dry hair......great when you cant bend because of the 90 degree rule......lather it and then towel it off.
Obviously not as good as proper shampoo but much the same as dry.
I have both now......because I bend over the bath to wash my hair with a hand shower and sometimes my back is so sore that I cant manage so either one of those are good.
It depends how long your hair is of course....mine is short so doesn't take much.
With it being short I get it cut and blow dried every 4 weeks but I mad a point of going to the hairdressers more often when recovering.
Good luck...I'm still waiting to hear about my 2nd one....probabaly Jan or Feb

Love
Hileena