post op hip operation

dizzylizzy · 27. Sep 2010, 11:35

Hi Sharon - do hope you are feeling better ??? have a couple of questions for you or any of you other lovely ladies ... Had my hip op 18 Aug and have been having strip washes ever since ! - is there a time you can start showering - could I have done it a while ago ? This Wed, 29th is my 6 week check and just under 6 weeks since my op. Would like desperately to get in shower - daughter will help - as have to step in - up and over .... how have you all got on - must admit it will be much easier to shower but am not happy to do it alone as yet.... Must say my ankle is only slightly swollen at the moment and not so painful as it was - but leg really aches in this cold weather - trouble is am not sure if I am trying to do too much walkin/exercise - and am not sure if these are the norm - any advice, tips would be much appreciated.... Dizzy

nearlybionic · 27. Sep 2010, 11:50

Hi
I was told I could use the shower once the stitches were removed which was about 10-14 days I think. My shower is a cubicle not over bath, so not sure if that makes a difference. I also made sure someone was there just in case til I felt more confident.
Do you have any physio/post op advice sheets from the hospital you had your op?
NB

speedalong · 28. Sep 2010, 20:29

Hi Dizzy, here is how I got in the shower (which was over the bath) following hip restrictions.

This method for getting in the shower will only work and be safe if you are able to fully weight bear and also to stand briefly on operated leg whilst holding on with one hand. If you had a handrail fitted on the bath wall (standing height) then the same method would work and you would be able to hold on with two hands (I think.) If you intend trying, please do it with a partner in crime and preferably get them to practise getting in and out (like you will have to) first - so you can trouble shoot before trying (dry run of course!!)

1. Position non-slip mat on bottom of bath, single step in front of bath, Zimmer on one side of step and perching stool on otherside, but not too close (so that chair is facing away from step and you can use the back rest to hold onto.) 2. Face the bath and hold on to zimmer and perching stool and step up - good leg first onto the step, followed by op leg. 3. Slowly turn (taking small steps as taught) so that you are side onto the bath and your op leg is on the bath side. 4. Op leg goes into the bath first, lean slightly forward holding on to zimmer and lift leg slightly behind you (not infront - or will break 90 degree rule...) 5. Holding on to zimmer with one hand (rail on wall would be useful at this point) lift good leg into bath too.
To get out

1. Position yourself if necessary, so that good leg is side on & ready to get out first, hold on to zimmer and get good leg out of bath, carefully lift op-leg out - leaning slightly forward and lifting it behind rather than infront. 2. Turn once more, by taking little steps so have back to bath. Hold on the back of perching chair and zimmer and step down - op leg first, then good leg.
I remember that first shower - it was HEAVEN!!!!

Speedy

dizzylizzy · 31. Oct 2010, 12:19

I remember that first shower - it was HEAVEN!!!!
Speedy[/quote]...................... i agree !!!
Hi speedy and everyone - havent been on for a while hope everyone is progressing well ? I still have good days and bad days - but still getting real tearful - been docs every other week these past 3 weeks - first with lower tum pains which they thought was the result of the tramadol tabs, then had terrible pains in right wrist - worse than a sprain when I turned it over - seems -to be the result of leaning on crutch - had started using just the one - even left wrist going a little the same way and am not leaning on a crutch with that one ! .. had just decided to have a go at knitting a few Xmas pressies - so of course that is on hold and am soooo fed up of just watching tv and reading.... I am usually a dooer ..-....today (Sunday) is mild tho a little damp and I ache and am stiff! have started getting up every hour or so to do some new exercises the hospital physio has given me - still cant sit comfortably have been walking up the street when weather allows.. Dont know how you all are fairing but I seem to be stiffer than earlier on - still cant sit comfortably, over scar seems quite firm when sitting- anyone know if this is normal...I did see what seemed to be a good book about post hip op but seem to have mislaid the title - has anyone heard of one ? do hope hope you are all f progressing nicely - sorry to be such a doom and gloom person just now Luv dizzy x

speedalong · 31. Oct 2010, 13:42

Hi Dizzylizzy,

great to hear from you. I think once we have got over the worst of the op, we can feel the benefits of no bone pain and are full of hope and enthusiasm, but as rehab drags on it is easy to get disheartened. Just remember to compare yourself to how you were just before the op rather than with where you want to be.

Are you using anything on your scar? Bio oil or baby oil with aloe vera helps - massage in VERY gently twice a day. I used to get a tight feeling in my scar area and know I was due my bi-daily application of oil - I'd rub it in and feel more comfortable again.

What is your intriguing new exercise from the hospital?! (can't help being nosey!)

Don't lose heart.

Speedy

marion1952 · 31. Oct 2010, 19:29

Hi Dizzylizzy

I had my hip done beginning of May this year (ie 6 months ago now) and I found I had spells of improvement, followed by weeks of little or no improvement.. I thought I would never get rid of my one crutch and it was really causing problems for my hand/wrist, but, eventually I was able to ditch the crutch and move on to a walking stick and now I only use the stick when I'm particularly tired or doing a long walk.. So, hang on in there and by January I think you will find things a whole lot better..

(I'm still stiff after sitting though..)

Marion x

dizzylizzy · 1. Nov 2010, 09:22

Hi Speedy thanks so much for getting back 2 me and for the baby oil tip - I sent for a sample of bio oil - it came as a 2" x 1" sample - in an A4 envelope would you believe ?! The exercises - similar to the original ones - but -walking on the spot - and the 3 leg lifting ones ie out to the front, side and back but also doing them standing on op leg and doing with good leg 2 strengthen op leg (hope this makes sense) but --just resting my fingers on a chair or whatever and not to put any pressure on them- (found it better to rest them on a shelf under a large mirror)- but putting no pressure on them and keeping the op leg side of my body very upright - not as easy as it sounds as yet... and plenty of walking keep venturing a little further each day
Hi Marion thank you to 4 getting back 2 me I agree weather really plays me up yesterday I was so stiff I felt like I was right back at the beginning but today (Mon) is so mild I was much improved - found taking hot shower really helps too.. glad you both seem to be getting on ok thanks again Luv Dizzy x

post op hip operation

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