How long did you use your toilet riser after surgery?

[Wooster97]

Hi All,

I'm two weeks post-op (YAY!), and I'm definitely a turtle when it comes to my recovery.  I'm simply happy not to have hip pain anymore.  I'd like to get an idea of how long most people used their toilet risers following surgery.  I'm thinking of getting another one so I don't have to do the funny looking sprint through the house to get to "my bathroom".  Are the toilet risers generally used for months or just a few weeks?

Thanks!
Christina
RH, uncemented Biomet, Dr. Gross & Lee Webb
4/24/2013

[hernanu]

I have to say, Christina - I never used one. I was able to manhandle myself on and off fine, since I had some well positioned counters and walls nearby.

I didn't need much support after a few weeks, so for me, I'd say two or three weeks to feel like I had control in getting up?

You have to let your body tell you what it needs during your recovery, since there are so many differences here in body type, etc. 

Just remember who won that dumb race between the tortoise and the hare. 

[claudia]

Hi Christina,
Can't answer your question but will be anxiously following your progress as I am having rh resurfacing by Dr. gross Mid-June (if I can clear up my insurance issues) as well.  You will have to give me the inside scoop...  Good luck! If you have any pointers, let me know!

[MikeF]

Toilet riser??   There's a toilet riser?  Nobody said anything about this.  You get shucked open like a clam, bone sawed off and ground down, metal parts screwed into your bone.....I saw the Dr. Su video and started to wonder just how bad I wanted to play squash again.....
But a toilet riser?? How high are they? Will my feet touch the floor, or will I have to balance???

[trgcfrg]

I've been using mine for the last five weeks, am planning to stop once I get off my six week precautions at the end of the week. It's been comfortable enough, and it makes me less concerned that I'll accidentally bend more than 90 degrees (my surgery used posterior approach). I went back to work about 2.5 weeks after surgery and used the handicapped stall (which is 2-3 taller than regular toilets, plus there are handrails), and haven't had any issues with that either.

To Mike's concerns, the device is something like http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=toilet+riser&qpvt=toilet+riser&FORM=HURE#x0y634. You flip up or remove the regular toilet seat, and the riser rests on top of the toilet bowl. This results in a net height difference of 3-4 inches. I am 5' 11" tall and haven't had any issues with feet touching the floor, comfort, etc.

[mslendzion]

3 weeks

[kimberly52]

2weeks

[MikeF]

I was only goofing in my post,  but it did paint a picture when I read it.  I'm 5'6" so my feet may not touch the floor.

[fenceman]

My Dr. said I did not need to use one.  With a sink counter and a crutch I lowered myself down and extended the op leg.  Not very pretty but I was able to get the job done. 

[luann again]

I am short and was only 45 when I had my HR done so I never used one either. However, to help me lift down and up, I simply took a walker and put it over the toilet BACKWARDS. Worked great!! Good luck! Lu

[hernanu]

I am short and was only 45 when I had my HR done so I never used one either. However, to help me lift down and up, I simply took a walker and put it over the toilet BACKWARDS. Worked great!! Good luck! Lu

That is a great idea, Lu.

[Spanielsal]

i used mine for 6 weeks, had a similar thing to the backwards walker described above.  I am also 5'6" and so measured where my knee bends at, my toilet is about 16" and my knee bends at 19" so I bought the right size toilet raise from Amazon.  worth it, definitely

[MikeF]

I've been assuming that the idea for the riser is because of the incision...correct?

[Marco Polo]

It's to avoid breaking the 90 degree rule, assuming your doctor imposes those restrictions (not all do).

[Kiwi]

They also have handles on them which assist in the very early post op days with lowering and raising yourself off the throne.

[Wooster97]

Thanks for your responses.

Lu - I'm using the walker idea - it's awesome! Thank you!

Christina

[luann again]

Glad to help! It was cheap and worked great! Easy to borrow one, too!