had my pre-op today

[smdmf]

im scheduled for a LBHR on nov. 17 which is in 6 days with dr. schmalzried. im excited and nervous at the same time. im worried that im forgetting things for when i return home. does anyone have advice for me? i know im going to need a raised toilet seat and maybe sweats, pillows,blankets etc. any ideas of things that helped all of you people? its all happening so fast.........thank you,

                                                        mike

[jgenese]

Today makes 3 weeks since my LBHR and feeling pretty good. I'm currently down to using a cane and started a recumbant exercise bike 2 days ago. Not sure what your home situation is like but my wife had to work and I was alone every day which was a piece of cake. I did get the assist kit (sock assist,grabber,and long shoe horn) which helps quite a bit. That I got from the occupational therapist before I left the hospital. You will need a walker if you know anyone who has one. You will need crutches. Insurance for me covered one or the other. I bought a suction cup handle for the shower at Walmart for 11 bucks. I didn't use a shower transfer seat. I have a tub/shower. I put the handle above the soap dish about head high and grabbed onto that as I stepped into the shower. Healthy leg first and then the gimpy one.
Getting out backwards using the gimpy one first then the healthy one. You really don't need too much just a lot of patience and faithfully do your home PT and oh yeah, pick up a good ice pack. Do that after every PT session. I did go out the weekend before my surgery and picked up a recumbant exercise bike which feels awesome right now. Hopefully you have a recliner which has been a lifesaver. I was sleeping in bed my second night home. Sorry to babble, just really exited to feel so much better. Good luck to you and remember to be patient and let your body heal.

[Pat Walter]

Mike

Good Luck with your upcoming surgery.  A recliner is a must for many people, others just put a lot of pillows under their legs while in bed.  You will figure it out.  If you have someone around, you won't need much.  It is diffiuclt to put TEDS on and tie shoes and socks.  If you don't have help, use slip ons.  The raised toliet seat does help, but they are sometimes very small for large men.  Usually you don't need a lot.  If you live alone, nice to have some frozen meals ready or have a friend stop in to give you a hand.  You won't need much help.  If you have swelling, ice your hip.  Don't get too carried away in the begining, listen to your body.  If you feel really good, remember that you have to return the same distance you walked out.  People feel good and take off and forget they have to walk back - unless you are walking around the block. 

Looking forward to your posts after surgery.

Pat

[smdmf]

thank you for the tips jgenese and pat. i wont worry about it. im sure i will survive, its just a major change from normal life. im looking forward to a new hip.....