← Return to Hip Replacement Advice

Discussion

Hip Replacement Advice

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 30 1:28pm | Replies (10)

Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn

@ottadv Household preparations are are great idea
Here were some of mine:
ICE! Either an ice machine with a hip cuff which circulates the chilled water automatically (and lots of ice or a good icemaker) OR several (like 4) large refreezable flexible ice packs. Plan to use them a lot for at least 2 weeks they make a huge difference in your discomfort, ability to sleep and do your therapy.

A relatively firm mattress at a comfortable height that you can easily sit on when getting in and out of bed.

A lot of pillows of various sizes, both in bed and in the living or family room, for propping and supporting. Plan to keep your leg elevated when you are not up and using it for at least a few weeks. It keeps the swelling down.

Have decent sized tables next to the bed and your recliner or sofa for your water, glasses, phone, chargers, etc. It's a good idea to have multiple phone/tablet/laptop chargers where you usually sit/sleep so you don't have to twist and strain to plug/unplug/move them.

Easy meals for the first week or two - or better yet, someone to prepare your food. And easy, nutritious snacks that align with your diet - yogurt, protein drinks, fruit cups. LOTS of water to wash the anesthesia and waste products from surgery and healing out of your body.

Get rid of all throw-rugs and mats that might trip you. If you need a doormat, or one by the kitchen sink, use non-skid one with beveled edges.

Sturdy slip-on shoes or slippers (not slides, flip-flops or crocs) for indoors and out

A toilet riser and a shower/tub seat - try to borrow them, you only need for a short time.

Grab bars permanently installed in you shower/tub and near the toilet if you don't already have them. You can even get nice-looking ones to match the faucets and towel bars in your bath.

A "grabber" for reaching the stuff you drop. You won't be able to bend over and reach the floor for a while. A "sock putter-oner" if you usually wear socks. Along-handled shoe horn

A stool softener - pain meds and inactivity can cause problems even if you don't usually have them.

Someone to clean your house/do laundry for a few weeks - you won't have a lot of energy. And you would be surprised how much dust bunnies and such bug you when you have to sit and look at them, but can't do anything about it! Also, I left an absorbent (chamois-type) cloth kicked into the corner of my kitchen that I could maneuver with my foot, without bending over, to clean up my drips.

Something to entertain you - movies, books, puzzles...

This looks like a long list, but you will be happy to be prepared.

Jump to this post


Replies to "@ottadv Household preparations are are great idea Here were some of mine: ICE! Either an ice..."

Thank you! Great information! I am scheduled for a hip replacement 8/5 and have gotten similar info from a friend who had her replacement a couple of years ago. She and my orthopedic surgeon recommended a pt session prior to the surgery to determine where ‘weak’ areas were so I could begin exercises to strengthen them…especially the glutes.
Thank you again for sharing your experience and recommendations!!!