What to expect after THR???

[Guest guest]

My 71 year old, overweight husband will have TRHR in January.

I am concerned about his ability to get around when he comes home,

managing pain meds himself, etc.

Will he be able to get into/out of chairs and bed or will I need to be

available to help him? Also onto/up from the toilet?

Will he need a walker with no wheels, or will one with wheels work?

We don't have grab bars in our shower...will he be okay in there...or

should he have one of those shower stools?

He drives out of town for work part of the time...when will he be safe

to start doing that again?

Plan to ask the dr's assistant, but would love some input from you guys.

Obviously, we have no idea what to expect, and any and all advice

appreciated.

Thanks!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

I am concerned about his ability to get around when he comes home, managing pain meds himself, etc >>> Well Sharon... some don't come home on ANY pain meds. While others have them for sometime afterward... it's all really in how much your husband can tolerate. Depends upon docs orders too...

Will he be able to get into/out of chairs and bed or will I need to be available to help him? >>> If he makes certain to have "the right TYPE" of chairs etc. No recliners.... is what I was told~ I always sit in kitchen chair as it was more firm and didnt' do the sink in deal. He'll not be able to sit ANYWHERE that his knees will be above his butt level. That's until his restrictions are lifted which again varies depending upon doctors orders. Mines life time~ I could do anything for myself... excluding get my bad leg back into bed. That took a couple of weeks with help. Other then that... I did great~ but too I was 33 and very active before surgery etc. Older I'm sure has it's own challenges... but he should be able to get around pretty good on his own. If you are truly having doubts about it... you might want to consider him being released into a rehab hospital until he gets a few wks recovering under his belt. Is as they say better safe then sorry! Just check with your insurance FIRST.

Will he need a walker with no wheels, or will one with wheels work? >>> I was told NO WHEELS. But then I had a time with using a walker PERIOD.... I protested... and had a doc that listened well... I was released on crutches.

We don't have grab bars in our shower...will he be okay in there...or should he have one of those shower stools? >>> Don't and I repeat DON'T... buy a STOOL~ he should see about getting a "shower transfer bench".... it's kinda like an extended version of the bath tub... but it has more stablity and he don't have to worry about breaking 90 when he's getting in & out~ more room for moving. Here's a really good store I use for supplies.... if you look under "hip replacement" it has kits available U can buy.... but then too... alot is given to you at the hospital depending upon your insurance. IF IT WERE ME... I'd wait... see what you get... and last day he's to be released... take about an hour to get what your missing. I'm sure though if you checked in your area for a medical supply store... they'd have similar items available... might even be at a better price~ but this one for me... is cheaper then what our area offers.

North Coast Medicalhttp://www.beabletodo.com/StoreFront.bok

He drives out of town for work part of the time...when will he be safe to start doing that again? >>> That's a doctors call. Depends upon your husbands recovery time. Some I've seen go back to full working status within 30 days no restrictions.... while others like myself will not be released to return and now draw disability. Even more cases fall in between on out comes.... ya just never know. That's something that only time will tell ya.

Obviously, we have no idea what to expect >>> My best advise to you is DON'T "EXPECT" anything. Look at it this way... your hubby has HOPEFULLY made a well thought through decision in the best interests of his health and quality of life needs. Say your prayers and what will be will be~ there is reason & purpose for all things. Fact is the majority of replacements have no complications and patients lead a better life afterward. But what one has to release... is regardless of how great or bad MY CASE is... or anyone elses.... NONE of OUR BODIES will be on your husbands operating table. His case will be his own... and although some things might be simliar... there will be multiple differences based on HIM, his doctors orders, and a million other little things along the way. We're merely a place of information, support, encouragement and helpful hints..... anyone that says "it'll BE THIS OR THAT" has NOT A CLUE about what their talking about! What they do know is facts about THEIR case they can offer as merely an example which MIGHT or might not be in your husbands case. But "EXPECT".... what the good Lord has in order.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I'm having RHR in January as well. I'm also overweight. My doctor today told me that they won't let me leave the hospital until I can get around someand be able to perform certain tasks; however, I'm thinking I will still need some help once I'm home.

I think an extra cushion on a chair will help him to lower himself down -- he won't have to go as far. He should also have a commode with a lift sit ( a thick seat) -- again, so he doesn't have to lower himself as far. The ones with arms will help him brace himself as he's sitting. That's the kind I plan on getting. I believe they can be placed next to the bed (with disposable bags attached) or used over an existing toilet as well. They slide on in around the toilet.

I'm not sure which walker is more preferred - one with or without rollers. I still have to find that out for myself.

I believe he should have a shower seat installed -- the kind where he can sit on the seat and then it slides into the tub, so he's not lifting his leg over the tub and doesn't have to stand in the shower.

I'm not sure about driving either. I think it's at least a month before he can drive, or maybe more -- and not for lenghty drives to start off.

I'm sure others on the list can answer your questions a bit better than I have. You and me -- we're learning at the same time. Do you know if the hospital offers a class for pre joint replacement surgery patients. If so, he'll learn a lot at the class. Mine does and it lasts 2.5 hours.

hugs,linDUHlouTRHR 1/22/2007

My 71 year old, overweight husband will have TRHR in January.I am concerned about his ability to get around when he comes home, managing pain meds himself, etc.Will he be able to get into/out of chairs and bed or will I need to be available to help him? Also onto/up from the toilet?Will he need a walker with no wheels, or will one with wheels work?We don't have grab bars in our shower...will he be okay in there...or should he have one of those shower stools?He drives out of town for work part of the time...when will he be safe to start doing that again?Plan to ask the dr's assistant, but would love some input from you guys.Obviously, we have no idea what to expect, and any and all advice appreciated.Thanks!Sharon