Helpful Devices After THR -- what should I buy? - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

omaggi · 06-13-2005, 09:29 AM

Hello, all -- I received so much good advice on my first post that I am trying another ... I'm scheduled for a total hip replacement in September. I will be in the hospital for 3-4 days, then sent straight home (as opposed to a rehab facility).

I live alone .. no spouse, no children, no relatives available, and friends who all have their own lives and responsibilities ... so I don't have anyone to run errands or shop for me. I want to buy ahead whatever aids and devices I'll need so they'll be here when I come home.

I already have an elevated toilet seat, and I'm looking for a bath seat for the shower. In reading posts on this board, I've seen mentions of a Leg Lifter, a Sock Holder (apparently a long-handled tool to hold your sock while you put your foot into it), Elastic Shoe Laces and so on.

Where do I find these things, and what else should I buy ahead? (Are there any good online companies that sell them, as I live in a small town with no big med/rehab supply stores?) Thanks for any and all advice!

silver515 · 06-13-2005, 05:31 PM

When you are in the hospital I am sure the occupational therapist can get them for you or tell you where to get them. I did get mine in the hospital...didn't even ask for them. I know alot of people go right home after the surgery , and that was my original plan, but at the last minute I changed my mind. I went to a rehab center and was so happy that I did. I had pt and ot everyday and they really helped me alot...I was there for l2 days and felt very confident when I went home. Good Luck!

Mich99 · 06-13-2005, 05:42 PM

Omaggi,

Are you taking a class at the hospital re: what to expect with a THR? These can be very helpful. The first thing they told me was to buy a kit (convenienlty sold at the the hospital store) that contained everything needed:

long-handled shoe horn
the thing to put your socks on (couldn't have survived without it)
a grabber to reach everying you drop (living alone you'll definitely need that to minimize frustration)
a shoe horn
and a long-handled sponge.

If the hospital store doesn't have one, a pharmacy near the hospital probably will. Usually there's a pharmacy that caters to the needs of the patients in the hospital.

Mich99

madison55 · 06-13-2005, 09:21 PM

Hi Omaggi,
I had THR last June on left hip and I'm going in to have the right THR on June 15. I came directly home after surgery too, but I had husband and teenage daughter to help me. I truly do not know how you will come straight home without ANY help. I would very much think about this. I recovered quickly and completely, but the first week especially, would have been very difficult without ANY help at all. I can't imagine doing it withoug anyone at all around the house to help me out a bit. I would strongly recommend rethinking about staying several days at the rehab facility. You will need to get your strength back before going it alone.

Anyway, since I had people in the house with me, I only really needed the walker, raised toilet seat, bath chair for the first 2-3 weeks, and grabber to pick up things. I didn't fool with any of the rest of the stuff. AS far as putting on socks, I didn't - it was summer and I did not need them.

Again, I encourage you to rethink a short stay at a rehab facility. Otherwise, I would recommend hiring someone qualified to help you at home for the first couple of weeks.
Good Luck,
Madison

MrsLinda · 06-15-2005, 04:15 AM

Hello omaggi,

If you are totally alone I would definately recommend a rehab facility after the surgery. I had family waiting for me and still went into rehab. The experience helped me tremendously learn how to do things for myself that we take forgranted, as well as how to take care of this new hip.

But back to the gadgets. I got mine in rehab. However there are many places that sell the "kits". Try the Arthritis Foundations website. I'll check to see if there's a link and send it to you. Also if you can't find somewhere locally, do a search on the itnernet under "hip replacement kits" and you'll come up with information. According to a magazine I got from the rehab hospital, the kit runs about $59.00. But usually you get the grabber, dressing stick, sock device, and the leg lifter, long handled shoe horn and some elastic laces.

But again...please consider rehab. Good Luck!!

Me again....I just checked the Arthritis Foundations webpage and they don't have any info on "gadgets". But...

I did a search on "hip replacement kits" and tons of sites came up. The prices vary, as do what's included. I didn't see the leg lifter included in the few I looked at. That may be a separate item. I kept that at my side constantly and it helped me get into our big suv also.

Bye again..............