Meanwhile, I had to start preparing my home for hip surgery (which is getting more and more common in younger and younger patients, it's not just for the elderly anymore). As I type this, I'm two weeks post-surgery and have been told all along how far ahead of the game I am. That's what this post will deal with. It may not apply to most of you now, but you never know. And it's not just hip surgery that these tips can help with.
Also, exciting news: I got a box of samples from Healthy Snack Boxes. I plan to provide mini-reviews here in addition to the required reviews on their site. So look for that.
It's not easy hearing you need surgery (unless it's a "good surgery", i.e. one that you want). Especially when you finally reach the point where they tell you that you can't put it off any longer. Make sure to have a good support team (therapist, yes. But also friends and family). It will be rough mentally. Research the procedure, and ask your surgeon a lot of questions. How many of this surgery have they done? How high complication rates have they had? What sort of complications? What risks are most common, and what should you watch for? What procedure do they use (for hip replacement, there is Anterior and Posterior)? What restrictions will you have post-surgery? They will probably give you information on the basics, read it! And ask any questions well before your surgery date.
In the weeks leading up to surgery, you will be busy. So many appointments, tests, and so on. Schedule a dental and eye exam for a month or so before surgery (call as soon as you know your surgery date, so you can be sure to get in). You'll be glad you did.
If having hip surgery and they offer the "hip kit", and your insurance pays for it, get it! If it's out-of-pocket only, try searching online. Here's one from Walmart. I made the mistake of saying no to the "hip kit" because a friend had a sock aide and I was told I could get a grabber from a medical charity (more in a moment). Needless to say, the sock aide (though appreciated) didn't work for ankle socks or compression socks. The grabber from the charity fell apart. And the extendable shoe horn I bought couldn't hold up to some tasks. I did without a "dressing stick" (part of the "hip kit", and I suggest having one), but spent way more piecemeal than a kit would've been. Also, make sure rugs are non-slip. Either tie shoes loosely or get slip-on shoes (use the grabber to hold the tongue and the shoe horn for putting on). Get a long-handled scrub brush to clean your bathtub/shower and so on. A dust pan with a handle so you don't have to bend is a blessing. I'm sure other surgeries would have their own kits/tools. RESEARCH what you need ahead, and get it!
Practice with the tools as much as possible. As soon as you get a cane and walker (if the surgery requires one) start using them. Make sure you are prepared not only for your home floors, but sidewalks and stairs. While you're at it, walk as much as you can (use the arms and hands a lot if it's hand/wrist, elbow or shoulder surgery). The stronger the muscles before surgery, the faster you'll heal.
If you need a tool that insurance won't cover and you can't afford, look into a medical charity. Here's a list of sites that might be able to help. Just double check it before you rely on it!
If your bedroom is on a different floor than the rest of your living space, try to get a small bed or cot if stairs will be an issue (like hip surgery). Again, medical charities sometimes have them. Plan ahead if you'll need to take stairs to the bathroom (you may end up wanting a "bedside commode" initially, if you're on a walker).
Stock up on household goods. Especially if you live alone. Think about all the things you would buy in a three month period (things like soap or toothpaste might last you longer than toilet paper or foil). Make sure you've got everything you need. And buy non-perishable goods ahead too. Focus on easy-cook options for a while. Things like canned soup, boxed pasta and jars of sauce, Ramen noodles (not healthy, but quick), snacks, etc. Buy or make-and-freeze meals, sides, and desserts so you can be ready. Freeze a loaf of bread! Just open it and quickly flip through the slices to separate, close it back up, wrap in foil with the date on it, and freeze for up to 6 months. You can thaw the whole loaf, or just put a couple slices in a sandwich bag on the counter. Or toast it to thaw. Have some Ensure or another such drink on hand in case you just can't handle food at first. BUY FIBRE POWDER! It doesn't matter if it's Metamucil or generic, just get it now. And a stool softener might be a good idea too, so when you finally do go (in my case, it was nearly a week), it doesn't hurt as much.
Place a hold on your mail if you live alone. If you live with someone, make sure they're willing and able to help you before you assume. If you're alone, find someone you trust to come check on you and help out. Look into Nursing Homes and Inpatient Medical Rehab facilities if the surgeon's office suggest you may need it. Contact them ahead of time with questions, and have a few in mind in case your first choice doesn't have beds.
If bending will be an issue, make sure all the supplies and food you've purchased, dishes you'll use, personal care items, etc are high enough up that you don't have to bend too far. It'll be annoying before surgery, but life will be so much easier after.
Check for tripping and slip hazards (even for hand surgery, since you can't just grab a surface to steady yourself).
If shaving your legs (or other body parts) is part of your routine, do it as close to surgery as you're allowed (usually one week). An electric leg razor is amazing if you already have trouble bending, and there's less worry that you'll cut yourself.
You'll want clothing that's easy to get into and out of. Regardless of your gender(s), avoid things like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, etc. Even sweats are out (elastic around the ankles). Go for shorts, Capris, PJ pants, and pants that have elastic or drawstring waist and legs that are loose. Elastic waist skirts that aren't too tight are an option. Dresses that can go on over the head, or that wrap around are good. With shirts, anything easy to get into is good (Tees, tanks, etc. If you're having hand/wrist surgery, skip buttons and snaps).
In regard to underwear: They typically suggest loose boxers. A good option for "ladies" underwear is high-cut bikini panties made of cotton. A tip I learned from experience: Whatever underwear you wear, put them on inside out. The seams won't rub.
Wash as much laundry ahead as possible, so you don't have to lift or bend much. And keep it in a place (and height) accessible to you after surgery.
Follow pre-surgery instructions (which usually involves stopping alcohol intake 10 days prior and certain meds 7-10 days prior, using a special soap, fasting, etc) exactly. Be very careful about even small cuts, scrapes, open wounds, or chafing...you don't want your surgery canceled. My advice: Wear a high-quality mask (like N95 or KN95) whenever around people or in frequently-traveled public spaces (such as shared stairwells) for the weeks leading up to surgery. If you even catch a cold, they may cancel you.
A couple tips from an Occupational Therapist for hip replacement patients: Step into the bath/shower sideways, facing the wall so you can brace yourself (a suction grab bar can help you steady yourself, just check it every time and don't put all your weight on it!). It's less stressful on the leg. And instead of buying a leg-lifter (unless it's part of your kit), just grab the belt from a robe. Hold the ends and loop the middle over your foot.
Listen to the Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, etc. But also listen to your body. If an exercise causes pain, STOP until you can get clarification on how to do it safely. Soreness is good, but pain is bad. If you need to rest during tasks, rest (even if it means putting a chair in the kitchen while you cook).
Regardless of the type of surgery, focus on eating plenty of protein after surgery. And get lots of Vitamin C, calcium and Vitamin D (link mentions fish and liver, but also plenty of Veg*n options), and water. Ask your surgeon about any other nutritional needs.
Okay, I'll shut up about surgery now. lol. I'll try to get another post on soon.
Until next time....